Being able to read the articles challenges me to grow on my path and reminds me that I’m not alone in my perspective.

The highlight of my daily trip to the mailbox is to find The Fourth R there.

I find The Fourth R stimulating and often eye-opening. I admire the courage of theologians who deal with the findings of biblical studies and also try to reshape Christianity in light of the global community and of natural science…

I really enjoy [The Fourth R] and usually read it cover to cover—it is one of the best benefits of membership.

As retired clergy this is a very good way of keeping up with current scholarship in the field of the Christian Scriptures.

My wife and I usually read an article aloud to one another with our morning coffee.

Along with “Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic,” Religion is the fourth “R” of basic literacy. First published in 1987, The Fourth R shares the latest thinking from religion scholars and writers—in non-technical language aimed at a general audience. Annual subscription to six issues of The Fourth R is included in Westar membership.

Read editorials from current and past issues.

Purchase Options

Print subscription

Institutional Subscription

Purchase back issues
You will need to know the volume and issue

Browse Issues

See a free sample issue (PDF)

Read select articles

Browse index of articles by issue or by author

What’s in the Current Issue?

Editorial – Parenthetical Remarks By Art Dewey

Constructing the History of the Church: Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History by Nina E. Livesey

The First Sermon: From Provocations to Proclamations by Gordon W. G. Raynal

Rethinking Religion by Arthur Wells

A Farewell Interview with Bill Lehto, Westar’s Financial Manager by Andrew D. Scrimgeour

Book Review: The Life and Death of the Radical Historical Jesus by David Burns

Different Gods by Tom Hall

Books that Make a Difference

Questions about The Fourth R?
Submission Guidelines

The Fourth R – “One of the Best Benefits of Membership”

In a recent membership survey, respondents rated The Fourth R as the top benefit of Westar membership.