Albert Mohler Responds to Comments on 'Volatile' Question About 'Dangerous' Evangelicals
Readers have had a lot to say about Albert Mohler Jr.'s latest column, "Are Evangelicals Dangerous?"
In the column, posted on CNN's front page Sunday, the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary detailed how evangelical Christianity has become a hot topic causing much concern in the months leading up to the 2012 primary elections. Mohler addressed the scrutiny and criticism Republican hopefuls such as Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry are facing in the media, with various commentators and writers questioning how these candidates can lead such a diverse country with a conservative "Christian worldview."
Mohler cited one writer who profiled Bachmann for The New Yorker as stating, "Bachmann belongs to a generation of Christian conservatives whose views have been shaped by institutions, tracts, and leaders not commonly known to secular Americans, or even to most Christians."
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"Change just a few strategic words and the same would be true of Barack Obama or any other presidential candidate," responded Mohler. "Every candidate is shaped by influences not known to all and by institutions that other Americans might find strange. What stories like this really show is that the secular elites assume that their own institutions and leaders are normative."
Mohler claimed that evangelicals are dangerous only "to those who want more secular voices to have a virtual monopoly in public life."
The column sparked a lengthy debate from readers on CNN's website.
"Many so-called 'independent' churches promote claims of exclusive or exalted status for themselves and their members, are often preoccupied with bringing in money and new members, discourage and sometimes punish doubt and dissent among members, encourage members to socialize only with church members, and revolve around a charismatic leader that is not accountable to any authority," wrote user Scuromondo. "So what's dangerous about that? It's not like it's the complete definition of a cult or anything."
User Isaac posted, "Where is the tolerance for Christians from liberals? Don't tell me to tolerate sin until you can tolerate my beliefs. Walk the walk."
So many readers commented on the column that Mohler addressed the posts on his website.
"My column at CNN.com, 'Are Evangelicals Dangerous?,' was posted there on Sunday's front page," he said. "By mid-Monday, there were 75 pages of comments at the site. That tells us something about the volatility of the question."
