it's really tonight i would like to introduce roger dreher. in his remarks this evening which we follow by a panel discussion. to help us think about how to live as christians in the 21st century. it's my pleasure enjoining roger dreher. >> think you for that generous introduction. i'm here to say that anybody who buys a copy of the book on the way out will get an a. it's so great to be back in new york that's probably the happiest years of my life. i'm happy to see old friends here. a chance to say hello and friends from all over. it's a really important time they are small orthodox cushions. to come together and talk about what we do at this moment. the time we have. i want to thank so much the conservative response the benedict option for being alarmist the critics are right. i am alarmist about the state of our culture in our civilization. and the condition of the church within it. if you are a faithful christian and you're not alarmed i think you are feeling to read the signs of the times. i do not claim that the world is coming to an end