A Review And Application Of Albert Mohler’s "We Cannot Be Silent" -- By: Kathryn Wright

Journal: Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society
Volume: JOTGES 30:58 (Spring 2017)
Article: A Review And Application Of Albert Mohler’s "We Cannot Be Silent"
Author: Kathryn Wright


A Review And Application Of Albert Mohler’s We Cannot Be Silent

Kathryn Wright

Columbia, SC

I. Introduction

Albert Mohler, the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, recently wrote We Cannot Be Silent, which addresses many contemporary issues such as the sexual revolution.1

The main point of discussion is the acceptance of homosexual marriage, but Mohler also sees other aspects of this revolution in issues like the acceptance of transgenderism. For JOTGES readers, it is of interest that Mohler does not see this revolution in solely cultural terms. He holds that it also involves the gospel.2 He feels that we cannot be silent on these cultural issues because if we do not speak rightly about sin and its consequences, we cannot evangelize people effectively (p. xvii). This naturally leads to an evaluation of what the saving message is. In addition, it is a reminder that how one defines the gospel influences how he sees the culture at large and how to respond to that culture.

In this review I will address these issues and discuss certain applications of what Mohler says. In the book, there are a number of things conservative Evangelicals, including Free Grace adherents, will agree with. However, there are things where that is not the case.

II. Positive Contributions

Mohler makes many statements which almost all conservative Christians will agree with. It is obvious that in our culture we are facing a redefinition of marriage and the traditional family. Mohler says that the changes are not like anything the Church has ever confronted.

A. Scripture Is The Authoritative Word Of God

It is clear that Mohler holds a very high view of Scripture. He tries to support what he writes with the Bible. Christians must view marriage, gender, and sexual relationships based upon what God has revealed in the Bible. He bases his views of these things upon Genesis 1–2 (pp. 102–103). Both Scripture and natural law show the error of homosexual marriage, as Romans 1 indicates. However, Scripture take precedence (pp. 101–15).

He points out that our culture is now one in which anybody who believes that God has revealed moral truth is an “intellectual outlaw” (p. 6). When it comes to homosexuality and transgender issues, even if our brains are wired differently than our bodies, this does not justify sinful activities such as sex change o...

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