Can faith provide a rigorous framework for public philosophy?
In short: First Things is not just a religious magazine; it is a deliberate intellectual project. Founded to advance a religiously informed public philosophy, it seeks to explore the complex intersections of theology, history, and politics, arguing that deep faith can offer a sophisticated lens for ordering society.
The English-speaking world's 'tangled web' of religion and society is examined by First Things, an organisation established in March 1990 by Lutheran pastor Richard John Neuhaus. The journal is intentionally inter-religious and ecumenical, featuring contributors from Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant, Jewish, and Islamic traditions. Its core mission is to provide a critique of contemporary society through the lens of theology, liturgy, and history, aiming to demonstrate that it is possible to be an intellectually fulfilled Christian while engaging with the public square.
The journal's history is marked by significant internal debates and high-profile controversies. In 1996, it published a symposium titled 'The End of Democracy?' following a Colorado Supreme Court decision. The publication included an essay by Charles Colson arguing that 'revolution can be justified' from a Christian standpoint, leading to widespread condemnation from the mainstream press and the resignation of prominent board members like Gertrude Himmelfarb and Walter Berns. These moments highlight the journal's willingness to engage in provocative, sometimes polarizing, theological and political discourse.
Leadership has transitioned through several notable figures since Neuhaus's death in 2009. Current editor R. R. Reno, a Catholic convert from the Episcopal Church, continues the legacy of Neuhaus's signature columns. The journal is governed by the Institute on Religion and Public Life (IRPL), which includes figures like George Weigel and Robert Louis Wilken. Despite its specific focus on religious philosophy, it remains a significant cultural touchstone, hosting diverse voices ranging from neoconservative writers to prominent scholars of Jewish philosophy and theology.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: First Things
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