Articles by David E. Smith
The Price of Life: What Is a Human Soul Worth?
By David E. Smith   |   01.23.26
In this compelling Sanctity of Life message, Pastor Jim Scudder exposes how our culture devalues life—and why Scripture declares every human being priceless. Watch, listen and be challenged to defend life, extend grace, and stand for truth.
Predatory Gambling in Illinois Continues to Expand
By David E. Smith   |   01.22.26
Illinois now hosts nearly 50,000 state-licensed slot machines — and that growth has consequences. Gambling revenue depends on predictable human loss, not prosperity. When government profits from addiction and false hope, it stops serving the public and starts exploiting it.
Order Your Primary Voter Guides Now
By David E. Smith   |   01.20.26
The 2026 Primary Election Voter Guides are headed to the printer, and orders are now open. IFI’s nonpartisan Voter Guide helps citizens make informed decisions by clearly outlining where candidates stand ahead of the March 17, 2026 primary.
Prayer Bulletin for January 2026
By David E. Smith   |   01.19.26
The fall of Roe was an aswer to prayer—but it was not the end of the battle. As abortion numbers surge in blue states like Illinois, Christians are being called to something deeper than politics: prayer, courage, and faithful engagement.
Sanctity of Human Life Sunday
By David E. Smith   |   01.16.26
Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a call to prayer, compassion, and faithful action. Discover practical, Christ-centered ways you and your church can help build a culture that honors every human life.
How Christianity Revolutionized Marriage
By David E. Smith   |   01.14.26
Biblical marriage put men under God’s law and gave women dignity, security, and protection. Yet today we are drifting toward cohabitation and away from the protective, stabilizing institution of marriage that God ordained. Read this powerful excerpt from Love Thy Body.
Are You Registered to Vote?
By David E. Smith   |   01.09.26
God has blessed America with the gift of self-government -- a "government of the people, by the people, and for the people." Voting is a privilege that millions of people in other parts of the world are denied. But this unique blessing also comes with a tremendous responsibility. In Romans 13, we are told that all authorities are appointed by God. Who is the authority in America?
Scripture Is More Essential Than Ever
By David E. Smith   |   01.05.26
In a culture drowning in confusion and lies, God is calling His people back to truth, clarity, and courage. If we desire to be mature, fruitful, and spiritually discerning Christians, we must devote ourselves to the regular reading and meditation of Scripture.
Happy New Year!
By David E. Smith   |   01.01.26
God has placed this ministry here for such a time as this. As we step into a new year, IFI remains committed to standing for truth, life, family, and freedom—no matter the challenges ahead.
Ending Federal Funding for Irreversible Gender Procedures on Children
By David E. Smith   |   12.19.25
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced new steps to curb irreversible “sex-rejecting” procedures on children—citing evidence of lasting medical harm. Federal funding may soon be cut off to hospitals that continue putting radical so-called "gender" ideology ahead of the welfare of children.
Dr. Mohler: Why Abortions Are Rising Despite the Fall of Roe
By David E. Smith   |   12.18.25
Roe v. Wade may be gone, but the abortion crisis is not. Abortions are rising—and the reason goes deeper than law or policy. Scripture tells us why the human heart remains the real battlefield.
Turn Your Required Distribution Into Doubled Impact
By David E. Smith   |   12.17.25
If God has entrusted you with an RMD this year, please prayerfully consider using it to strengthen faith and family in Illinois. Every gift to IFI will be doubled through December 31—amplifying your faithful stewardship.
2025 End-of-Year Matching Challenge!
By David E. Smith   |   12.13.25
Big news! Several generous donors have stepped forward with a $150,000 matching challenge for IFI. That means every gift you make before December 31 will have double the impact on our mission in 2025.
Session 7: The History of Islam and America
By David E. Smith   |   12.10.25
In this final session, Pastor Paul Blair traces America’s long, often overlooked history of conflict with Islamic powers and explains how modern Islamist movements operate inside the United States.
Christians Must Build a Strong Biblical Worldview
By David E. Smith   |   12.09.25
Biblical truth is under assault, and the American church is drifting. Dr. George Barna’s latest research reveals just how serious the crisis has become. Join us March 7 to get equipped with the clarity, courage, and worldview strength every Christian family needs right now.
David E. Smith
Executive Director
David  E. Smith

Dave Smith is the executive director of Illinois Family Institute (501c3) and Illinois Family Action (501c4).

Follow Dave on X: @ProFamilyIL

David has almost 35 years of experience in public policy and grass-roots activism that includes countless interviews for numerous radio, television, cable programs and newspaper articles on topics such as the sanctity of life, natural marriage, broadcast decency, sex education, marijuana, gambling, abortion, homosexuality, tax policy, drug decriminalization and pornography.

He and his wife of 30 years are blessed to be the parents of eight children, whom they homeschool. They strongly believe that their first duty before God is to disciple their children in the Christian faith, and impress a love of God on their hearts. There is a plethora of research that suggest that parents are the primary influencers in a child’s life. In an ideal world, that’s a mom and dad. Discipleship includes not only studying God’s Word but living a life of faith and walking in obedience to God. Discipleship is also necessary for sound doctrine, love of God and others. We do this in hopes of raising healthy and productive members of society who live to honor God and love their neighbors.

Dave has also served as a precinct committeeman and served as an ordained minister/elder in his local church.

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