The Briefing with Albert Mohler

Episode: Friday, August 8, 2025
Host: R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
Description: Cultural Commentary from a Biblical Perspective

Introduction

On August 8, 2025, R. Albert Mohler, Jr. delves into pressing cultural and media issues from a Christian worldview in the latest episode of The Briefing. The discussion primarily focuses on the defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the evolving landscape of late-night television, and thoughtful listener questions addressing ethical dilemmas and church practices.

Defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Albert Mohler opens the episode by addressing the recent political move by Republicans to defund the CPB within a massive financial bill. He explains how this defunding impacts major public media outlets like National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

“National Public Radio, the Public Broadcasting Service, PBS, NPR. Well, they continue, but they're going to have to continue without federal funding.”
[00:04]

Mohler traces the origins of public media to the 1960s Great Society initiatives under Lyndon Johnson, highlighting the influence of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) model. He contrasts the innovative commercial media landscape of the United States with the government-controlled model of Britain.

“The innovation in Britain was commercial media. The innovation in the United States was really government media. Tells you something about both countries.”
[00:04]

He criticizes the perceived liberal bias of public media, noting its alignment with an elite, liberal audience. Mohler expresses concern over the moral implications of substantial taxpayer funding combined with a liberal ideological tilt, which he argues has long irked conservatives.

“The liberal bias is just something that honestly, the public media have denied and bragged about simultaneously.”
[00:04]

Mohler predicts significant changes in public broadcasting post-defunding, including potential financial struggles for NPR and PBS affiliates and questioning the likelihood of reinstating CPB funding under future Democratic administrations.

“I'm going to make another prediction, and that is that when there is a Democratic president... I'm not sure they'll put this back in place.”
[00:04]

Crisis in Late-Night Television Programming

Shifting focus, Mohler addresses the turmoil in late-night television, specifically CBS's cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which has been losing $40 million annually.

“The Late show with Stephen Colbert, as it is now called, has been losing $40 million a year. Now that's $40 million a year that has been lost.”
[00:04]

He explores the historical evolution of late-night TV, from the non-political humor of Johnny Carson's Tonight Show to the contemporary politically charged landscape dominated by liberal-leaning hosts like Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. Mohler suggests that the politicization and financial strains are leading to a diminishing audience for traditional late-night formats.

“It was with a very liberal slant. And the comedy turned darker as well...”
[00:04]

Mohler also remarks on the cultural shift towards on-demand streaming, which reduces the relevance of scheduled late-night programming.

“With the absolute avalanche of digital material available to people through streaming 24/7, it doesn't matter what time it is.”
[00:04]

He underscores the significance of this change, noting how entertainment choices reflect societal values and religious principles.

Listener Questions and Ethical Discussions

1. Suicide in Extreme Wartime Situations

A poignant question from a 12-year-old in a military family asks whether it would be legitimate to commit suicide to prevent revealing classified information under torture. Mohler acknowledges the depth of the question and the complexity of Christian ethics in extreme scenarios.

“It is never right, it is never right to commit suicide. But in the context in which the lives of others are at stake... there is a fundamental moral recast.”
[00:04]

He discusses the concept of "ethics in extremists," where traditional moral boundaries are tested by life-and-death situations. Mohler refrains from providing a definitive answer but emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between self-preservation and sacrificial actions aimed at protecting others.

2. Handling Teachings from Moral Failures in Ministry

A listener grapples with whether to discard the teachings of a preacher who has committed a moral failure. Mohler provides a nuanced response, affirming that while the individual's actions may tarnish their personal reputation, the teachings remain valid if they are scripturally sound.

“God's word has never lost any of its power. God's word loses none of its authority.”
[00:04]

He relates this to early church challenges, where the integrity of teachings was maintained despite personal failings of leaders. Mohler advises that pastoral discretion is necessary, and while certain materials might be removed from visibility, the core messages should remain accessible.

3. Applause in Worship Services

A 14-year-old listener questions the appropriateness of applause during worship, fearing it may shift focus from praising God to applauding the worship team. Mohler responds by acknowledging the cultural differences, particularly between American and British practices, and the potential distraction it poses to genuine worship.

“This doesn't mean what it looks like. Now, the very fact that you have to say it doesn't mean what it looks like raises a problem.”
[00:04]

He suggests that consistently emphasizing the glory of God, such as through singing the Doxology, can help redirect focus appropriately.

“It is the constant, explicit reference to the fact that this is all about the glory of God and the glory of God alone.”
[00:04]

Conclusion

Albert Mohler concludes the episode by appreciating the thoughtful and challenging questions from listeners, reflecting the engaged and inquisitive nature of his audience. He underscores the importance of maintaining Christian integrity in the face of cultural and ethical complexities.

“Wow. I'm just amazed by the quality of the questions. I want to thank you for trusting us with these questions.”
[00:04]

Mohler invites listeners to submit their questions and stay connected through various platforms, reaffirming his commitment to providing insightful cultural commentary from a biblical perspective.

Notable Quotes

• “The innovation in Britain was commercial media. The innovation in the United States was really government media. Tells you something about both countries.”
  [00:04]

• “The liberal bias is just something that honestly, the public media have denied and bragged about simultaneously.”
  [00:04]

• “It is never right, it is never right to commit suicide. But in the context in which the lives of others are at stake... there is a fundamental moral recast.”
  [00:04]

• “God's word has never lost any of its power. God's word loses none of its authority.”
  [00:04]

• “It is the constant, explicit reference to the fact that this is all about the glory of God and the glory of God alone.”
  [00:04]

This episode of The Briefing with Albert Mohler offers a comprehensive analysis of significant cultural shifts and ethical dilemmas, providing listeners with a grounded Christian perspective on contemporary issues.