Editor’s Note: Looking Forward, Glancing Back

When the first Answers magazine rolled off the press in 2006, I was in my second year of college, trying to pass an advanced grammar class. By the time I became editor in chief 13 years later, the magazine had already seen a lot of change. (Check out how far Answers has come on page 48).

Sarah Eshleman
Editor in Chief

Though I didn’t witness most of those developments, I have seen my share of layout shuffles, shifts in tone, and changes in staff. I’ve also contributed to the innovation by redirecting the magazine with my own vision.

It’s a weighty task to hold a legacy publication steady while moving it forward. You can’t be too delicate with progress, but you do have to be intentional.

In our twentieth year, we’re moving forward—but not before we glance back.

In these pages, you’ll see nods to the first Answers magazine, such as the Mammoth Cave piece (on page 24). Our most devoted followers might have spotted some other first-issue themes that we’ve recently revisited. In the January 2025 issue, we contemplated what kind of great fish might have swallowed Jonah, expanding on an article Don Landis wrote in the first magazine. In the April 2025 issue, we mapped a road trip to see the Great Unconformity across the US, similar to an article in the first magazine that tracked awe-inspiring geologic spots across our nation.

But we’re not just reflecting on the magazine’s past. We’re highlighting the long history of creation science—the impetus for why Answers magazine exists (explore that saga on page 36).

As we look back, we’re also peering ahead, doing what we do best: asking and answering questions. What is Answers intrinsically? In what ways do we want to hold steady while moving forward? How can our unique experiences, perspectives, and gifts keep the magazine fresh within the framework established by its founders?

Because we’re not immune to discouragement, we also sometimes ask, “Is all this worth it? Is anyone reading? Are we making a difference?”

To find the answer, we think of you. Though this issue fondly commemorates the magazine’s story, it also commemorates your journey of knowledge and faith. Whether you’ve been with us since issue one or just cracked open your first page, we’re ever so grateful you’re here.

Back in 2006, sophomore Sarah didn’t see this coming. Like my namesake in Genesis, I might have laughed at the prospect of becoming editor in chief of a magazine! Today, I’m grateful to lead a gifted team of writers and designers in crafting a publication that’s equal parts words and wonder, a magazine that builds confidence in Scripture and inspires delight in the works of the Creator’s hand (Psalm 111:2).

Thank you, Father, for working through us. We’re ready to see the next chapter of our story—just turn the page.