by Brian C. Joondeph, All News Pipeline: Election 2024 is weeks away. Donald Trump still holds a 2-point lead nationally over Kamala Harris according to the latest Rasmussen Reports polling. J.D. Vance wiped the debate floor with Tim Walz, despite election interference by Vance’s pant-suited debate opponents from CBS News. Trump tormentor Jack Smith offered up a […]

  What once began as a celebration of citizenship through “I Am an American Day” has become a broader observance that emphasizes the enduring significance of the Constitution as the foundation of American democracy. Today, Constitution Day serves as a reminder of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and an opportunity to reflect on the Constitution and its ongoing relevance in shaping the country’s future.   Origins and Early Observance Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States by Howard Chandler Christy, 1940. Source: United States Capitol   While the new United States celebrated the signing of the Constitution with parades, public readings (to account for the illiteracy of the time), and celebrations, there was no movement for national remembrance or observations in the following decades. This sentiment shifted following the American Civil War in the late 19th century when the nation underwent rapid industrialization, urbanization, and a massive influx of European immigrants. Sudden questions about American identity among prominent civic organizations and educators led to reevaluating the United States Constitution’s role in American citizenship and the country’s future.   The earliest efforts to celebrate the Constitution came on the 100th anniversary of its signing in 1877 when a group of schoolchildren in New York City organized a modest yet first-of-its-kind celebration. The event consisted of recitations, essays, and discussions about the nation’s founding document. Once local newspapers ran the story, many other schools copied the idea in the following years.   As the idea of a Constitution Day gained traction within schools across the nation, patriotic groups such as the Sons and, later, the Daughters of the American Revolution began promoting the idea of a national day of remembrance. Its members took Constitution Day beyond the confines of the schools and into the broader public consciousness by distributing educational materials on the US Constitution and lobbying for official recognition.   The most notable supporter was none other than the influential newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst. By the early 1900s, the newspaperman was using his media outreach to advocate for the establishment of Constitution Day. He argued that it was essential for all Americans to have a deeper understanding of the Constitution so they could recognize and protect their freedoms and rights. Yet, despite these efforts, those on Capitol Hill did not budge.   Citizenship Day Evolves Naturalized citizens attending an “I Am an American” day rally at the Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, New York, May 1943. Source: Library of Congress   By the 1930s and 1940s, the world was emerging from the greatest economic depression it had ever seen and heading toward an even more troubling global war. To challenge the perceived faltering national unity where recent immigrants took sides with the belligerents of faraway conflicts, the US Congress passed a resolution designating the third Sunday in May as the official “I am an American Day.”   The premise was to honor citizens, born or naturalized, by celebrating Americans’ diverse backgrounds and promoting a sense of national pride. The day to promote the importance of citizenship was seen as patriotic at a time of global conflict, and many cities and towns across the country held public ceremonies, parades, and speeches.   While many saw “I Am an American Day” as a step in the right direction, the end of the Second World War and America’s new role as a superpower and beacon of democracy around the world, the national sentiment once more shifted toward making the observance more about highlighting the rights and responsibilities all citizens have according to the US Constitution.   In 1952, Congress moved the holiday from May to September 17 and rebranded it as “Citizenship Day.” The date, which marks the anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution, was selected to appease those who called for a stronger connection to the founding document. Where the wartime “I Am an American Day” celebrated citizenship and unity among the American people, the new “Citizenship Day” was designed to stress the responsibilities and rights of the said citizenship.   Falling at a time when students return to school from summer break also allowed schools to dedicate the day toward learning opportunities emphasizing the Constitution, the principles of American democracy, and civil rights.   Constitution Day A copy of the United States Constitution, signed on September 17, 1787. Source: National Archives   However, while the broader focus on the evolving nature of citizenship, the responsibilities that come with it, and the constitutional rights that the Constitution protects made the holiday relevant to contemporary issues, some educators yearned for more.   Spurred on by calls from civic leaders and teachers’ unions nationwide to further link the celebration to the Constitution, in 2004, Democratic Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia took up the cause. A staunch advocate for constitutional education and a day explicitly dedicated to the Constitution itself, the senator introduced an amendment to an omnibus spending bill that would designate the September 17 holiday as “Constitution Day.” Motivated by a belief that Americans required a deeper understanding of the founding document and its role in their lives, Byrd added a provision to his amendment requiring all educational institutions receiving federal aid to hold educational programs catered to the study of the Constitution on its newly designated holiday.   Congress passed the amendment officially renaming “Citizenship Day” to “Constitutional Day and Citizenship Day” in 2004. While it is not a federal holiday in the same sense as Presidents’ Day or Labor Day, the amendment’s stipulation and financial component guarantee school participation across the academic landscape, ensuring its observance with various educational activities and events across the country’s schools, universities, and government institutions.

