Mohler, atheist debate faith’s contribution to society

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)--Though the Christian church has evidenced shortcomings in every era of its history, Christians have done much more good than harm in Western society, R. Albert Mohler Jr. said Feb. 20 in the first online panelist chat on a faith-oriented website sponsored by The Washington Post and Newsweek magazine.

“The modern concerns for human rights, the rights of women, and the protection of the vulnerable have been driven by Christian concerns and the belief that every individual, male or female, is created in God’s image,” said Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. “This is a far more substantial basis for human rights than secular theory.”

Participating in the chat with Mohler was author and atheist Susan Jacoby, whose latest book is “Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism.” The chat occurred in conjunction with “On Faith,” a website where 60-plus panelists -- including Mohler and Jacoby -- post responses to religious questions at least once a week. The website is hosted by Newsweek managing editor Jon Meacham and Washington Post writer Sally Quinn.

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