he Greeks of old founded a society based on the strength of both body and mind. From this great civilization came such great minds as Aristotle and Socrates. Today, these men would find a home among the men and women who have dropped the “r” and become merely “Geeks.”

Much like the Christians in Antioch, the term “geek” was originally intended to mock and deride this group. Eventually, they accepted the term, grew into it and created a new social standing.

In Christian circles there is often a distinction made between “The Church” and “The World.” But The World is so much more than just a world — it's an Alternate Universe, a vast array of thought and humanity divided into little clumps. As we open The Portal today, we visit another one of these clumps: Geeks.

Geeks are no longer the social outcasts doomed to a life of obscurity and pure intellectual pursuits. They evolved into a legitimate social division; one that consumes high-tech gadgets, excels at intellectual challenges and often escapes into imaginative flights of fantasy.

Today, Geeks are everywhere. TV shows such as “Chuck” and “Big Bang Theory” cast Geeks in the starring roles; and IT professions, those in which Geeks are employed, are among the most highly paid. Geeky movies and shows such as “Spider-Man,” “Lord of the Rings,” and “Heroes” are among the highest grossing. And gadgets that every Geek finds essential such as iPhones, iPods and ... pretty much anything Apple puts out … have grown exponentially in popularity.

The key factor in witnessing to a Geek is realizing that he deals in the intellectual. He will not bow to anything he can't wrap his head around logically.

Before you confront a Geek about spiritual matters, it's hugely important to know exactly what you're talking about and exactly what your intellectual argument is. If you sound like a fool, a Geek will not listen to you. It's important to familiarize yourself with the work of such people as Richard Dawkins and Karl Marx. If you can listen to or read them, stay awake and still form a comprehensible argument against their atheism, then you're ready to confront a Geek.

Usually, however, confrontation is not the best way to witness to a Geek. If he thinks he's correct, then, in his mind, he will remain correct right through the argument. Living a life that he aspires to imitate, being kind to him and showing him Jesus' love will often break down that barrier and unlock that door. If you're not good with intellectual debate, find a friend who is and have him give you tips.

Either way, witnessing to a Geek can be a long process unless God is directly involved in touching his heart and changing his mind. The best gift you can give a Geek is a reason to believe in God.