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Dear Reader,
In February, First Things published its 300th issue and celebrated its thirtieth anniversary. Little did we know that our thirtieth year would be such a tumultuous one.
For thirty years, First Things has devoted itself to the task of articulating the moral and metaphysical underpinnings necessary for the thriving of a democratic, constitutional order. We have worked to restore a biblical vision of freedom that sees the highest purpose of liberty not as license, but as the freedom to conform one’s life to the highest truths.
We have not done this work alone.
Over the years, we’ve welcomed hundreds of thousands of readers from across the country and around the world. First Things readers are spirited, thoughtful, and engaged. We don’t agree on every issue—indeed, we welcome lively debate—but we agree that these issues are important.
Much has changed over the last thirty years. And we can sense that even greater changes lie ahead. These changes will bring challenges, but these are not times for despair. We suffer setbacks, yes, but enjoy victories—and will do so in the future. This is not an unfamiliar pattern. In the life of faith we stumble, but God’s grace lifts us up anew.
To celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of First Things, we’ve put together a short booklet that you can easily access online here. In its pages you will find memories both old and recent. I take encouragement from many capable authors who have helped guide our thinking from 1990 to 2020. And I am inspired by loyal readers like you who make up the First Things community.
As a nonprofit organization, First Things depends upon the generosity of readers like you. If you would like to make a special thirtieth anniversary contribution to our work, you may do so at our website here. Gifts of any and all sizes are greatly appreciated.
On behalf of the First Things staff, thank you for supporting our work and for keeping us a strong voice for over thirty years.
Yours,
R. R. Reno, Editor
First Things
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