  If you’re a history buff looking for the ideal place to retire, these U.S. destinations should top your list. From bustling cities rich in Revolutionary War sites to quaint coastal communities steeped in colonial charm, each location offers a blend of rich history and a lifestyle perfect for retirees. Imagine spending your days exploring centuries-old architecture, visiting renowned museums, and joining vibrant communities that celebrate their unique pasts. Below, you will find ten of the best retirement spots for history lovers, where you can live surrounded by culture, heritage, and the stories that shaped America.   1. Williamsburg, Virginia Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia. Source: Wikimedia Commons   This city places residents in the heart of the colonial past of America. So, no wonder it’s a premier destination for history enthusiasts. It is home to Colonial Williamsburg, which is the largest living history museum in the United States. You’ll be able to walk the same streets as 18th-century figures, explore restored buildings, and experience daily reenactments that depict early American life. Jamestown, the site of the first permanent English settlement, and Yorktown, where the decisive battle of the American Revolution took place, are both a short drive away. This “Historic Triangle” provides retirees with immersive historical experiences year-round.   Retirees can also enjoy some college-level courses in arts, history, and other fields at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at William & Mary. The area also features several highly-rated golf courses and parks, and it is near waterways like the James River.   This is not to forget about the mild climate of Williamsburg, which makes it ideal to enjoy seasonal events like Historic Garden Week and several outdoor activities every season.   2. Charleston, South Carolina East Battery Street in Charleston, South Carolina. Source: Wikimedia Commons   This city has deep-rooted connections to pivotal moments in American history, which makes it an ideal retirement destination for history enthusiasts. Since it was established in 1670, Charleston played a significant role in the American Revolution as well as the Civil War. When visiting the historic downtown district of the city, you will see hundreds of meticulously preserved buildings, cobblestone streets, and grand antebellum homes, many of which are now museums, boutiques, and restaurants.   Some of the most notable historical landmarks in the city include Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. This one is definitely a must-see and is accessible by ferry. Other places you need to visit when moving to Charleston include the Battery, a defensive seawall, and a promenade lined with cannons. The Battery offers views of Charleston Harbor. You will also enjoy seeing Rainbow Row, a series of brightly colored Georgian-style homes dating back to the 18th century.   As a retiree, you’ll also enjoy Charleston’s lively culinary scene, where local restaurants serve traditional Lowcountry dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fresh oysters.   3. St. Augustine, Florida Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, Florida. Source: Flickr   This is the oldest continuously occupied European-established city in the United States. It was founded in 1565 and houses well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, numerous museums, and historic sites. St. Augustine’s key historical attractions include the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S.   Retirees in the city will also enjoy seeing Fort Matanzas, a relic of the Spanish colonial era that offers historical reenactments. The historic district, with its cobblestone streets and 18th-century buildings, feels like a step back in time. Sites like the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse and the Old Jail showcase daily life during the colonial period. You also have landmarks like the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. The latter highlights the religious history of the city.   St. Augustine also offers a vibrant cultural scene, with art galleries, theaters, and outdoor events. Its coastal location near the Atlantic Ocean and proximity to natural attractions make it ideal for retirees who are passionate about history, culture, as well as outdoor activities.   4. Savannah, Georgia Mercer Williams House Museum in Savannah, Georgia. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Founded in 1733, Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia. It’s home to one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the country, which makes it a living museum of American history. The Historic District of Savannah is filled with cobblestone streets, Spanish moss-draped oak trees, and centuries-old squares housing various historic homes, museums, and churches. Retirees wishing to learn about the city’s past will enjoy visiting the Mercer-Williams House, Andrew Low House, and Owens–Thomas House.   