CNN’s Belief Blog published a story concerning R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and his comments on Twitter about New York congressman Anthony Weiner.
The article, “Top evangelical to Anthony Weiner: Try Jesus,” records Mohler’s tweet: “Dear Congressman Weiner: There is no effective ‘treatment’ for sin. Only atonement, found only in Jesus Christ.”
Noting that Mohler made no statement about Weiner’s Jewish background, the article also mentions his blog post responding to the controversy, “Theology, Therapy, Twitter, and the Scandal of the Gospel.” Mohler writes the following:
As far as I know, Rep. Weiner is not among my “followers” on Twitter. I did not assume that he was reading my posting. My message was mostly directed at my fellow Christians as a reminder of this very concern – that the American impulse is to seek treatment when our real need is for redemption.
Also, as quoted in the CNN article, Mohler states that Weiner’s problem stems from his being a sinner, not Judaism. He writes:
I never mentioned Judaism. Rep. Weiner’s problem has to do with the fact that he is a sinner, like every other human being, regardless of religious faith or affiliation. Christians – at least those who hold to biblical and orthodox Christianity – believe that salvation is found through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and in him alone.
Finally, after acknowledging some of the debate that took place over Twitter, Mohler speaks of the controversy as a sign of the politically incorrect nature of biblical Christianity.
The exchange on Twitter is another sign of how politically incorrect biblical Christianity is becoming in our times. Christians do understand that non-Christians disagree with the Gospel. We also understand that other religions claim “routes to restoring righteousness.” But biblical Christians cannot accept that these “routes” lead to redemption, and the only righteousness that saves – the righteousness of Christ imputed to the believer, who is justified by faith in Christ alone.
UPDATE: In addition to the attention Mohler’s comments received at CNN’s Belief Blog, USA Today’s Faith & Reason blog provides coverage and commentary in the post, “Baptist leader stands by ‘Christian love’ for Weiner.”