Podcast Summary: The Briefing with Albert Mohler
Episode: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Host: R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
Title: American Women are Giving up on Marriage
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Introduction
In the March 26, 2025 episode of The Briefing with Albert Mohler, host R. Albert Mohler, Jr. delves into a pressing societal issue highlighted by a Wall Street Journal headline: "American Women are Giving up on Marriage." Mohler examines this trend through a Christian worldview, exploring its demographic, economic, and cultural implications, and underscores the urgency of addressing what he perceives as a crisis in creation order.
Decline in Marriage Rates Among American Women
Mohler begins by addressing the alarming increase in singlehood among American women aged 18 to 40. Referencing Rachel Wolf's article from the Wall Street Journal, he highlights that the percentage of single women in this age group rose from 41.8% in 2000 to 51.4% in 2023, marking a nearly 10% increase in a relatively short period.
"The closer to creation order, the greater the urgency. Or to put it another way, when you have a crisis in creation order, you have a crisis in every dimension of human life." [02:15]
He emphasizes that this shift is not sensationalism but a significant societal change with deep-rooted consequences.
Demographic and Economic Factors
Mohler explores the underlying demographic shifts contributing to this trend, particularly the growing gender gaps in economic and educational attainment. He notes that while educational attainment among young women has surged—with 47% of American women aged 25 to 34 holding a bachelor's degree compared to 37% of men—the counterpart male demographic is struggling.
"Many young women have no intention of marrying or linking themselves to a man of lesser educational or economic attainment." [15:40]
This educational disparity not only affects economic prospects but also influences marriage decisions, as higher-educated women may find fewer equally matched male partners.
Educational Attainment Disparities
The host underscores the correlation between educational attainment and economic success. Citing a 2024 Georgetown University report, Mohler points out that a bachelor's degree can increase lifetime earnings by approximately $1 million. However, he also notes a significant decline in marriage rates among women without a college degree, which plummeted from 79% to 52% by age 45.
"The mismatch between the expectations and perceived status of a lot of young women in our societies compared to young men... is a major development now." [25:30]
Political Affiliation Differences
Another critical factor discussed is the widening political divide between young men and women. Mohler refers to a 2024 NORC poll indicating that 58% of women aged 18 to 29 view marriage as essential to their American dream, compared to 66% of young men. Additionally, 39% of young women identified as liberal, up from 32% in 2014, while only 29% of young men do so.
"The growing political divide between men and women has compounded the challenges of finding love." [35:10]
He argues that differing political ideologies make it increasingly difficult for young men and women to find compatible partners.
Impact of Dating Apps
Mohler discusses the role of dating apps in exacerbating these issues. Citing economist Melissa Kearney, he explains that dating apps create a sense of endless options, leading individuals to perpetually seek "better" matches rather than committing.
"Dating apps make people feel like there might always be a better option." [40:45]
He connects this phenomenon to the historical transition from arranged marriages to companionate marriages, suggesting that modern technologies have further destabilized traditional marital commitments.
Christian Worldview Interpretation
Shifting to a theological perspective, Mohler asserts that the decline in marriage rates represents a subversion of creation order, which he defines as God’s intended structure for human relationships. He references the biblical mandate for marriage as an ontological fact, emphasizing that marriage is foundational to human flourishing.
"The creation marriage mandate is not some kind of sociological fact, it's a theological fact. It is, to use theological language, an ontological fact." [50:20]
Mohler expresses concern that the abandonment of marriage leads to broader spiritual and moral crises, urging Christians to uphold and honor the institution of marriage.
Conclusions and Call to Action
In his concluding remarks, Mohler calls on Christian parents, leaders, and communities to address the identified challenges. He emphasizes the need to prepare young men for marriage and to confront the moral crises among young women who are increasingly disengaging from marital commitments.
"It is our responsibility, not just our opportunity, it is our responsibility to press against this age and quite honestly, to show the watching world around us what it means to honor marriage." [1:05:10]
He acknowledges the complexity of reversing these societal trends but underscores the critical importance of aligning with creation order to avert what he describes as a "five alarm fire."
Key Takeaways
- Shift in Singlehood: Significant rise in single American women aged 18-40, increasing from 41.8% in 2000 to 51.4% in 2023.
- Educational Disparities: Higher educational attainment among women contrasts with declining marriage rates, especially among less-educated women.
- Political Divide: Widening liberal-conservative gap between young women and men complicates marital compatibility.
- Role of Technology: Dating apps contribute to reluctance in committing by fostering perpetual pursuit of better matches.
- Theological Perspective: Declining marriage rates are seen as a deviation from God’s design, necessitating a Christian response to restore creation order.
- Call to Action: Encourages Christian communities to actively support and model marriage to counteract societal trends.
Notable Quotes
-
Creation Order Urgency:
"The closer to creation order, the greater the urgency." [02:15] -
Educational and Economic Disparity Impact:
"Many young women have no intention of marrying or linking themselves to a man of lesser educational or economic attainment." [15:40] -
Political Divide Complications:
"The growing political divide between men and women has compounded the challenges of finding love." [35:10] -
Dating Apps as a Factor:
"Dating apps make people feel like there might always be a better option." [40:45] -
Theological Foundation of Marriage:
"The creation marriage mandate is not some kind of sociological fact, it's a theological fact. It is, to use theological language, an ontological fact." [50:20] -
Christian Responsibility:
"It is our responsibility, not just our opportunity, it is our responsibility to press against this age and quite honestly, to show the watching world around us what it means to honor marriage." [1:05:10]
Final Thoughts
Albert Mohler's analysis in this episode presents a multifaceted examination of declining marriage rates among American women, intertwining demographic data with theological insights. By framing the issue as a crisis in creation order, Mohler calls for a proactive Christian response to address and reverse these societal shifts. The episode serves as a compelling call to action for Christian communities to uphold marriage as a foundational institution.
For more insights and detailed discussions, listeners are encouraged to visit Albert Mohler's website or follow him on Twitter.