For those who love leisurely walking tours, Savannah’s unique layout, designed around 22 park-like squares, makes it ideal for such activities. These tours allow retirees to explore iconic landmarks like Forsyth Park, Chippewa Square, and the picturesque Bonaventure Cemetery.   If you love combining history with natural beauty, the Georgian city’s proximity to Tybee Island and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge offers plenty of outdoor activities with a historical backdrop.   Savannah also has a relatively low cost of living and tax-friendly status for retirees, which makes it a practical choice for retirement. For instance, Georgia has tax exemptions for Social Security and other retirement income.   5. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Stoneham’s Armory & Gifts and other buildings in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Source: Flickr   Gettysburg has deep ties to the Civil War and is home to a wealth of preserved historical landmarks. The town is known for the pivotal 1863 Battle of Gettysburg and is surrounded by the Gettysburg National Military Park. The latter is a massive expanse of historic battlegrounds, monuments, and memorials that history lovers can explore by bicycle, car, or even horseback.   For retirees interested in Civil War artifacts, they can visit the Gettysburg Museum of History. The Shriver House Museum provides a glimpse into civilian life in Gettysburg during wartime. As for the Eisenhower National Historic Site, the home and farm of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, it’s just located a short drive away from town.   With a lower-than-average cost of living and a mix of colonial homes, farmhouses, and cottages, Gettysburg is both an affordable and scenic place to retire. Also, the town is close to the Appalachian Trail which makes it a perfect destination for hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation opportunities.   6. Boston, Massachusetts Paul Revere House located on the Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Boston offers a rich blend of Revolutionary War landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and cultural institutions. After all, the famous city played a crucial role in the American Revolution and features iconic sites such as the Boston Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile route that takes visitors through 16 historic locations, including the Paul Revere House, Old State House, Boston Massacre site, and the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat.   You can see federal-style row houses and narrow, gas-lit streets at Beacon Hill, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Boston. Nearby is located the 1634-established Boston Common as well as the Boston Public Garden, America’s first botanical garden.   Retirees passionate about culture can also explore the Boston Athenæum, one of the oldest independent libraries in the country. Another iconic site is the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, which offers you a glimpse into 20th-century political history.   For those who enjoy both natural beauty and history, the Boston Harbor Islands are home to historic fortifications and relics from the Civil War era, accessible via a short ferry ride from downtown.   This vibrant mix of historical significance, cultural attractions, and educational opportunities, combined with Boston’s status as a hub for healthcare and lifelong learning, makes this iconic city a compelling option for history-loving retirees.   7. Annapolis, Maryland William Paca House & Garden in Annapolis, Maryland. Source: Flickr   The rich colonial past, maritime heritage, and well-preserved historic architecture of Annapolis make it an excellent retirement destination for history lovers. This is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It was founded in 1649. It has more original 18th-century buildings than any other city in America.   Key historical sites to see in Annapolis include the William Paca House & Garden, which is a restored home of the signer of the Declaration of Independence, as well as the Maryland State House, which served as the nation’s capital from 1783 to 1784. The latter remains the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use.   Maryland’s official museum of African American heritage, The Banneker-Douglass Museum, as well as the Annapolis Maritime Museum, housed in the last oyster-packing plant in the city, offer unique insights into the region’s diverse cultural history.   Those who appreciate hands-on history can visit Historic London Town and Gardens, which provides a living history experience with a reconstructed colonial village and interactive exhibits showcasing daily life in the early Chesapeake Bay area. As for the U.S. Naval Academy Museum, it offers a comprehensive look at naval history and the role of the Academy in shaping the Navy’s leadership.   If you’re looking for a historic place to retire that also offers both cultural and intellectual engagement, then Annapolis should be an option to consider.   