We live in hopeful times.
That notion might seem absurd in light of today’s typical headlines, but it’s true. It’s also true that Americans trust the media less than ever in recent times. Solomon begins the book of Proverbs by reminding his readers that, “Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice…” (Proverbs 1:20, ESV). A personified wisdom called out, but people weren’t listening. Wisdom asks, “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?” (Proverbs 1:22) Were that question asked of America today, what would be the answer? I suspect the short answer is that it would be a long time.
Why, then, is Family Research Council (FRC) launching a digital news outlet? The Washington Stand will publish daily news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Why bother? Wisdom says, “…whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster” (Proverbs 1:33). At the risk of triggering the scoffers, we want to equip followers of Jesus with truth and wisdom so that they can rest assured that they have the truth from a source they can trust. The news may not always be good, but we will always bring it to you from the perspective of people who have been transformed by the good news.
Few would disagree that our nation is divided. But that division isn’t evenly reflected in our country’s news media. Objectivity of the Fourth Estate has been cast aside long ago, and sides have aligned with a decidedly leftward slant. There are bright spots, to be sure. Outlets like the Heritage Foundation’s Daily Signal, Media Research Center’s CNSNews, and others have paved the way for The Washington Stand, and you should continue to read them daily. Our intention isn’t to compete with efforts like these — we need more of them.
Family Research Council’s mission is to advance faith, family, and freedom in public policy and the culture from a biblical worldview. The Washington Stand unashamedly flows out of that mission. Americans who share a biblical worldview need to hear what’s happening in their nation. Our news and commentary will seek to be written from a biblical worldview, something we believe undergirds its truthfulness.
As a relatively small team, we won’t cover everything, but we will be able to tap into the full resources of FRC and its experts and connections in Washington and around the nation. We’re also just down the hallway from the Washington Watch studios, which only adds to our collaborative armory. In addition to hearing from our dedicated news and commentary writers, you’ll also hear from friends across the world who we think contribute to our mission.
We realize that trust and credibility must be earned, and we’re committed to earning yours. We don’t take it for granted that you’re giving us your time to read what we write. It’s our prayer that what we publish here will help equip you as you stand where you are. While hope may not be the greatest of the Apostle Paul’s triad of virtues, hope fueled by the gospel of Jesus Christ is a virtue that can motivate us to greater faith and love. We live in hopeful times because Christ has died, Christ has risen, and Christ will return. Until that day arrives, we have hopeful work to do among people who have no hope. So join us each day where you are, as we stand here in Washington.
Jared Bridges is editor-in-chief of The Washington Stand.
