Friends, there will always be costs to standing firm in the truth. I have described FIRST THINGS as bearing the standard for religious orthodoxy because there is a very real battle raging for the heart and soul of our nation and the faith.

Give now to furnish religious believers with both a sword and a shield for the battle.

To make your gift, visit firstthings.com/FallAppeal or use the secure button below.

You and I know the playbook. Faith can be practiced, views can be voiced . . . but only in private. Religious belief is a personal choice that cannot make demands on others or shape public life.

You’ll notice that the post in question remains on our account, but its “View” count is substantially lower than for other posts and the X ad platform will not let us promote it.

This is the playbook in action. You can say most things, but the censors will make sure that statements deemed “dangerous”—e.g., those who take issue with abortion being called “healthcare” —aren’t widely seen.

You and I need to fight back. Let’s defend the freedom of religious believers to voice the truth in the public square together.
 

At the same time, you and I need more than free speech alone. Your support for FIRST THINGS will also equip religious believers to articulate truth effectively in the public square—and to do so with joy and conviction even in the face of ridicule and hostility.

This is why we launched the 2023 FIRST THINGS Fall Appeal, which will raise $200,000 by October 31 with your generous support.

Make your Fall Appeal gift now at firstthings.com/FallAppeal or using the secure button below.