A recent piece in the New York Times takes note of the rise of Christian faith from Gen Z—but delivers some odd analysis along the way. The author claims these religiously awakened are questioning liberal democracy and see their faith tied to a politics of “good vs. evil;” and that they lack the sunbelt optimism that marked Ronald Reagan.

This is all revisionist.

First, the young church goers influenced by Charlie Kirk have engaged in a huge campaign to register voters—that’s a belief and engagement in democracy, not a rejection of it. Second, Charlie Kirk lived and put his headquarters in the heart of the sunbelt, Arizona. And—on seeing the battle as a “good vs. evil” struggle—It’s hard to accept that anything worthy of calling itself a religion, be it Christianity or Judaism, would not see the challenges as “good vs. evil.”

By the way, didn’t sunny Ronald Reagan not famously speak of an evil empire?

But: At least the New York Times is paying attention. Something notable is happening.

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Canterbury Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in England. Over the centuries, pilgrims like those in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales have worn grooves into its stone steps from ascending them on their knees.

But last week, the Church of England decided to allow the cathedral’s interior to be covered in graffiti — supposedly to reflect the voices of “marginalized communities.”

It’s hard to see how defacing a sacred space benefits anyone. In fact, it seems pretty insulting to suggest that vandalism is the best way to honor minority communities.

What it signals, more than anything, is the Church’s moral confusion and its profound contempt for the western culture that built it.

If church leaders truly want to connect with modern Britain, here’s a better way: stop chasing ridiculous fads. Start preaching Biblical truth and talk about Jesus instead.

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The saying “If grief could be seen, the world would be covered in black” is often attributed to Francis Weller.

For two years, Israel has been wrapped in black. Even when many hostages were freed, the shadow remained.

Now, after the release of the final 20 living hostages and as a cease-fire hardens, rays of light are emerging from that tortured and tested land — songs of joy rising once aga in from that nation.

October 13 will stand as a testament courage and endurance of the captives, the fearlessness of soldiers, the resolve of diplomats, the iron will of families, the help of true allies and the triumph of good over evil.

President Donald Trump has led the breakthrough and now leads this next phase.

There’s no question: There’s still a lot of work still to be done.

But this is a moment for gratitude — for the freed hostages, for Israel’s endurance and for the hope that Gaza’s innocents may finally live in peace.

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“God Bless the Peacemaker,” read the Jerusalem Post as Donald Trump arrived in Jerusalem. Trump certainly earned that title, but now he wants to add another: Dealmaker.

Trump addressed the Knesset in celebration of the deal that brought the hostages home and promises an end to Hamas’ threat to Israel. Trump urged Israel and its neighbors to focus on the opportunities ahead.

“Now, it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield,” Trump declared, “into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.” Trump urged those nations who have opposed Israel to reach out and build commercial ties, even Iran, whose schemes for world domination collapsed in this war.

Trump’s speech hearkened back to George Washington, whose final presidential address urged the country to build its policy on “commercial relations” with “as little political connection as possible.”

The author of The Art of the Deal understands the hope those words can bring to the most troubled region of the world.

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Charlie Kirk’s journey shows that political engagement, far from distracting young people from faith, can actually prepare them for a deeper relationship with Christ and a deeper appreciation of the Gospel.

Generation Z—particularly young men—has grown up in what really ought to be seen as a cult—a political cult, the cult of woke—facing stultifying political conformity, “pronoun police,” attacks on so-called toxic masculinity and the like.

Kirk didn’t just help these young people escape the grip of a political cult; he pointed the way to a better alternative—Jesus Christ.

Churches have a unique opportunity to guide these young men. Charlie showed them it’s okay to disagree with the force-fed left-wing narratives.

The Church can help take them to the next step: That is: The greatest Story ever told.

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Charlie Kirk’s journey shows that political engagement, far from distracting young people from faith, can actually prepare them for a deeper relationship with Christ and a deeper appreciation of the Gospel.

Generation Z—particularly young men—has grown up in what really ought to be seen as a cult—a political cult, the cult of woke—facing stultifying political conformity, “pronoun police,” attacks on so-called toxic masculinity and the like.

Kirk didn’t just help these young people escape the grip of a political cult; he pointed the way to a better alternative—Jesus Christ.

Churches have a unique opportunity to guide these young men. Charlie showed them it’s okay to disagree with the force-fed left-wing narratives.

The Church can help take them to the next step: That is: The greatest Story ever told.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Donald Trump Gaza peace plan marks a major development toward solving the intractable—but, as Winston Churchill once said, “This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” There is a lot to worry about, yet.

First, the return of living hostages is a breakthrough, but unless Hamas is disarmed and removed from all power, the suffering of all will continue and more terrorism will come.

It is worth remembering why this peace plan came about in the first place, as it was all so unnecessary. It came because a de facto state, Gaza, which Israel turned over to the Arabs twenty years ago turned itself into a terrorist state that engaged in the most brutal attack the history of terrorism has ever known—including the killing of dozens of Americans. And to this day, Hamas still has more public support than alternative parties there—which bodes poorly for the future of all, including civilization.

May this be the beginning of their end.

I’m Seth Leibsohn

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America recently learned that Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for Virginia attorney general, sent texts wishing death on a political rival and his children.

Someone who fails such a basic test of personal decency is obviously unfit — morally and perhaps psychologically — to serve as any state’s top law enforcement officer.

But apparently it’s not obvious to everyone. Although Democrats, including Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger, condemned the remarks, not one called for Jones to withdraw from the race. Not one.

That’s as shocking as the remarks themselves. Democrats stand united in supporting a man who wished death on his opponent’s child.

Extremism won’t be stopped by appeals from the other side of the political divide. Democrats must be policed by Democrats. But to their shame, they simply refuse to do it.

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