The other day we learned that the Southern Poverty Law Center, which classifies defenders of religious liberty such as the Alliance Defending Freedom as “extremists” and hate groups, has nearly a half-billion dollars in its coffers. The Human Rights Campaign, which regards people who believe in traditional marriage as abhorrent bigots, took in revenue of $42 million last year. We could mention many more gargantuan organs of the Left, from the Ford Foundation to UC Berkeley.
Religious conservatives have no organizations to rival those of the Left in money and power—but we do have on our side the truth of our beliefs and the laws of nature and of nature’s God. We just need to articulate them forthrightly in the public square.
This is how we understand the value of First Things. We’re in a battle of ideas and norms, and we have faith that all the money in the world can’t extinguish a truth if sincere voices announce it well—as sober teaching, good news, or eloquent wit. At First Things, we strive to bring our readers and listeners and attendees intelligent thought, moral clarity, and good taste, all in the service of verities we discern through reason and revelation.
At many times, it has seemed that religious and social conservatism have suffered one defeat in America after another, that progressives are right to think history is with them. But we sense a change in the moral atmosphere, just in the last year or two. Many people, we believe, are ready to adjust their views and understand religious conservatism as the better way—if they hear it expressed effectively.
With the help of our readers, we can make that happen. The goal of our spring campaign is $500,000—a modest sum with which to combat the mega-millions of the SPLC and HRC. We can get there with your support. Please consider donating today.
Mark Bauerlein is senior editor of First Things.
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