Though much of the Bible is clear, Mohler said that the proper application of its truths requires careful thought and rigorous study. For example, Christians are called to engage the marketplace of ideas and the political world with biblical truth, but must do so with utmost thought and care, Mohler said.

"I will acknowledge when it comes to many issues of public policy, taking the words of Jesus on economics or justice [for example], these require a great deal of thought," Mohler said.

"Nonetheless, I don't think Jesus was intending to be ambiguous; I think He was intending for His disciples to have to wrestle with some of these issues in a responsible way."

Through his new book, Mohler said he is hoping to encourage Christians faithfully to apply God's Word to every area of their lives.

"I am speaking to Christians who feel an obligation to the Bible as the Word of God, who understand that this is how God has spoken to us, that the one true and living God has informed us concerning Himself and all things needful for our lives in the Bible," he said.

"I assume first of all that Bible is, as it declares itself to be, living and active -- it is not a dead word. I believe the preacher's responsibility first of all is to give the church this Word, to inform Christians of this Word, to teach and to preach this Word.

"I think we do have a public responsibility. That's why I write and speak in public; that's why I speak in the media and elsewhere -- in order to say that this is a Word not only for Christians, but it is also a message for all people."

Jeff Robinson is a writer for Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. The complete NewsHour interview with Mohler is available in audio format at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/religion/july-dec07/bible_12-26.html
© Copyright 2007 Baptist Press. Used with permission.