Notes from the Editor’s Desk

On the first Monday of October, Gilbert Meilaender delivered our annual Erasmus Lecture. Speaking to a large audience at the Union League Club in New York on “A Complete Life,” he offered profound reflections on what makes for a full or finished life, a question especially significant with the prospect of our own deaths in view. It was not just learned but wise. We plan to publish the lecture in the next (January 2012) issue.

As is our custom, a group of a dozen scholars—Jewish, Protestant, Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox—gathered on the following day to discuss the lecture, and interrogate the lecturer. The fundamental nature of the topics raised, the breadth of traditions represented, and the fruitfulness of the give-and-take reminded me of the unique contribution First Things makes: bringing together intelligent men and women of faith from many different backgrounds who are trying to articulate deep truths for our age.

I am pleased to announce that the philosopher (and long-time friend of the magazine) Jean Bethke Elshtain will deliver the 2012 Erasmus Lecture on Monday, October 8, again at the Union League Club. As always, the lecture will be free and open to the public. Save the date. I look forward to seeing you there.

About the time you receive this issue, you will also be receiving a letter from me asking for your financial support. We’ve had an interesting year, and a good one. We’re committed to producing a unique magazine that engages the contemporary moral, cultural, and religious challenges we face, and doing so in light of what is timeless and eternal.

It’s a successful enterprise (over 27,000 subscribers as I write), but not a money-making one. No serious magazine is. As a non-profit we’ve always depended upon your generosity—and you’ve always come through. I hope you’ll give again.