E. Stephen Burnett

This Independence Day weekend, some people will feel strange about patriotism. For July 4, 2026, it’s the semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of former British colonists declaring they are a free and independent nation called the United States. Americans are observing the occasion with the usual grill-outs and fireworks, yet also with national festivals and even more attention to America’s history. But as someone asked me, “What, exactly, will I be celebrating this Independence Day?

For years, Christians have often spread many fun and often-folksy slogans about how to discern good and evil in our world. These memes often include phrases borrowed from Scripture, such as warnings against slander. But not every “common sense” or “folk wisdom” slogan is actually biblical wisdom. For example, many Christians roll their eyes when skeptics quote-toss two words from Matthew 7:1, “Judge not,” as if those words summarized all Jesus’s teaching.

Stephen R. Lawhead’s historical fantasy awakens our longing to explore strange old worlds teeming with rough heroes and distant magic, due for renewal by their true King. for all adults, men, women Centuries before the medieval age, the ancient nations of Atlantis thrived on solid foundations of deep lore and deeper magic. But new wars between kings threatens the nation.