I am not paid to write for the First Things blog. I write for it because I believe its vision and its voice are of vital importance at this time. In the public square, both left and right have generally degenerated to the level of shouting angry soundbites and indulging in bitter recrimination. The convictions of professional politicians are too often a function of the tastes of the cultural marketplace. Civility is at a premium. Thoughtful arguments seem few and far between.
In these times, First Things has a unique role to play. It models intelligent discussion. It offers thoughtful engagement with matters of political and cultural moment. Above all, it understands and articulates the crucial importance of religious freedom as a component part of what it means to be a free society.
All of these things are currently at a discount and yet, despite the need for forthright engagement with the changes that are being pushed on to society with ruthless efficiency, it seems that too few even among conservatives are willing to speak up. This is why First Things is so important: Here is an organization which is not afraid to voice unpopular but important opinions at a time when so many prefer to keep silent and merely hope for the best.
Please consider donating to First Things and taking out a subscription. I myself have two subscriptions—one for myself and one for my youngest son, a university student, who needs thoughtful and measured answers to the issues being pushed on campuses across the country. He would concur with my opinion that the magazine is an oasis of civility and sanity in a sea of angry, relativist chaos. Your support will do far more good than you are able to imagine.
Carl R. Trueman is Paul Woolley Professor of Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary. His previous posts can be found here.
