A few months ago, my husband and I were on a walk through our Kansas City neighborhood when we ran across a woman and her mother grilling in their driveway.

They explained to us that they had been burning pieces of paper to manifest their desires.

A few weeks later, I went to get my hair cut, and my hairdresser revealed that her sister was a witch and sold crystals for a living. And as I was talking with Gen Z students for my latest Recorded podcast, a student at the University of Oregon told me a lot of girls were practicing witchcraft and using crystals, astrology, and tarot cards.

Despite easier access to scientific information than at any time in history, a surprising number of people today are turning to supernatural spiritual practices in attempts to explain or control their world.

“Perhaps the sons of Sceva have a lesson to teach us about how to engage our increasingly religiously pluralistic friends and families,” writes RUF campus pastor Cyril Chavis. He uses Acts 19 to help explain why spiritual pluralism is making a comeback and how Christians can be a witness to the truth.

His perspective is logical and helpful. The next time I head out for a walk or to get my hair cut, I’ll be a little better prepared to point spiritually hungry people to the real power of Jesus.