Thursday, May 7, 2026

In this episode of The Briefing, Albert Mohler analyzes a groundbreaking report from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research indicating that in-person church attendance in the United States has increased for the first time in decades, reversing a long-term trend of secularization. Mohler highlights the significance of this shift, noting that even seasoned sociologist Scott Thuma stated he had never witnessed such a reversal in his career. He contrasts this U.S. trend with the deep secularization seen in Europe and increasingly in Canada, emphasizing the cultural and theological implications of sustained religious vitality in America. Mohler also reflects on the broader media landscape, tracing the transformative impact of Ted Turner’s launch of CNN in 1980, which revolutionized 24-hour news and reshaped American culture. He connects this media evolution to the current cultural divide, using the 2026 Met Gala as a case study in elite-driven, performative culture—ostentatious, politically charged, and disconnected from mainstream America. The episode concludes with a call to Christians to steward the current cultural opportunity with wisdom and gospel fidelity.