The Briefing with Albert Mohler: May 2, 2025

Hosted by R. Albert Mohler, Jr., "The Briefing" offers cultural commentary from a Biblical perspective. In the May 2, 2025, episode, Mohler delves into the dynamics between the media and political spheres, examines the state of the freedom of the press, shares a light-hearted news story, and addresses listener questions about Christian faith and practices.

1. White House Correspondents Association Dinner: A Shift in Tone

[00:04] Albert Mohler begins by discussing the White House Correspondents Association Dinner held over the preceding weekend. Unlike previous years marked by humor and lightheartedness, this year's event was notably darker and more somber.

• Change in Atmosphere: Traditionally, the dinner features a comedian-hosted segment, blending humor with political commentary. However, this year lacked both a presidential speech and a comedic emcee, signaling a shift likely influenced by the current political climate.

• Media-Politician Relationships: Mohler observes that liberal politicians maintain closer ties with mainstream media compared to their conservative counterparts. This imbalance is exacerbated by the ongoing fragmentation of major media outlets.

• Trump Administration's Media Strategy: He highlights how the Trump administration is granting unique access to emerging media while sidelining established outlets, creating tension within the media landscape. Mohler suggests that this strategy has left mainstream elite media feeling threatened, contributing to the somber tone of the dinner.

• Critique of Media Accountability: Mohler questions the media's self-proclaimed mission to "hold power accountable." He points out the inconsistency in this mission, especially in instances where the media may overlook or inadequately address issues, such as during the Trump administration's tenure.

  "We exist to hold the government accountable. And by the way, the press has enormous power. We wouldn't have the conversations we have on the briefing without the press." [15:45]

2. The Freedom of the Press: A Constitutional Pillar with Complex Implications

Mohler underscores the importance of the freedom of the press, a core principle enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. He emphasizes that while this freedom is a significant civilizational achievement, it does not inherently guarantee that the press will always act as a positive force in society.

• Worldview and Biases in Journalism: Every journalistic endeavor is influenced by underlying worldviews, moral frameworks, and biases. Mohler asserts that recognizing these influences is crucial for discerning the truth.

  "Every press story, every press outlet, every press event is laden with worldview significance." [22:10]

• Professional Standards and Mission: He critiques the media's portrayal of its mission to "speak truth to power," arguing that this accountability is often selectively applied, raising questions about who holds the media itself accountable.

  "Who's holding accountable those who hold others accountable?" [27:30]

3. A Light-Hearted Interlude: Sheila the Runaway Kangaroo

Shifting gears, Mohler shares an amusing local news story about a kangaroo named Sheila that escaped and made its way onto Interstate 85 in Macon County, Alabama. The incident caused minor traffic disruptions but ended without injuries.

• Public Reaction: The unlikely event led to varied public reactions, with some witnessing the kangaroo firsthand and others doubting the reports until confirmed by local authorities.

  "When somebody said there was a kangaroo, of course I didn't believe it and nobody believed it. But I'm looking at him." [35:20]

• Resolution: Sheila was safely tranquilized and returned to her owner, likely prompting improved measures to prevent future escapes.

4. Listener Questions: Faith, Baptism, and Church Practices

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to addressing questions from listeners, reflecting Mohler's commitment to shepherding his audience through theological and practical Christian concerns.

a. Assurance of Being a True Christian

A poignant question from a 12-year-old girl resonates deeply with many believers seeking certainty in their faith journey.

• Desire for Assurance: Mohler affirms that seeking assurance is not sinful but rather a natural part of the Gospel's promise.

  "Is that sinful? No, it certainly is not sinful to want assurance." [38:05]

• Scriptural Foundation: He references Romans 10, emphasizing the importance of professing Christ as Lord and believing in His resurrection as the basis for salvation.

  "If we profess with our lips that Jesus Christ is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead, we shall be saved." [39:15]

• Encouragement and Community: Mohler encourages the young listener to engage with Christian mentors and her church community to deepen her assurance.

b. Validity of Baptism Performed by an Online Ordained Pastor

Mohler addresses a question concerning the legitimacy of baptizing someone by an online-ordained individual, especially within the context of church approval.

• Distinction Between Validity and Advisability: He differentiates the theological validity of the baptism from the appropriateness based on denominational practices.

  "The question of the validity of the baptism is separate from the advisability of the baptism." [45:50]

• Scriptural Order and Church Membership: Emphasizing that baptism should follow a credible profession of faith and be integrated into church membership, Mohler expresses reservations about performing baptisms outside these frameworks.

c. Baptizing Believing Children Amidst Church Mergers

Another listener inquires about the differing practices regarding infant versus believer's baptism during church mergers, highlighting a significant doctrinal disagreement.

• Case-by-Case Basis: Mohler advocates for evaluating each situation individually, considering the sincerity and understanding of the individual's faith journey.

  "It needs to be a case by case basis, which is why you have pastors and elders and churches and parents when it comes to children who should all be a part of this." [52:30]

• Emphasis on Credible Profession of Faith: He underscores the necessity of a credible and heartfelt profession of faith as a prerequisite for baptism, regardless of age.

5. Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Mohler concludes the episode by reiterating the importance of connecting baptism with the broader context of discipleship and church membership. He remains optimistic about the role of believers in affirming their faith through such ordinances and encourages ongoing dialogue within the Christian community.

"I think it needs to be near proximity between the profession of faith and baptism, not separated from the larger context of discipleship." [58:45]

He also emphasizes the unifying role of Scripture and evangelical tradition in addressing theological questions, fostering a community grounded in shared beliefs and practices.

6. Resources and Further Engagement

For listeners seeking more information or wishing to engage further, Mohler provides several resources:

• Website: albertmohler.com
• Twitter: @AlbertMohler
• Southern Baptist Theological Seminary: spts.edu
• Boyce College: boycecodets.com

Mohler signs off with a blessing, expressing gratitude for his audience and anticipation for future discussions.

Conclusion

In this episode of "The Briefing," Albert Mohler navigates the complexities of media-politician relationships, defends the nuanced role of the press, shares uplifting news, and provides thoughtful, scripturally grounded responses to listener questions. His insights aim to equip Christians to discern and engage with the cultural and spiritual challenges of the day.