Dear Reader,

1 in 3. That’s how many Americans consume fast food each day. How many consume junk food journalism?
 
It’s a tempting indulgence. Writers of junk food journalism know just how to soothe your anxieties and affirm that you were right all along. On the other hand, those pesky writers at FIRST THINGS sometimes say things with which you disagree.
 
If you’ve ever disagreed with something we’ve published here at FIRST THINGS, I hope you’ll contribute to our 2022 Year-End Campaign.
 
I admit that this is a bit of an odd ask. But we truly could not publish thoughtful, nourishing journalism if we didn’t have readers like you. Junk food journalism asks little while giving little. FIRST THINGS challenges you to read critically and think deeply, even when—especially when—you disagree. In other words, we ask a lot while giving a lot.
 
Today, I write with a different ask: Would you deepen your engagement with our work by making a tax-deductible year-end gift of $100, $250, or even as much as $500, $1,000, or more?

For gifts of $100 or more, I would be pleased to send you a complimentary Reader of FIRST THINGS car magnet. For gifts of $250, $500, or $750, we offer a selection of one, two, or three complimentary books. All contributions count toward our 2022 Year-End Campaign, which aims to raise $800,000 from 1,200 readers by December 31.
 
FIRST THINGS requires a special kind of reader. Without you, we would not be here. Without you, there would be a lot less intellectual and spiritual nourishment and a lot more fast food.
 
Thank you for embracing this challenge time and again . . . for recognizing that our shared commitment to the first things encourages us to think and talk through disagreements together instead of indulging in junk food journalism alone. Thank you as well for taking this commitment into the world with the confidence and conviction of men and women fighting for the future of the faith and Western civilization.
 
My request, then, is simple: You are already at our table; can you help us prepare the feast?

Gratefully,

Carter Skeel
Director of Development