Push Back Against the Age

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We worry a lot about the threat that radical cultural change poses to our deepest traditions. Not only damaging societal change, but the intentional eradication of religion in the public square. The Southern Catholic writer Flannery O’Connor had some advice for people of faith. “Push back against the age as hard as it pushes against you.” 

But how and where to push? Politics and other conventional civic means are not capable of fully addressing the existential threat to our cultural and religious values. Sadly, even some religious institutions have weakened, leaving us feeling pretty lonely. 

Fortunately for us, however, we have discovered an extraordinary cultural and intellectual force: First Things. First Things responds to that need to push back against the abolition of religion—what we like to call “secular supersessionism”—in ways that no other publication does. Here’s how. 

First, the magazine is ferocious in its defense of the traditions we cherish, both in our Jewish faith and in the America we love. In First Things articles—whether written by the brilliant and fearless R. R. Reno or by one of the amazing thinkers in the stable of writers he’s assembled—we always find spiritual gems and treasures of thought of the highest caliber. 

Second, on a regular basis First Things will gather the finest minds from all across the country to discuss the problems that worry us most—and propose possible solutions that we can consider backing and promoting. 

And third, when we ourselves have seen a possible path forward through this cultural fog, we’ve found a listening ear at First Things. 

Consider a recent example. While discussing First Things with Rusty in our home, we expressed our strong desire that the magazine help Jews and Christians come together in deeper ways. This is something that love requires of both. But it is also necessitated by the threat that secularism poses for both traditions. Long story short, Rusty agreed. We offered to provide some funding. And the meetings of both Christian and Jewish scholars—a colloquium called Jews and Christians Engaging Word and World—begin later this month.

First Things has become an indispensable part of our lives, giving us profound insight into concerning cultural issues and providing hope where our singular effort at pushing back against the age falls short.  

If it does the same for you, we encourage you to join us in supporting First Things. Help us ensure that this magazine continues to play its unique role well into the future.

Sandy and Camille Kress are Pillar members in the First Things Editor’s Circle and reside in Austin, Texas.

Resist junk food journalism. Support journalism that nourishes the mind and soul by contributing to our year-end campaign today.