Dear Reader,

What do marijuana legalization, wolves, and Islam have in common?
 
Not much, other than that each was the subject of an essay in our recent October 2022 issue, complementing more time-honored FIRST THINGS topics like the state of the church, contemporary literature, and the role of America on the world stage.
 
This topical breadth is a hallmark of FIRST THINGS. As editor, I hope to stretch the minds of readers like you to consider new topics and ideas with mutual trust in our shared foundation of the first things.
 
Today, I invite you to deepen your participation in the FIRST THINGS project by making a tax-deductible donation in support of our work.

Your gift will count toward our 2022 Fall Appeal, which runs through October 31 and aims to raise $180,000 from 500 readers like you on behalf of our magazine and educational programs. Give today at www.firstthings.com/donate.
 
To date, 420 readers have given $131,762 toward our goal. These early returns are promising, but we need your support to meet our goal. Help us finish strong by making your contribution today.

Yours,

R. R. Reno
Editor