I recently asked three good friends why they read First Things:
First Things raises readers above the daily considerations and struggles. It is the only place that connects to what’s of primary importance—relation with God. I come away edified, more intelligent, and reflecting upon the things that are worth reflecting on. It’s the only magazine I read cover to cover and recommend to others.
Catholic, Jewish, Protestant, and Muslim contributors share in the enterprise. First Things brings a humanism that doesn’t dilute but takes convictions seriously. It is generous toward difference and yet enriches everybody. In our moment we are looking for guidance, how to think about politics and culture. Everyone is looking for vision. This is what makes First Things special.
First Things is rooted in something older. It has a higher allegiance, and so it has some critical distance, which helps it best serve America.
One of these friends is a speechwriter in D.C., one is a graduate student at a top university, and one is working in the nonprofit world to encourage greater accountability in the Church. First Things reaches thousands like them—readers who are inspired by the thoughts in our pages and eager to bring those thoughts to their various roles in the public square. They edify their families, educate their colleagues, and point our country and religious institutions in a better direction.
I speak regularly with many First Things readers and donors. As director of development, it is my job to ask them to support this important enterprise. Many are eager to help because their lives have been enriched by First Things. Furthermore, they see themselves as part of a community tightly united by shared convictions. First Things plays an indispensable role in strengthening that community with its clear voice of truth, cultural analysis, and moral leadership.
We are in the middle of our spring campaign to raise $500,000 by early July. If First Things has aided your thinking or encouraged you to engage more bravely in the public square, please make a gift today.
Thank you for your support.
Eduardo Andino is director of development for the Institute on Religion and Public Life.
You have a decision to make: double or nothing.
For this week only, a generous supporter has offered to fully match all new and increased donations to First Things up to $60,000.
In other words, your gift of $50 unlocks $100 for First Things, your gift of $100 unlocks $200, and so on, up to a total of $120,000. But if you don’t give, nothing.
So what will it be, dear reader: double, or nothing?
Make your year-end gift go twice as far for First Things by giving now.