8. Santa Fe, New Mexico The Chapel of San Miguel, Santa Fe, New Mexico, the oldest church in the U.S. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Santa Fe is known for its rich multicultural heritage and historical significance as the oldest state capital in the United States. It was founded in 1610. The city is a unique blend of cultural traditions and architectural styles thanks to being a hub for Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American history.   Retirees can immerse themselves in the past by exploring iconic landmarks in Santa Fe like the Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building in continuous use in the U.S., and the San Miguel Chapel, the oldest church in the country. There’s also the Loretto Chapel, famous for its miraculous staircase, showcasing Santa Fe’s role in the early American Southwest.   Cultural enthusiasts can also visit the iconic museums of Santa Fe, such as the New Mexico History Museum, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture.   With a mild climate, low property taxes, and a vibrant cultural scene, Santa Fe is a great retirement hotspot for those looking for a high quality of life while seeking a historically rich environment paired with extensive outdoor and recreational opportunities.   9. New Orleans, Louisiana Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. Source: Wikimedia Commons   A unique blend of French, Spanish, and American influences has shaped New Orleans over more than 300 years. The city is known for its dramatic past and rich cultural heritage. The oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, the French Quarter, features iconic landmarks like Jackson Square, where the Louisiana Purchase was celebrated in 1803. The neighborhood is also home to the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously active cathedral in the United States. The latter was originally built in 1720.   Retirees will enjoy strolling down Bourbon Street, with its historic bars and vibrant atmosphere. They can also visit Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city, believed to have been built in the early 1700s.   You can dive deeper into history by checking out the National WWII Museum, which offers an immersive experience focusing on the American experience during the Second World War. As for the Cabildo Museum in Jackson Square, once the seat of the Spanish colonial government, it hosts artifacts from the Louisiana Purchase and other significant events.   New Orleans is also known for its unique culinary history. Retirees can visit Cafe Du Monde, famous for its beignets and chicory coffee since 1862, or enjoy traditional Creole dishes at Antoine’s Restaurant, the oldest family-run restaurant in the U.S. established in 1840.   The city’s numerous historical sites, combined with a rich culinary scene and a lively community, make it a compelling choice for history enthusiasts looking for an engaging and culturally rich place to retire.   10. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Eldreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Source: Flickr   This city played a pivotal role in the founding of the United States. It also has a rich collection of historical sites and museums. As the birthplace of American democracy, Philadelphia offers retirees an immersive journey through the nation’s past, with attractions like the Independence Hall. This is where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were both signed. The Liberty Bell, a symbol of American freedom, is also located in Philadelphia.   The oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States, Elfreth’s Alley, can also be found in Philadelphia. It showcases homes that date back to the early 1700s. Also, the Betsy Ross House is located in the city, where legend has it the first American flag was sewn.   Retirees looking for more unconventional experiences in Philadelphia can visit the Mütter Museum, where they can see medical history and a unique collection of anatomical specimens and curiosities from the 19th century.   The Eastern State Penitentiary, once home to notorious criminals like Al Capone, provides visitors with a glimpse into early prison reform through its hauntingly preserved cell blocks.   Philadelphia is also home to The National Constitution Center, which is the world’s only museum dedicated solely to the U.S. Constitution. As for the Mother Bethel AME Church, the oldest black-owned property in the country, it highlights the city’s significance in the fight for freedom and equality.   History-loving retirees will definitely appreciate Philadelphia as a destination to settle down in, given its combination of iconic American landmarks, diverse historical museums, and cultural depths.

