The Briefing with Albert Mohler – Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Host: R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
Title: Cultural Commentary from a Biblical Perspective

1. Introduction to the Legal Battle Over Conversion Therapy

In this episode, Albert Mohler delves into a pivotal Supreme Court case concerning conversion therapy laws affecting minors. He begins by outlining the current legal landscape, highlighting that approximately 20 states, including Colorado and California, have laws prohibiting conversion therapy for individuals under 18.

Albert Mohler [00:04]: "Colorado, California. In total, about 20 states prohibit by law so-called conversion therapy when it comes to minors, those who are 18 and under."

2. The Supreme Court Case: Kaylee Childs vs. Colorado

Mohler discusses the case of Kaylee Childs, a licensed counselor from Colorado, who has appealed the state's ban on conversion therapy, arguing that it infringes upon her free speech and religious liberties.

Albert Mohler [00:25]: "She is arguing that her right to free speech is infringed upon by this law... that is a form of the violation of religious liberty."

The Supreme Court's decision to hear this case underscores its potential to set significant precedents affecting not only Colorado but also other states with similar legislation.

3. Media Framing of Conversion Therapy

Mohler critiques how mainstream media outlets, such as the LA Times and CNN, portray conversion therapy. He points out the language used to describe it as a "discredited practice," emphasizing his belief that this framing is biased and seeks to delegitimize certain therapeutic approaches.

Albert Mohler [01:15]: "So you'll notice the way that is reported by CNN, this is a news report, but it has this editorial statement. It defines conversion therapy as... a discredited practice that attempts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity."

He highlights the contrasting definitions and emphasizes that the media often conflates Christian-based counseling with harmful practices, which he argues is a misrepresentation.

4. Theological Perspective on Conversion Therapy

Mohler offers a comprehensive theological analysis of conversion therapy from a Christian standpoint. He asserts that while some extreme methods historically associated with conversion therapy are unacceptable, the concept aligns with the Christian pursuit of sanctification and holiness.

Albert Mohler [08:45]: "We're talking about conversion because that is at the center of the Christian gospel... we have the indwelling Holy Spirit to aid us in making progress towards sanctification."

He argues that the Supreme Court's scrutiny of conversion therapy laws is not merely a legal issue but a profound infringement on religious liberty, asserting that Christians have the right to offer counsel consistent with their beliefs.

5. The Cultural and Political Divide: Red vs. Blue States

Mohler examines the cultural polarization between states that have enacted conversion therapy bans (often blue states) and those that have not (often red states). He describes this divide as indicative of two distinct moral universes battling over societal norms and values.

Albert Mohler [06:30]: "You're looking at two different worlds, two different moral universes. And about half the states are in one moral universe. The other half the states are in another moral universe."

This division, he suggests, reflects broader conflicts over identity politics and the influence of the sexual revolution on American society.

6. Gender Policy and Its Implications

Shifting focus, Mohler addresses recent developments in gender policy, particularly the implications of executive orders defining gender strictly as male or female. He discusses a case reported by USA Today involving Ashton Orr, whose passport gender designation led to significant personal and bureaucratic challenges.

Albert Mohler [12:20]: "Receiving a passport that misgenders me is not just a clerical error. It's a profound denial of my identity and my existence."

Mohler critiques the concept of "misgendering" and argues that policies enforcing specific gender identities on official documents represent a denial of objective reality, rooted in what he terms "critical theory" and "identity politics."

7. The Christian Response to Identity Politics

Mohler emphasizes that Christians should affirm the inherent dignity of every person while upholding biblical teachings on gender and sexuality. He warns against reducing individuals to identities defined by political correctness, advocating instead for a stance that recognizes both the sinner and the redeemed.

Albert Mohler [18:10]: "We are not denying their existence as people. We're denying their existence, given this claimed identity... we see them as human beings made in the image of God, male or female."

He calls for Christians to engage with individuals struggling with these issues through the transformative power of the gospel, rather than through secular therapy methods he deems ineffective.

8. Conclusion: The Broader Impact of the Supreme Court Decision

Mohler concludes by reiterating the significance of the Supreme Court's decision to hear Kaylee Childs' case, emphasizing its potential to shape the future of religious liberty and therapeutic practices across the nation. He underscores the importance of this case in the ongoing cultural and moral debates surrounding gender identity and sexual orientation.

Albert Mohler [22:50]: "Regardless of how the Supreme Court rules in this case, the ruling is going to have enormous effect and the value of the case as precedent is going to be celebrated by one side and limited by the other side."

Key Takeaways

• Legal Implications: The Supreme Court's involvement signals a critical juncture in the debate over conversion therapy and religious liberty.

• Media Influence: Media representations often frame conversion therapy negatively, which Mohler contends is biased against Christian counseling practices.

• Theological Stance: From a Christian perspective, conversion therapy aligns with the pursuit of sanctification, and restrictions on it infringe upon religious freedoms.

• Cultural Polarization: The divide between red and blue states reflects deeper moral and cultural conflicts over identity politics and societal norms.

• Christian Engagement: Christians are urged to uphold biblical teachings while compassionately engaging with those grappling with gender and sexuality issues.

This episode offers a thorough examination of the intersection between law, media, theology, and cultural politics, providing listeners with a detailed perspective rooted in Christian worldview principles.