RIGHT BIAS
These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward conservative causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using an appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information that may damage conservative causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Right Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate Providence as Right Biased due to its alignment with Christian realism, advocacy for faith-based influence in policy, and framing social issues through a conservative theological lens. We rate its reporting as Mixed due to the occasional use of poor sources and the light promotion of conspiracy theories.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT (6.8)
Factual Reporting: MIXED (5.0)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
Providence Magazine is an online magazine that examines U.S. foreign policy, national security, and international affairs from a Christian realist perspective. Founded in 2015, it promotes the idea that Christianity has a role in shaping government policies, particularly in defense and diplomacy. The magazine draws from Christianity & Crisis, a 1941 journal by Reinhold Niebuhr, and applies just war theory and Christian ethics to modern political issues.
Providence is a Washington, D.C.-based publication of the Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD).
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
Providence is published by the Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD), which describes itself as an ecumenical think tank promoting Christian engagement in public policy, religious freedom, and democracy. The magazine operates through donations and contributions from readers and aligned organizations. Past tax filings indicate funding from entities such as the Sarah Scaife Foundation ($300,000).
Analysis / Bias
Providence publishes articles on topics like just war theory, ethics in foreign policy, and American leadership. For instance, the article “Supporting Brutal Dictators Is Not a ‘Realist’ Position” critiques the notion that backing authoritarian regimes aligns with realist foreign policy principles. The article cites a mix of credible and questionable sources. It references BBC, PBS, Al Jazeera, The United Nations, and Wikipedia alongside Al Mayadeen. This sourcing pattern suggests a mix of factually sound reporting with potential editorial framing.
Another piece, “International Religious Freedom Policy in a Second Trump Term,” discusses possible strategies for advancing religious liberty abroad during President Trump’s second term. The framing of the article is supportive of President Trump’s efforts in promoting international religious freedom, presenting his administration’s actions in a positive light. It advocates for the continuation and expansion of these policies, suggesting a favorable bias toward the administration’s approach to religious liberty on the global stage.
Similarly, Providence also uses loaded language and emotive phrasing in its coverage of Middle East affairs. The article “Securing a Core Group of Near East Allies to Counter Iran” includes the phrase “true Islam” followed by “(whatever that means),” suggesting skepticism or dismissal of Islamic identity. The author, Alberto M. Fernandez, is affiliated with the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), a source criticized for selective translations and pro-Israel bias.
Lastly, Providence applies its faith-based perspective to social issues, including LGBTQ+ topics. The video “True North, Ep. 12 | A Continued Conversation on Race, the Church, and Politics” argues that the Black Christian community opposes gay marriage “not because they’re bigots, but because they take God’s word seriously.” The statement “gay marriage is an oxymoron” reinforces the view that same-sex unions contradict biblical teachings. This framing presents opposition as a matter of religious conviction rather than civil rights, aligning with Providence’s broader faith-based approach to social and political issues.
We also found evidence of promoting conspiracies related to the 2020 election like this The Langley School of Falsification: Trotsky’s Legacy, Hunter’s Laptop, and CIA Tampering with the 2020 Election.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years.
Overall, we rate Providence as Right Biased due to its alignment with Christian realism, advocacy for faith-based influence in policy, and framing social issues through a conservative theological lens. We rate its reporting as Mixed due to the occasional use of poor sources and the light promotion of conspiracy theories. (M. Huitsing 02/05/2025)
Source: https://providencemag.com/
Last Updated on February 5, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
Do you appreciate our work? Please consider one of the following ways to sustain us.
or
Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources