Episode 248. Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. – President, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
As President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, (the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention) & 1 of the largest seminaries in the world, Dr. Mohler has been recognized by such influential publications as Time Magazine & Christianity Today as an American evangelical leader.
In fact, Time.com called him the “reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S.”
In addition to his presidential duties, Dr. Mohler hosts 2 programs: “The Briefing” a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview; & “Thinking in Public” a series of conversations with leading thinkers. He also writes a popular blog & a regular commentary on moral, cultural & theological issues coined “An articulate voice for conservative Christianity at large” by The Chicago Tribune. Dr. Mohler’s mission is to address contemporary issues from a consistent & explicit Christian worldview. Dr. Mohler has been quoted in multiple leading. Newspapers such as: The NYTimes, The WSJournal, USA Today, The Washington Post, The Atlanta Journal/Constitution & Dallas Morning News. He has also appeared on such national news programs as CNN’s “Larry King Live” & “AC360,” NBC’s “Today Show” & “Dateline NBC,” ABC’s “Good Morning America,” “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer” on PBS, MSNBC’s “Scarborough Country” & Fox’s “The O’Reilly Factor.” As a theologian & an ordained minister, Dr. Mohler has served as pastor and staff minister of several Southern Baptist churches. He came to the presidency of Southern Seminary from service as editor of The Christian Index, the oldest of the state papers serving the Southern Baptist Convention. A native of Lakeland, Florida, Dr. Mohler was a Faculty Scholar at Florida Atlantic University before receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from Samford University. in Birmingham, AL. He holds a master of divinity degree & Doctorate of Philosophy (in systematic & historical theology) from Southern Seminary. He has pursued additional study at the St. Meinrad School of Theology & has done research at University of Oxford (England).
His writings have been published throughout the U.S. & Europe, & he has received numerous awards & recognition such as:
- the Edwin Meese III Originalism & Religious Liberty Award from the Alliance Defending Freedom (2015)
- Christian Standard Bible award from Lifeway Christian Resources (2017)
- Award for Biblical Counseling Achievement from The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (2015)
- M.E. Dodd Denominational Service Award from Union University (2009)
- Doctor of Laws degree from Bryan College (2016).
He is an author of several books, including:
- We Cannot Be Silent: Speaking truth to a culture redefining sex, marriage, & the very meaning of right & wrong (Thomas Nelson);
- Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles for Leadership That Matters (Bethany House);
- Culture Shift: Engaging Current Issues with Timeless Truth (Multnomah);
- Words From the Fire: Hearing the Voice of God in the Ten Commandments (Moody).
From 1985 to 1993, he served as Associate Editor of Preaching, a journal for evangelical preachers, and is currently editor-in-chief of The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology. He has contributed to over 100 other published works. A leader within the Southern Baptist Convention, In 2000, Dr. Mohler served on a blue-ribbon panel that made recommendations to the Southern Baptist Convention for revisions to the Baptist Faith & Message, the statement of faith most widely held among Southern Baptists. He currently serves as chairman of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Council of Seminary Presidents’.
Dr Mohler has lectured or given addresses at institutions such as:
Columbia University
the University of Virginia
Wheaton College
Samford University
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
University of Richmond
Mercer University
Cedarville University.
Beeson Divinity School
London School of Theology
Reformed Theological Seminary
The Master’s Seminary
Geneva College
Biola University
Covenant Theological Seminary
Cumberland School of Law
Regent University School of Law
Colorado Christian University
Grove City College
Vanderbilt University
and the historic Chautauqua Institution, among many others.
Dr. Mohler is listed in Who’s Who in America & serves on the boards of several organizations including World News Group, & previously served on the board of Focus on the Family. He is a member of the Council for Biblical Manhood & Womanhood, serves as a council member for The Gospel Coalition, & is a teaching fellow for Ligonier Ministries. In addition, he is a co-founder of Together for the Gospel.
Dr. Mohler is married to Mary and they have 2 children, Katie and Christopher. Katie & her husband Riley welcomed children Benjamin in 2015 and Henry in 2018.