## Reflecting on the Past and Future (Lines 1-4) - The Year End Editorial reflects on the past and future, referencing Cotton Mather's [[Magnalia Christi Americana]] (1702), a historical account of [[United States | America]] that portrays the country's forebears as heroic, able, and godly [[Protestantism | Protestant]] men. - The editorial team at American Reformer respects [[Cotton Mather]], considering him the last [[Puritans | Puritan]] and the quintessential American, and has named their summer fellowship after him. - The team believes that America's foundation and core assumptions, identity, and institutions were self-consciously and explicitly Protestant until recently, and that a return to this part of American identity is necessary for the country's renewal. - However, this return should not be interpreted as a wooden or nostalgic attempt to recreate the past, but rather as an effort to apply the rich traditions of American Protestantism to the challenges of the present day. ## Improving Protestant Social and Political Thought (Lines 5-8) - The editorial team aims to improve [[Protestantism | Protestant]] social and political thought by drawing on the country's neglected tradition and applying clear, realist insights to the unique challenges of the present. - The team recognizes that the current time is one of urgency, with many birthrights having been sold and the national future uncertain, both materially and morally. - In response to this uncertainty, the team invokes Cotton Mather's call to "search and try our ways, and turn again unto the Lord," and argues that it is not time for timidity intellectually or otherwise. - Instead, the team advocates for courage, prudence, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and niceties of discourse in order to address the challenges of the present day. ## American Reformer's Endeavors and Growth (Lines 9-14) - American Reformer has endeavored to tackle important and influential ideas over the past year, often engaging in topics that others may avoid, such as critiques of the postwar consensus, the "woke right" discourse, and the concept of "masculine [[Protestantism]]." - The publication has also explored various topics, including the legitimacy of birthright citizenship, the connection between civilizational confidence and fertility, and the proper retrieval and use of historic Protestant sources. - Despite facing criticism and controversy, American Reformer has seen significant growth, nearly doubling its readership and output in 2024, thanks in part to the efforts of its managing editor, Terry Gant, and regular columnists Ben Dunson, Mike Sabo, and [[Ben Crenshaw]]. - The top five most-read articles of 2024 were written by Joe Rigney, Ben Dunson, Timon Cline and Clifford Humphrey, Mike Sabo, and Ben Crenshaw, and covered topics such as empathy, feminism, and the church, as well as the 2024 election and beyond. - American Reformer's work has been recognized by other publications, including [[Mother Jones (magazine) | Mother Jones]], and its team members have contributed to various venues, such as the American Mind, the Federalist, the Tennessean, and [[First Things]]. - The publication's mission is to restore and support American institutions, and its team is actively pursuing this goal through their writing and commentary. ## Accomplishments and Recognition in 2024 (Lines 15-17) - The author of the Year End Editorial reflects on the accomplishments of American Reformer in 2024, including the honor of speaking at the fourth National Conservatism conference and sponsoring the [[Politics of the United States | American Politics]] and Government Summit at the [[Intercollegiate Studies Institute]]. - The author highlights the success of co-founder and senior fellow Aaron Renn's book, "Life in Negative World," which has significantly impacted the conversation on evangelical cultural engagement and was first introduced on the American Reformer platform. - American Reformer experienced growth in 2024, including the addition of Carl Helstrom as director of development operations, and the expansion of the [[Cotton Mather]] Fellows program, led by director of education Colin Redemer, which invests in the next generation of [[Protestantism | Protestant]] leaders. ## A Unique Opportunity and Call to Support (Lines 18-21) - The author notes that the current historical moment presents a unique opportunity for American Reformer to help direct American Protestants toward better ways of understanding their history, nation, and faith, particularly in the wake of the election of [[Donald Trump]] and the discrediting of compromised evangelical leaders. - In 2025, readers can support American Reformer by sharing its content with others, supporting the newly launched Center for Baptist Leadership and the Center for Academic Faithfulness and Flourishing, and considering a monthly donation to enable the organization to continue its work. - The Center for Baptist Leadership, headed by William Wolfe, and the Center for Academic Faithfulness and Flourishing, headed by Jesse Rine, offer resources such as the CAFF College Guide for high school students preparing for college. - American Reformer relies on the generous support of its monthly patrons to continue its mission to muster and organize thoughtful [[Protestantism | Protestants]] to reclaim wayward institutions and found new ones where needed. ## Gratitude and Reflection (Lines 22-25) - As the new year begins, the author reflects on the blessings and accomplishments of the past year, particularly in the context of American Reformer and the country as a whole. - The author expresses gratitude to [[God]] for the progress and growth that has occurred, referencing the opening pages of the Magnalia, which acknowledges the Lord's role in the development of the people. - The Magnalia is quoted, stating that the people have "abundant cause of thanksgiving" for the Lord's blessings, which have transformed the community "from a day of small things" into what it is today. - The author's reflection is accompanied by an image titled "[[Wallpaper | Papier peint]] : détail de la série 'Vues d'Amérique du Nord' ([[Boston Harbor]])" from 1850, which serves as a visual representation of the country's history and growth. ## Sources - [website](https://americanreformer.org/2024/12/year-end-editorial/)