The Briefing with Albert Mohler - January 8, 2025

Host: R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
Title: The Briefing with Albert Mohler
Description: Cultural Commentary from a Biblical Perspective
Release Date: January 8, 2025

1. Azerbaijan Airlines Crash: Analyzing the Tragedy

Overview of the Incident

At the outset of the episode, Albert Mohler addresses a tragic event that took place on Christmas Day—a crash involving an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 airliner in Kazakhstan, resulting in the loss of 62 lives and numerous injuries. Despite the aircraft's strong safety record, the crash raised significant concerns due to its timing and location.

Technical and Geopolitical Factors

Mohler delves into the specifics of the flight path, noting that the plane had recently entered Russian airspace before being directed to turn around and ultimately crashing in Kazakhstan. Initial reports suggested a bird strike; however, Mohler questions this explanation, citing the nature of the damage and the improbability of such an event causing the aircraft to crash under the given conditions.

"It is extremely unlikely that birds will hit the side of an airliner in flight. It is almost aerodynamically impossible." ([15:30])

Evidence Pointing to Military Involvement

Mohler discusses evidence suggesting that the crash was not an accident but rather the result of anti-aircraft weaponry, likely from Russian air defenses. Photographic analysis indicated shrapnel consistent with a missile strike, and there were signs that Russian air traffic control had jammed the plane's electronics and GPS systems.

"There is moral responsibility. It's a different responsibility than a deliberate strike, but the end result is the same." ([22:45])

Historical Context and Patterns of Behavior

Drawing parallels to historical events, Mohler references the 1983 downing of Korean Airlines Flight 007 by Soviet air defenses, highlighting a recurring pattern of Russian military incompetence combined with potential malevolent intent. He further connects this incident to the broader geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and separatist movements in Chechnya.

"Incompetence can kill you as fast as malevolence." ([25:10])

2. Geopolitical Implications and Russia’s Response

Russian Leadership's Stance

Mohler critiques Russian President Vladimir Putin's handling of the incident, noting that while Putin issued an apology, he stopped short of admitting direct responsibility. This mirrors past incidents where Russia has avoided accountability, maintaining a facade despite mounting evidence.

"Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, is not likely to admit to military incompetence." ([28:20])

Impact on Azerbaijan-Russia Relations

The fallout from the crash has strained relations between Azerbaijan and Russia. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev publicly condemned Russia, demanding justice and transparency.

"We demand justice. We demand the punishment of the guilty. We demand complete transparency and decent behavior." ([33:15])

Broader Historical Patterns

Mohler ties these events to the historical legacy of the Soviet Union, emphasizing the long-standing tensions and the Russian tendency to dominate and oppress its neighboring states, a pattern that continues to have dire consequences today.

"History comes with consequences. Actions like this come with consequences that can't be understood apart from the history." ([35:50])

3. Domestic Focus: The Freedom from Religion Foundation Controversy

Overview of the Controversy

Shifting focus to domestic issues in the United States, Mohler discusses the dissolution of the Freedom from Religion Foundation's Honorary Board following disagreements over transgender issues. This event saw prominent atheist figures like Richard Dawkins, Jerry Coyne, and Steven Pinker resign in protest.

"Richard Dawkins and Steven Pinker resigned from the board in response to an article that had been put up and then withdrawn." ([40:05])

Details of the Dispute

The root of the controversy was an article by Jerry Coyne arguing that sex is predominantly binary and suggesting that transgender women are more likely to be sexual predators. The publication and subsequent removal of this article triggered backlash from prominent atheists who disagreed with the Foundation's handling of the issue.

"Jerry Coyne's article entitled 'Biology is Not Bigotry' was taken down, leading to the resignations." ([42:30])

Implications for the Atheist Movement

Mohler explores the tension within the atheist community between upholding scientific objectivity and navigating the evolving discourse on gender identity. He highlights how biological scientists within the movement are finding common ground with conservative evangelical Christians on the issue of gender, despite differing foundational beliefs.

"An atheist, evolutionist, and conservative evangelical Christians who stand absolutely in agreement." ([50:15])

4. Case Study: Transgender Policies in Washington State Prisons

Unprecedented Actions and Outcomes

Mohler cites a case from Washington State where a transgender woman was placed in a women's prison, only for the arrangement to falter due to biological realities, leading to the reclassification of the individual back to a men's prison. This incident underscores the complexities and challenges of reconciling biological science with gender identity policies.

"Biology is going to win over ideology eventually." ([55:40])

Critique of Progressive Policies

He uses this case to critique the broader "gender revolution," arguing that ideological movements often clash with biological truths, resulting in ineffective or counterproductive policies.

"Biology is not bigotry. To that we can only say amen." ([58:25])

5. Worldview Insights and Moral Reflections

Intersection of Incompetence and Malevolence

Mohler reflects on how the incidents discussed illustrate a blend of incompetence and malevolence, both of which have profound moral implications. He emphasizes that while incompetence may lack intent, its consequences can be as dire as intentional acts of evil.

"In a closed society, there is simply the conspiracy of a lie. And that lie can often just be covering incompetence." ([62:50])

The Role of Open Societies in Revealing Truth

He invokes Karl Popper's concept of the open society, arguing that openness and transparency are crucial in uncovering the truth, especially in cases of governmental or military misconduct. The availability of information through modern technology ensures that such incidents cannot remain hidden indefinitely.

"In an open society, it is not assured that the truth will eventually be known. It is just by a quantum factor, far more likely than in an open society, the truth is going to be known." ([68:10])

Convergence of Secular and Theistic Perspectives

Mohler concludes by noting the surprising alignment between secular atheists and conservative Christians on certain issues, such as the primacy of biological sex. He underscores the importance of objective truth over ideological conformity.

"Biology is not bigotry. To that we can only say amen." ([75:05])

Conclusion

Albert Mohler's episode on January 8, 2025, offers a profound analysis of both international and domestic events through a Christian worldview. By dissecting the Azerbaijan Airlines crash and the internal conflicts within the atheist movement, Mohler highlights the pervasive issues of incompetence, malevolence, and the struggle between ideology and objective truth. His reflections serve as a call for transparency, moral responsibility, and the recognition of objective realities in shaping a just and open society.

For more insights and detailed discussions, visit AlbertMohler.com or follow him on Twitter.