Podcast Summary: The Briefing with Albert Mohler Episode Date: June 20, 2025

Introduction

In the June 20, 2025 episode of The Briefing with Albert Mohler, Jr., host R. Albert Mohler, Jr. delves into significant cultural and political developments through a Christian and biblical lens. The episode addresses two primary topics: the controversial rise of lifelike reborn dolls in Brazil and the theological and geopolitical implications of supporting the modern state of Israel. Additionally, Mohler responds to listener questions concerning Christian universalism and the intersection of faith with contemporary subcultures.

1. The Reborn Dolls Phenomenon in Brazil

Albert Mohler begins by discussing a noteworthy article from The New York Times by Leonardo Coelho and Michael Levinson titled "Extremely Lifelike Dolls Create a Frenzy in Brazil." The article explores the surge in popularity of reborn dolls—hyper-realistic, handcrafted baby dolls—in Brazil and the ensuing cultural and political debates.

• Rise and Impact of Reborn Dolls

  Mohler highlights how these dolls have become a source of comfort, escapism, and entertainment for many, as evidenced by millions of views on social media platforms like TikTok. Activities depicted include taking dolls to parks, celebrating birthdays, and simulating childbirth.

  "One woman who's a devotee of these dolls said, 'the ones I like most are the newborns. The world of make-believe is an escape valve for me, and, no, I don't treat them like a real baby.'" [10:45]

• Political and Social Concerns

  The popularity of reborn dolls has sparked legislative actions in Brazil, with lawmakers proposing bills to restrict public services for these dolls. Mohler references a legislative chamber incident where a lawmaker argued against granting public benefits to reborn dolls, raising questions about social norms and the potential pathologization of consumer hobbies.

  "There appears to have been just one documented case of a woman with a psychiatric disorder showing up at a hospital to seek treatment for her doll." [15:30]

• Christian Perspective and Theological Implications

  Mohler interprets the phenomenon as indicative of a deeper spiritual and societal malaise. He connects the trend to a decline in traditional family structures, marriage rates, and motherhood, suggesting that these dolls fill a void left by the suppression of God-ordained desires for family and procreation.

  "God made us as male and female, and he made us... to see ourselves in terms of being parents... when you have the suppression of marriage and the suppression of having children... what is left is heartbreak." [22:10]

2. Supporting the Modern State of Israel: A Theological and Geopolitical Analysis

Transitioning to geopolitical discourse, Mohler addresses a listener's question regarding the Christian obligation to support Israel, especially in light of Israel's military actions against Iran's nuclear facilities.

• Abrahamic Covenant and Biblical Israel

  Mohler emphasizes the enduring significance of the Abrahamic Covenant found in Genesis 12, asserting that God's promises to Abraham and his descendants remain intact and will be fully realized in the future.

  "I believe that biblical Israel is being protected and preserved for God's unfolding purposes inside the state of Israel." [35:20]

• Distinguishing Biblical Israel from the Modern State

  A critical distinction is made between biblical Israel and the contemporary nation-state of Israel. While the latter plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the former, Mohler clarifies that the theological promises pertain to biblical Israel, not exclusively to the secular state established in 1948.

  "Biblical Israel is defined theologically... the state of Israel is not to be immediately and without qualification identified as Biblical Israel." [40:05]

• United States and Israel: A Strategic Alliance

  Mohler traces the historical alliance between the United States and Israel, noting the strategic, moral, and geopolitical factors that have solidified this relationship since 1948. He underscores Israel's role in defending not only its sovereignty but also broader regional stability—a concern closely aligned with U.S. interests.

  "Israel often does so against threats which are directed not only to Israel, but to the United States and to the global order the United States wants to see kept in place." [48:45]

• Christian Eschatological Views

  As a proponent of premillennialism, Mohler discusses the eschatological belief that biblical prophecies concerning Israel will culminate in the millennial reign of Christ. He envisions the modern state of Israel as integral to these prophetic fulfillments, serving as a vessel for God's ongoing redemptive plan.

  "The realization of this... will happen in the millennial reign of Christ. I'm a premillennialist, so I believe that Christ comes and establishes that millennial reign." [55:10]

3. Listener Questions and Theological Clarifications

Mohler addresses two listener-submitted questions, providing clear doctrinal insights rooted in scripture.

• Universalism and Christian Orthodoxy

  Question: "Can a Christian become a universalist and believe that Jesus will eventually reconcile everyone to himself and still be considered a Christian?"

  Response: Mohler firmly rejects universalism, asserting that it contradicts orthodox Christian doctrine and scriptural teachings. He emphasizes the reality of a final judgment and the dual destinies of eternal joy or punishment based on one's faith in Christ.

  "Universalism is a repudiation of the Gospel of Christ... it is in direct contradiction to Scripture." [1:03:15]

• Christianity and Subcultures: The Case of Furries

  Question: "I have a friend who claims to be a Christian and a furry. I believe this to be contradictory and it's given me great concern. Where in the Bible would I show them that it's contradictory?"

  Response: Mohler condemns the furry subculture from a biblical standpoint, citing the creation order and the distinctiveness of humans made in God's image as foundational principles violated by identifying with non-human personas.

  "It is directly a violation of Scripture in terms of the rejection of creation order and the distinctiveness of human beings made in God's image." [1:10:50]

Conclusion

Albert Mohler's June 20, 2025 episode of The Briefing offers a nuanced examination of contemporary cultural phenomena and geopolitical issues through a Christian theological framework. By dissecting the reborn dolls craze in Brazil and the complex relationship between Christians and the state of Israel, Mohler provides listeners with both insightful analyses and robust scriptural grounding. Additionally, his responses to listener questions reinforce the importance of adhering to orthodox Christian doctrines in navigating modern societal challenges.

For more insights and detailed discussions, listeners are encouraged to tune into future episodes of The Briefing with Albert Mohler, Jr.

Note: Timestamps correspond to approximate locations within the provided transcript.