The Organization of Biblical Women (OBW) —which includes such luminaries as Deborah, Esther, Junia, Mary Magdalene, and Beth Allison Barr—issued a statement this week on the proper, biblical role of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler.
“After a careful review of Dr. Mohler’s behavior and a robust exegesis of relevant scripture using a Christocentric hermeneutic, we have concluded that his utterance of a single additional word in any form or context on any issue would not be honoring to the Lord or in keeping with God’s intended plan for humanity,” the statement reads.
The statement goes on to cite numerous biblical references warning about the words of fools and advising such individuals to remain silent, including Proverbs 17:28, “Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent;” Proverbs 13:3, “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin;” and Proverbs 29:11, “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”
“The Bible is clear,” the statement reads, “Fools are to keep quiet in the church, and probably at all other times, both for their own good and that of the community of faith, because ‘the mouth of a fool brings ruin near’ (Proverbs 10:14). Mr. Mohler’s continued speech is dangerous to the cause of Christ.”
The statement also explains why the OBW has identified Dr. Mohler as a fool, citing his tendency to “despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7);” his inability to listen and understand (Proverbs 12:15); his love of expressing his opinion (Proverbs 18:2); his treatment of wrongdoing, such as the sexual abuse of women and children, like a “joke” (Proverbs 10:23); and of course, the ample evidence that he is “right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 12:15).
“Dr. Mohler’s decision to spend his time and energy policing the behavior of women in his denomination while participating in the ongoing cover up of abuse by male leaders, as well as his strong, political support of a lying, cheating, corrupt, racist authoritarian confirms that he meets the biblical definition of a fool and is therefore subject to scripture’s teachings regarding fools’ role in the church.”
The statement concludes by saying the OBW spent much time in prayer and study over the issue, balancing verses that instruct Christians not to argue with fools with warnings about the damage fools can cause.
“Ultimately, we concluded that admonishing Dr. Mohler and seeking to circumscribe his ability to speak is not the same thing as arguing with him. We will not do that under any circumstances because it would allow him to speak, which is unbiblical. And because, as scripture suggests, we would be better served eating glass.”
When asked for comment on Jesus’ warning against calling anyone a fool (Matthew 5:22), an OBW spokeswoman argued the Greek word for “fool” in that context more closely translates to someone of low intelligence, whereas other passages use a word connoting moral failure.*
“We are not calling Dr. Mohler stupid,” the spokeswoman said, “We are saying he’s a misogynistic hypocrite who needs psychological help. And a vow of silence.”
The OBW also debated advocating for the repeal of fool suffrage, due to the enormous harm foolish voting has caused the country, but in the end, they concluded such a measure would not be politically feasible, as a large percentage of the American public would be affected.
“Mr. Mohler is still free to vote. We just want him to STFU,” said the spokeswoman.
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* I just made that up, but it’s at least as credible as literally anything Al Mohler says.
Holly Berkley Fletcher is an author, historian, and former intelligence analyst. She was raised in Kenya by evangelical missionary parents. She earned a PhD in American history and taught in universities for several years before being hired as an Africa analyst by the Central Intelligence Agency, where she worked for nineteen years. She writes the substack A Zebra Without Stripes, and her most recent book is The Missionary Kids: Unmasking the Myths of White Evangelicalism. She lives in the Washington, DC, area with her husband, two kids, and delinquent rescue dog.