Acts 17

Early-20th-century European and North American missionaries grew concerned about it—but never in their own churches.

Paul's approach in Athens is refreshing.

In Athens, the apostle bears witness—and doesn't try to be cool.

The Areopagus--the former location of the Athenian equivalent of the Roman senate--was a center of civic life. The name comes from "Ares," the Greek god of war, and "pagos," which means "hill" or "rock." The Roman equivalent of Ares is Mars, hence the translation sometimes used: the Mars Hill.

I've seen the Athenians' approach in southern California.

Paul refuses to let God become just another novelty.