  Life on the Western frontier often meant harsh living conditions. The Old West consisted of a rugged environment with extreme weather. Those people who survived hardened quickly in response. These conditions required hard work, a pioneering spirit to thrive, and self-reliance due to vast distances. Women like Annie Oakley and the like often defied social expectations, breaking the expected traditional mode.   Who Was the Legendary Sharpshooter Annie Oakley? Annie Oakley. Source: Wikipedia   Born Phoebe Ann Mosey in 1860, she would change her name to Annie Oakley upon joining Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show in 1885. Raised a large family with little money, Annie worked from an early age. To help out, she hunted to feed the family. Annie became such a crack shot that she killed enough lifestock to sell to restaurants, and she even paid the family’s mortgage. Her professional career started at age fifteen upon winning a shooting match against an experienced marksman named Frank Butler. Annie hit the mark twenty-five times for the same number of attempts.   When Did Annie Oakley Become Famous? Annie Oakley. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Annie Oakley’s fame grew performing matches around the country after marrying the same Frank Butler in 1876. They performed together, but Annie became more popular. Her fame grew exponentially after joining the world-famous Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show in 1885.    Annie stayed with the Wild West Show until 1901, touring America and Europe as headlining. Part of her act included shooting a cigar from her husband’s mouth. Even after leaving the Wild West Show, Annie’s fame never faded due to her skill, quietness, and professionalism.    How Did Calamity Jane Become Famous? Calamity Jane. Source: Library of Congress   Calamity Jane, really named Martha Jane Cannary, earned her fame through her shooting skills, half-truths, wild exploits, and dime novel tales. Like Annie Oakley, Jane learned to shoot early in life -not uncommon in the Old West. She tended to hang out with men, drink heavily, and frequently wore men’s clothing. By the late 1860s, further west in Montana and Wyoming, working various jobs. She ended up in the infamous boomtown of Deadwood, South Dakota’s Black Hills, by 1875.   Deadwood City 1877. Source:  City of Deadwood   Here, Calamity Jane’s fame took off. By now, she’d claimed to have met Wild Bill Cody, worked as an Indian fighter, or carried messages great distances for the U.S. Army. In 1895, Buffalo Bill hired Jane for his Western shows. The marketing pamphlets further exaggerated her stories, such as saving a stagecoach from an Indian attack outside of Deadwood. Many stories proved untrue but fed into America’s fascination with the disappearing Old West.   How Did Calamity Jane Get Her Nickname? Calamity Jane. Source: Real Clear Books   Calamity Jane’s nickname, whether earned or part of the colorful stories about her, came from her or other questionable sources. Many are thought to be embellished or worse. The most famous tale resulted from Jane saving a wounded Army captain fighting Native Americans. He said fighting her would be a calamity.   Additional sources claim Jane warned men that angering her would bring great calamity upon them. Preferring to hang out with men, she uttered the warning to build her feisty reputation. Lastly, during an 1874 expedition to fight local tribes, her fellow soldiers said it’d be a calamity if the Native Americans captured or killed her. After her 1903 death, the Army captain’s family came forward, stating that he had never met, served, or even knew Calamity Jane. Despite this, the story persisted.   Who Was Bandit Queen Belle Starr? Belle Starr 1886. Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette   Though not nearly as famous as other Western women, Belle Starr was more notorious. Starting life as Myra Maybelle Shirley in Carthage, Missouri, in 1848 learned to ride and shoot. From the start, she kept notorious friends, such as Cole Younger of the Cole-Younger Gang fame. Upon moving to Oklahoma in the late 1870s, Starr took up horse theft, cattle rustling, and whiskey smuggling.    By 1880, she married a Cherokee man named Samuel Starr. Starr became a bootlegger front and more. She earned her “Bandit Queen” moniker by reputation and dealing with many Old West outlaws, newspapers, and dime novels. Her repute grew after a nine-month jail sentence in 1883. With her husband’s shooting death in 1886, she took up with his brother and swore off crime. In 1889, unknown killers ambushed Belle Starr at night, shooting her dead. She was returning from town to her ranch. Despite many suspects, her case remained unsolved.

2013 was a banner year for Metallica – a brand new record label, their first gigs in China and the ambitious but divisive 3D movie Through The Never

Psychologists have coined a phrase for their excessive concern about the end of the world or life as we know it: doomsday anxiety. The symptoms of this very real condition include chronic nightmares, a constant sense of fear, and obsessive “doom scrolling” through online media. That’s not the reaction Jesus wants from His followers.

