The Briefing with Albert Mohler, Jr.

Episode: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Main Theme: Cultural analysis of major news events from a Christian worldview, focusing on the recent mass shooting in Minneapolis and the complexities of journalism amid the war in Gaza.

Overview

In this episode, Albert Mohler addresses two primary stories:

1. The mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and Church in Minneapolis.
2. The controversy around Israel’s restrictions on journalism in Gaza and questions surrounding the definition of "journalist" in conflict zones.

Mohler applies a biblical and theological perspective to both topics, considering the nature of evil, media responsibility, and the importance of critical discernment for Christians engaging with current events.

1. Mass Shooting at Annunciation Catholic School & Church (00:00–25:00)

Key Discussion Points

• Event Recap:

  • A mass shooting resulted in the deaths of two elementary children and three adults, with 18 others wounded.
  • The shooter targeted the church during a Mass marking the start of the school year.

• Shooter's Identity and Media Confusion:

  • The shooter, biologically male, had changed his name from Robert to Robin, embracing a transgender identity with his mother’s help.
  • Media confusion over pronouns reflected broader societal debates about gender identity.
  • Mohler emphasizes using "Robert" and male pronouns to avoid participating in "confusion" over identity.

• Premeditation and Motive:

  • The crime was thoroughly planned, with the perpetrator having prior connections to the school and church.
  • Law enforcement revealed that the shooter had engaged in fantasies about mass shootings targeting children.
  • The desire for notoriety and publicity among such perpetrators is a recurring pattern, amplified by internet communities glorifying violence.
  • Quote:

    “There is so much darkness in some human hearts. … In biblical terms, [some people] simply give themselves over to sin. They dive into sin, they give themselves to sin.” (01:30)

• Internet’s Role:

  • Online communities have created spaces for troubled young men to share violent fantasies and gain recognition.
  • Investigators find that many shooters are not on watch lists but are radicalized in obscure online circles.

• Biblical Worldview on Evil:

  • Christian theology affirms the reality of evil and human moral accountability; only God fully comprehends the darkness of the human heart.
  • Mohler cites Romans 1, emphasizing that turning away from God leads to being given over to sin.
  • Quote:

    “You are what you glorify as sin.” (09:45)

• Response to Suffering:

  • While rare, such violence is becoming less rare due to societal shifts.
  • Political responses have included statements emphasizing "action, not platitudes of prayer." Mohler argues for the power and necessity of prayer and action.
  • Quote:

    “Prayer is the most profoundly powerful thing we can do, not in the [absence] or in contrast to action.” (15:10)

• Gun Laws:

  • Mohler notes that the area already has restrictive gun laws, yet the tragedy was not prevented, illustrating the complexity of solutions.
  • He contends there are no easy political fixes to the moral depth of such evil.

• Transgender Identity and Mental Health:

  • Debate emerged over whether the shooter’s transgender identity was relevant. Mohler insists the identity is "a signal" of deep personal issues.
  • Quote:

    “That transgender identity is a signal. This is a very deep problem. … It’s a basic problem of the understanding and acceptance of the self and of God’s design.” (20:50)

• Media Narratives:

  • Critiques media outlets for inconsistent use of pronouns and narrative framing that avoids deeper questions of evil and identity.
  • Notes a New York Times headline:

    “What motivated the Minneapolis church shooter? … We may never know.”
    Mohler argues that while the depth of evil can’t be fully understood, God’s justice is perfect and sufficient. (25:30)

  • Expresses sympathy for the victims and reiterates the imperative for Christian prayer.

2. Israel, Gaza, and the Definition of Journalism (25:30–49:00)

Key Discussion Points

• NYT Editorial on Israel's Media Ban:

  • The New York Times editorial board condemned Israel’s restrictions on media in Gaza, particularly after a strike that killed several journalists.
  • The editorial cited 200 journalists killed among ~63,000 deaths since the war began.

• Who Is a Journalist?

  • Mohler problematizes the modern definition of "journalist," noting the democratization (and destabilization) enabled by technology:

    “Just about anyone with a smartphone can consider and call himself … a journalist.” (34:00)

  • Further compares the credentialing of journalism to professions like law and medicine, underscoring the lack of clear standards and the risk of camouflage and propaganda.

• Moral Critique of the Media’s Use of "Journalist":

  • Mohler, referencing a Wall Street Journal piece by James Kirchik, delineates that many in Gaza labeled as journalists are directly affiliated with, or permitted by, terrorist organizations like Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
    • Cites that half of those killed and labeled journalists in Gaza work for media outlets owned or controlled by terrorist groups.

• Al Jazeera and Propaganda:

  • Al Jazeera, discussing its close ties to Qatar and, by extension, Hamas, is cited as an example of a media enterprise intertwined with political interests.
  • Mohler agrees nations (including Israel) have moral responsibility even during war, but insists the Western media misleads the public by conflating activists, propagandists, and journalists.

• War, Reporting, and Moral Scrutiny:

  • Supports Israel’s efforts to defeat Hamas, while also affirming the need for moral review of all military actions.
  • Notes the especially difficult press environment in Gaza due to tight territory and terrorist control.

• Media Destabilization—Pros and Cons:

  • Recognizes the benefit of media decentralization—it has ended the liberal “stranglehold” on public discourse and improved accountability.
  • Warns, however, that information overload and lack of standards mean authoritative reporting can be drowned out.

    “Whether you’re holding a print newspaper in your hand … or getting your news from online sources, … there is something still to the fact that you have massive news organizations that do follow some kind of professional standards.” (45:30)

  • Urges Christians to seek out balanced facts with discernment, acknowledging this is challenging but vital.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Sin and Evil:

  “There is so much darkness in some human hearts. … In biblical terms, [some people] simply give themselves over to sin.” (01:30)

• On Prayer and Action:

  “Prayer is the most profoundly powerful thing we can do, not in the [absence] or in contrast to action.” (15:10)

• On Transgender Identity in Tragedy:

  “That transgender identity is a signal. This is a very deep problem. … It’s a basic problem of the understanding and acceptance of the self and of God’s design.” (20:50)

• On Journalistic Standards:

  “Just about anyone with a smartphone can consider and call himself … a journalist.” (34:00)

• On Media and Facts:

  “There is something still to the fact that you have massive news organizations that do follow some kind of professional standards.” (45:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Mass Shooting and Analysis: 00:00–25:00
• Prayer vs. Political Action: 15:00–17:00
• Media Coverage and Identity Politics: 18:30–23:00
• Biblical Reflection on Evil: 09:00–12:00
• NYT Editorial/Journalism in Gaza: 25:30–37:00
• James Kirchik WSJ Piece on "Who is a Journalist in Gaza?": 37:00–42:00
• Dangers and Gains in Modern Media: 43:00–49:00

Conclusion

Albert Mohler uses two unfolding news stories—the Minneapolis school shooting and the Gaza war media controversy—as case studies to urge Christians to approach headlines with both biblical discernment and personal engagement, recognizing the limitations of secular, politicized narratives. He emphasizes prayer, moral responsibility, and the pursuit of truth amid confusion, concluding with a call for Christian vigilance in media consumption.