The Briefing with Albert Mohler – Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Host: R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
Podcast Title: The Briefing with Albert Mohler
Description: Cultural Commentary from a Biblical Perspective

1. Introduction and Joe Biden’s Health

Albert Mohler opens the episode by addressing recent news regarding former President Joe Biden's health.

• Quote [00:04]: "The former president has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which has advanced and has metastasized to his bones. Clearly, this is an issue of personal emergency and of great consequence when it comes to the former president."

Mohler emphasizes the importance of prayers for Biden and his family, highlighting the personal and national significance of Biden’s health situation.

2. The Failure of Travel to Foster Global Unity

Mohler delves into a critical analysis of global travel and its inability to achieve the long-sought cosmopolitan peace.

• Quote [00:25]: "Janan Ganesh writing for the Financial Times of London asks a question, why travel didn't bring the world together?"

He references Janan Ganesh’s article, which questions why increased global travel hasn’t led to greater international harmony. Mohler contrasts this with the Enlightenment-era optimism, particularly the philosophies of Immanuel Kant, who envisioned a universal peace through rational cooperation among nations.

• Quote [02:00]: "Mark Zuckerberg's belief that online contact would bring the world closer together... it feels rude or almost transgressive, he writes, to point out that travel has also flopped as a uniter of the species in Europe."

Mohler criticizes the modern reliance on social media as a tool for global unity, arguing that it has, in some cases, exacerbated divisions rather than bridging them.

3. Historical Perspectives on Peace and Conflict

Exploring historical viewpoints, Mohler discusses the cyclical nature of war and peace.

• Quote [03:45]: "It's peace interrupted by war, or is it war interrupted by occasional peace?"

He reflects on the persistent state of conflict in the world, asserting that true peace, from a Christian perspective, can only be achieved through the return of Christ, the Prince of Peace.

4. Social Media’s Impact on Cosmopolitanism

The discussion shifts to the role of technology and social media in shaping global relations.

• Quote [04:30]: "Social media could be even more dangerous than profitable when it comes to thinking about cosmopolitan peace."

Mohler contends that platforms like social media have not fulfilled their promise of fostering understanding and peace, often leading to greater polarization instead.

5. The Illusion of a Rules-Based World Order

Mohler critiques the contemporary reliance on international institutions to maintain global peace.

• Quote [10:15]: "We don't believe that human beings, left to our own devices, can come up with a rules based order that is going to be righteous and just."

He traces the origins of the rules-based world order back to the Enlightenment and the League of Nations, highlighting the inherent flaws and the United States' reluctance to fully commit to such an order.

6. Washington Post’s Editorial on Haiti and US Responsibility

Analyzing current events, Mohler examines the Washington Post’s stance on Haiti’s crisis.

• Quote [15:50]: "The editorial board of the Washington Post is saying to the United States, it is our responsibility to do something."

He discusses the chaos in Haiti, the ineffectiveness of international interventions, and the deeper societal issues stemming from a lack of foundational order.

7. Theological Insights on Society and Order

Mohler integrates theological perspectives to explain societal collapse and the necessity of order.

• Quote [20:30]: "In a biblical Christian worldview, we understand there are some preconditions necessary for the emergence of a workable society."

He emphasizes that societal order is rooted in biblical truths and moral realities established by God, contrasting this with secular attempts at creating order through treaties and international laws.

8. Comparative Analysis: Haiti vs. Dominican Republic

A comparative look at Haiti and its neighbor, the Dominican Republic, illustrates the impact of cultural and theological differences.

• Quote [22:10]: "The French understanding of Catholicism as represented in Haiti was far more open to syncretism than to Spain's Catholicism."

Mohler explains how differing religious and cultural influences have shaped the societal structures of these two nations, contributing to Haiti's struggles with order and governance.

9. Switzerland’s Role in Global Peace

Drawing attention to his location, Mohler reflects on Switzerland’s unique position in maintaining peace.

• Quote [29:00]: "Swiss Confederation and of Switzerland... Peace is not the universal condition, peace is an achievement."

He uses Switzerland as an example of a nation that maintains peace not through universal harmony but through strategic neutrality and strong defense.

10. Conclusion: The Importance of Foundational Order

Albert Mohler concludes by reiterating the necessity of addressing foundational societal structures to achieve meaningful peace and order.

• Quote [35:45]: "We can only be competent in dealing with things international if we deal rightly with things most basic."

He underscores that without a solid foundation grounded in biblical principles and moral truths, efforts to create global peace will remain ineffective.

Key Takeaways

• Health of Leaders: The personal health of influential figures like Joe Biden has significant national and global implications.

• Travel and Global Unity: Increased global travel and engagement have not resulted in the anticipated cosmopolitan peace, challenging Enlightenment ideals.

• Limitations of Social Media: Modern technology, particularly social media, has fallen short in fostering global understanding and may worsen societal divisions.

• Critique of International Institutions: Reliance on a rules-based world order is scrutinized, with an emphasis on its inherent instability and incomplete application by major powers like the United States.

• Societal Order from a Theological Perspective: A functioning society requires foundational moral truths and order, as outlined in the biblical worldview, which secular approaches fail to establish uniformly.

• Case Study – Haiti: The chaos in Haiti highlights the failure of international interventions and underscores the necessity of preconditions for societal stability.

• Role of Foundational Structures: Addressing and reinforcing basic societal structures rooted in moral and biblical principles is essential for achieving lasting peace and order.

For more insights and updates, visit Albert Mohler’s Website or follow him on Twitter. For information on the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to SPTS Eduardo, and for Boyce College, visit boycecollege.com.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and theological perspectives presented by Albert Mohler in the May 20, 2025 episode of "The Briefing." Notable quotes are included with accurate timestamps to guide listeners to specific sections of the conversation.