Recent data suggests a significant rise in “spiritual but not religious” Americans. In 2018, Ross Douthat wrote about the rise of modern paganism. He noted some forms of modern paganism “offer ritual and observance, augury and prayer,”and other practices that “promise health and well-being and good fortune.” One such form is “explicit Neo-paganism, Wiccan and otherwise.” Bianca Bosker similarly wrote for The Atlantic in 2020 about the rise in witchcraft, and some have even heralded Wicca as the fastest-growing religion in the United States. This shift has been chronicled in a recent book and podcast by Justin Brierley. But perhaps its most significant documentation came in Tara Isabella Burton’s 2020 book Strange Rites. Burton describes the growth of the “spiritual-but-not-religious,” for which she uses such descriptors as “remixed religion” and “intuitional religion.” She includes an entire chapter devoted to the rise of witchcraft and neopaganism. My conversations with others about the gospel corroborate this trend. They’ve led me to wonder, Where have all the atheists gone? These broader cultural changes suggest we need a new approach to apologetics. We’re no longer trying to argue with ardent atheists but to compel impressionable spiritualists. Spiritual but Not Religious Let me introduce you to three friends of mine who illustrate this. They’re people with whom I’m actively sharing the gospel. None of them is a Christian (yet). But I’ve had fruitful and interesting spiritual conversations with each. 1. Josh Josh (names are changed throughout) used to be our neighbor, but he’s remained a friend. He has no particular religious background—though one of his parents is nominally Catholic. He’s in his early 30s and lives with his girlfriend of several years. They’ve talked about marriage but just haven’t gotten around to it. He works a stable job, has a vast array of interests, and can tell you everything you want to know about topics as diverse as philosophy, kinesiology, and the stock market. We’re no longer trying to argue with ardent atheists but to compel impressionable spiritualists. For a time in his 20s, Josh was a hardened atheist. His heroes included Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins, among other new atheists. But eventually, the apparent meaninglessness of his materialistic atheism became evident to him, and that approach to life grew thin. He became skeptical of scientific claims about the world and even shared with me that the Genesis story is one of his favorites in the Bible: “The whole thing with the snake, it just makes sense! I mean, who’s to say evolution is real anyway?” At some point in the last few years, Josh began to believe in God. More recently—as a result of a turbulent international flight—he even began to believe it’s important to have a relationship with God, which he’s pursued through prayer and meditation. But as of yet, he doesn’t believe it’s necessary to submit to a particular religious tradition. It’s enough, Josh believes, to swim in the pool without picking a lane. 2. Sarah Sarah is a server at my favorite local coffee shop. She grew up in the Midwest and moved to Nashville to pursue music. She, too, is in her early 30s and in a long-term relationship. Sarah is also into astrology—big time. She’s so into it she reposted stories on her Instagram claiming astrology could’ve predicted the assassination attempt of Donald Trump. Sarah is kind, gracious, and hospitable. She’s noncombative about her spiritual beliefs. She’s even expressed interest in coming to our church sometime. Yet she’s devout in her commitment to her spiritual worldview. 3. Tyler Tyler—again, early 30s—moved to Nashville from Portland a few years ago to help open a bar in town. He, like Josh, was a cynical atheist, disbelieving anything beyond the natural realm. During the pandemic, however, his life and his worldview totally changed. He stopped drinking and started reading and painting. He began to pursue a career as a visual artist and later opened a successful tattoo shop. He also made friends with a modern-day shaman who introduced him to spiritual realities mediated by psychedelics. This started a spiritual journey that led Tyler into the pews of our small church—where he’s been most Sundays for the past eight or nine months. When asked what he appreciated about our church, he said (not in these exact words) the expository preaching; the simple, nonperformative music; and the rich, hospitable community. But Tyler still isn’t a Christian. When pressed with direct questions, he admits he doesn’t think it matters whether the whole thing is “real” or not. “The Jesus story,” he once told me and a group of friends, “if it really happened—amazing. If it didn’t really happen—still amazing. Doesn’t affect me at all.” What do all these three have in common? None of them is a Christian, yet each has a worldview shaped significantly by the supernatural, the spiritual. They’re all “spiritual but not religious.” Challenge for Evangelism The growth of this new (or new again) religious category presents a challenge for Christians called to share our faith and make disciples. Many of us were trained in evangelism and apologetics focused on atheism. We were given tools designed to engage with secular, naturalistic, scientifically minded atheists. But the backdrop against which many of us now share the faith is no longer a cold, dead atheism; it’s a teeming, magical supernaturalism. This calls for different questions, different approaches, and different arguments. The backdrop against which many of us now share the faith is no longer a cold, dead atheism; it’s a teeming, magical supernaturalism. Much work will need to be done to fit new tools for this new task—work that lies beyond the scope of this article. But I wonder, even as we develop those new tools, if our primary work isn’t to recommit to the oldest tools we have. We mustn’t forget that the greatest resources we have for evangelism and apologetics are those we’ve always had: prayer, the Word, and the local church. There’s nothing so powerful in turning the heart of a lost person to Jesus as prayer. There’s no word so capable of piercing a sinner’s heart as God’s Word. And there’s no plausibility structure more compelling than the living and loving church. These three tools, themselves deeply supernatural, should give us every confidence as we explore the new frontier of evangelism and apologetics in our spiritualistic age.

No one could catch Ashton Jeanty on a warm, early autumn night in Idaho.  The Boise State running back streaked across the homefield blue turf for his second touchdown of the night, a 75-yard scamper…