The Briefing with Albert Mohler

Episode Summary – September 11, 2025

Overview:

In this somber and reflective episode, Albert Mohler offers cultural commentary from a Christian perspective on two deeply traumatic events: the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the campus of Utah Valley University. Mohler explores the profound moral, political, and cultural questions these tragedies raise, especially regarding the nature of good and evil, the demand for justice, and the responsibilities society and Christians bear during such pivotal moments.

Key Discussion Points

1. Generational Tragedies and National Memory

• Mohler frames the episode by recalling key historic tragedies that shaped American generations: Pearl Harbor, high-profile assassinations in the 1960s, and September 11, 2001.
• He underlines the enduring impact such events have, especially on those who were young at the time.
• Quote:
  • “In every generation, there are historic moments that are never forgotten.” (00:24)

2. Assassination of Charlie Kirk

Details of the Assassination

• Mohler recounts the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk (age 31) at Utah Valley University, emphasizing Kirk’s role as a convictional conservative and a provocateur who deeply engaged with young people.
• Observes that the attack was executed with “the skill of a sniper” from at least 200 yards, in front of a large crowd, and was captured on video.
• The event is described as a form of “political assassination” rather than mere murder, as it clearly sent a political message.
• Quote:
  • “A part of our biblical worldview, is that we must call things what they are. …this was a very young man with a young wife and two very young children. The wife now a widow, the children now fatherless.” (03:29)

Charlie Kirk’s Impact and Evolution

• Mohler reflects on Kirk’s early rise as a conservative activist, his founding of Turning Point USA at age 18, and his unique ability to reach young men.
• Traces Kirk’s personal journey from secular, libertarian conservatism to a Christian, theistic conservatism, which Mohler calls a “blessed discontinuity.”
• Quote:
  • “He wasn't a poser. That is to say, he wasn't conveniently conservative.” (12:28)
  • “Charlie Kirk, as a very young conservative, was really not a Christian conservative. …The Charlie Kirk who emerged in just a few years was a Charlie Kirk who openly identified with Christianity.” (08:38)

Political and Cultural Response

• Mohler analyzes political and media reactions, noting calls for justice and the significance of language (murder vs. assassination).
• Cites Utah Governor Spencer Cox’s statement labeling the act as an “assassination” and agrees with this assessment.
• Notes a generally unified condemnation of the violence across political lines, though some ill-timed or insensitive comments surfaced and were swiftly rebuked, notably by the Washington Post editorial board criticizing Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.
• Quote:
  • “Assassination implies all that intentionality, but adds to it a public significance. ...this act of murder was anything other than one intended to send a political message, and it was an assassination.” (20:19)

3. The Enduring Tragedy of September 11, 2001

• Provides a concise yet poignant summary of the 9/11 attacks, their coordinated nature, devastation, and death toll (2,977 lives lost).
• Discusses the aim of al Qaeda to “humiliate the United States” and the failure of that aim, as American resolve only deepened.
• Anticipates the cultural reflection that will come with the 25th anniversary in 2026.

4. Moral Language, Relativism, and Justice

• Mohler underscores the inability of a secular, relativist society to adequately process or condemn such atrocities as 9/11 or Kirk’s assassination.
• Insists that such events reveal objective moral evil and call forth the need for justice. Moral relativism is declared “dead” in the face of these tragedies.
• Quote:
  • “Moral relativism died in the falling of the World Trade Centers. …Moral relativism died yesterday there on that university campus in Utah.” (42:24)
• Argues that the hunger for justice is rooted in human nature, as people created in God's image.
• Recognizes the Christian conviction that perfect justice will only be realized in the final judgment, but insists that society must pursue “maximum justice achievable” in this life.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “As conservatives, one of the things we need to think about is the fact that there is a moral message in the midst of all of this that comes with a political dimension.” (23:25)
• “No one can look at those events and say those are interesting events. No one can look at that and say they are merely historic events. You have to …say, that is evil.” (44:18)
• “Justice cries out for satisfaction. And it is good for us to remember that as moral creatures, we are so because we are created in God's image.” (46:16)
• “It is also true, as affirmed by the Christian biblical worldview, that there is no full satisfaction of justice, no full achievement of justice in this life…” (48:34)

Important Timestamps

• 00:24 – Framing generational tragedies and memories
• 03:29 – News of Charlie Kirk's assassination, immediate reactions
• 08:38 – Evolution of Kirk’s worldview and faith
• 12:28 – Kirk’s authenticity and impact on young men
• 20:19 – The meaning of “assassination” and its public message
• 23:25 – Moral clarity and the expectations of both political sides
• 28:51 – Call for justice and moral responsibility
• 33:13 – Recalling the events of September 11, 2001
• 42:24 – Critique of moral relativism; affirmation of objective moral truth
• 46:16 – The human hunger for justice as evidence of being made in God's image
• 48:34 – Christian teaching on ultimate justice and the importance of earthly justice

Tone & Final Thoughts

Mohler’s tone is sober and deeply earnest, urging listeners—especially Christians—to respond with clarity, compassion, and moral seriousness. He calls for prayer for Charlie Kirk’s widow and children and emphasizes the lasting importance these tragedies have not just for the culture at large, but especially for young people who look to figures like Kirk for guidance.

The episode ends with a powerful reminder of the Christian duty to seek justice, pray for the afflicted, and remain steadfast in the pursuit of truth, lest society lose its moral compass entirely.

For further information or analysis, listeners are encouraged to visit Albert Mohler’s website and related resources, as referenced at the end of the episode.