The Briefing with Albert Mohler: Episode Summary – June 18, 2025

Hosted by R. Albert Mohler, Jr., "The Briefing" offers daily cultural commentary from a biblical perspective. In the June 18, 2025 episode, Mohler delves into the pervasive use of the term "existential crisis," explores the clash between existentialist philosophy and the Christian worldview, examines cultural and societal implications, and discusses recent international events that highlight these tensions.

I. Introduction to Existential Crises in Contemporary Media

Albert Mohler opens the episode by addressing a pressing concern highlighted in Andrew Hartz's Wall Street Journal article titled "Why is everything an Existential Crisis?" [00:04]. Hartz critiques the overuse of "existential crisis" in media and public discourse, noting its application to diverse issues such as climate change, income inequality, and political instability. Mohler concurs with Hartz's observation, emphasizing that "there's not even a common agreement about what this means" [04:45]. He underscores the semantic confusion between "existential crisis" and "existential threat," pointing out the alarmism that has pervaded since the post-World War II era, including the debunked "population bomb" theory.

II. Existentialism vs. Biblical Worldview

Mohler delves into the philosophical underpinnings of the term "existential crisis," tracing it back to the rise of existentialism in mid-20th century Europe. He highlights key existentialist figures like Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre, explaining Sartre's assertion that "existence precedes essence" [09:15]. This philosophy posits that without God, life lacks inherent meaning, leading individuals to create their own moral frameworks.

Contrasting this, Mohler presents the Christian worldview, asserting that "essence precedes existence,” meaning that God is the creator who infuses existence with purpose and objective morality. He states, "God is the creator who brought the entire cosmos into being... He created us in his image" [16:30]. This foundational difference leads to a fundamental clash between secular existentialism and Christian theology regarding the nature of morality and meaning.

III. Cultural Implications: Morality and Society's Shift

Addressing the cultural ramifications, Mohler discusses how the denial of objective morality has led to what he describes as "a culture of licentiousness" [22:10]. He cites the transformation in societal norms, particularly among the youth and intellectual elites, who increasingly view moral boundaries as constraints on self-expression. Mohler references Francis Schaeffer's critique of Sartre, noting the inherent contradiction in Sartre's denial of objective morality while making moral judgments, such as opposing French imperialism [30:45].

Mohler connects these philosophical shifts to contemporary societal behaviors, observing that "everyone in that society seems to be looking for therapy" [38:20]. He suggests that the reliance on therapeutic solutions reflects deeper existential anxieties rooted in the loss of a divine moral anchor.

IV. Quran Burning in Great Britain: A Case Study in Blasphemy and Hate Speech

Transitioning to a current event, Mohler examines a report from The Economist about the conviction of Hamit Koskun for burning a Quran in London, an act deemed a hate crime [45:00]. He analyzes the incident, highlighting the legal and cultural implications of blasphemy in a secular society. Mohler explains, "most Christians wouldn't think of [burning a Quran] because... out of love of neighbor, we would want to winsomely [share the gospel]" [50:15]. He discusses the transformation of blasphemy laws into broader hate speech regulations, underscoring the persistent underlying belief in divine reverence despite secular legal frameworks.

Mohler cautions that "a secular age doesn't really stop believing in blasphemy" but instead translates sacred offenses into secular terms like hate speech and public disorder [58:05]. He emphasizes the need for vigilance in recognizing how secular societies handle religious desecration.

V. International Relations: Macron's Palestinian State Proposal

Mohler shifts focus to international politics, specifically French President Emmanuel Macron's advocacy for recognizing a Palestinian state [1:05:30]. He critiques the practicality of such a move, arguing that there is no viable Palestinian state due to ongoing internal strife and the influence of groups like Hamas [1:10:25]. Mohler asserts, "without certain fundamentals, you can call something a state, but you can't... make it a workable state" [1:15:40], highlighting the necessity of stability, governance, and unity for statehood.

He also touches on France's significant Muslim population and the resulting social tensions, noting how these factors complicate the establishment of a Palestinian state and reflect broader challenges in international relations [1:20:50].

VI. European Union's Constitutional Challenges and National Identity

Mohler discusses the failed attempt to establish a unified written constitution for Europe, referencing the 2005 French public vote where 55% opposed the proposed constitution [1:25:00]. He explains that the failure was rooted in national identities overpowering the elitist vision of a collective European identity. Mohler draws parallels to biblical notions of nationhood, emphasizing the importance of shared language, culture, and worldview in forming a cohesive society [1:30:15].

He argues that the rejection of a European constitution underscores the enduring significance of national identity, reinforcing his earlier points about the necessity of foundational commonalities for stable governance [1:35:50].

VII. Conclusion: Embracing Biblical Truth Amidst Secular Existentialism

In wrapping up, Mohler reiterates the central theme of leaning into biblical truth to navigate the myriad "existential crises" defining contemporary culture. He encourages listeners to anchor their understanding and responses in the Christian worldview, which provides objective meaning and morality, in contrast to the secular existentialist approach [1:40:00]. Mohler emphasizes that embracing this truth can help individuals and societies avoid the pitfalls of subjective meaning-making and moral relativism.

By addressing the overuse of "existential crisis," dissecting the philosophical divide between existentialism and Christianity, and analyzing current events through a theological lens, Albert Mohler provides a comprehensive examination of the cultural and societal challenges facing believers today. His insights advocate for a return to biblical foundations as the antidote to pervasive secular anxieties.