Theologian and cultural commentator Albert Mohler recently addressed the importance of truthfulness and discernment within the Christian community regarding information about the U.S. election. On his podcast *The Briefing*, Mohler emphasized that Christians have a duty to avoid spreading disinformation, which can harm their integrity and Christian witness.
He expressed concern about how misinformation circulating on social media and other platforms could impact the nation and its democratic values, urging listeners to consider the potential effects of sharing unverified information.
Mohler, who is president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, specifically highlighted the risk of disinformation, much of which he believes is strategically designed to destabilize American democracy. While he refrained from blaming either political party, he noted that certain falsehoods are being planted by foreign agents with ulterior motives.
This, he argued, is an issue that transcends political divisions, affecting all citizens and, particularly, people of faith who have a responsibility to act with discernment and care in their public witness.
Social media, Mohler warned, is a major conduit for spreading unreliable news. He pointed out that almost anyone can post or share information online without accountability or fact-checking, making it crucial for individuals to verify information from credible sources before sharing it.
Albert Mohler
He advised his audience to be especially cautious in the current climate, where the stakes are high and misinformation is rampant. Such vigilance, he suggested, is necessary to avoid spreading inaccuracies that could harm society and the credibility of those who disseminate it.
In encouraging a skeptical approach to information sources, Mohler cautioned against automatically trusting mainstream media but advised against using dubious, anonymous sources as well. He argued that reputable sources should have accountability mechanisms, such as the possibility of job loss if they spread misinformation.
Anonymous sources, in particular, lack this accountability, making them unreliable. Mohler’s underlying message was that responsible individuals should only trust information that comes from sources with something meaningful at risk if they are wrong.
Ultimately, Mohler urged Christians to be mindful of their responsibilities as citizens and believers, especially regarding the integrity of the information they consume and share.
He stressed that, given the high stakes of the election and the flood of unverified information, all citizens—but especially Christians—must actively seek and uphold the truth. By doing so, they not only contribute to a more stable society but also protect the integrity of their Christian witness in a time of widespread uncertainty and manipulation.
