Charles Hawkins

Augustine’s City of God was a theological response to one of the greatest existential crises of his time: the fall of Rome. It served as a profound reminder that no earthly power, no matter how seemingly invincible, can claim the permanence and sovereignty that belong solely to God’s kingdom. In 2024, as the United States faces its own challenges of societal division, institutional fragility, and widespread uncertainty, Augustine’s insights remain remarkably relevant, offering a theological lens through which to navigate these times. At the heart of Augustine’s vision is the distinction between the civitas terrena (earthly city) and the civitas Dei (City of God). This distinction is not a rejection of earthly life or its responsibilities but a reorientation of priorities. Augustine challenges us to recognize that our ultimate allegiance lies not with political systems, cultural ideologies, or national identities but with the eternal reign of God. This reframing is as urgent now as it w...

 Reinhold Niebuhr’s Serenity Prayer seems particularly apt this time of year--Advent.  It can be a lens through which we can reflect on Elvis Costello’s “Waiting for the End of the World."  :-) “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.” The prayer’s call for serenity echoes our hope that God will not abandon us. When the unthinkable happens—be it the destruction of Jerusalem or some more contemporary catastrophe—we face realities beyond our control. Accepting these things does not have to be merely resignation; it’s a profound trust in God’s redemptive work, even amid chaos. Elvis Costello’s song captures the unease of waiting and uncertainty. The characters grapple with fear and the absurdity of the unknown. Serenity feels elusive when foundations are shaken. Yet, Advent reminds us that we can find peace even in turmoil by trusting in God’s presence. Courage: Taking Responsibil...

Many St. John, Ocean Springs parishioners have seen Bonhoeffer's recently released biopic.  In 2016, we formed a "Bonhoeffer Reading Group."  For several months, we read Bonhoeffer together.  Many of the participants in that group have seen the new film.  Subsequently, I am frequently asked about the story's reliability as told in the new movie.   Eberhard Bethge’s Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Biography remains, in many respects, the definitive theological biography of Bonhoeffer. Written in 1967, Bethge aimed to rehabilitate Bonhoeffer’s image in the English-speaking world, where his reputation suffered after World War II. In both America and England, Bonhoeffer was paradoxically dismissed as both a Nazi who served in the German military and a traitorous conspirator in the plot to assassinate a legitimately elected leader. Bethge’s exhaustive account of Bonhoeffer’s theological formation and trajectory continues to offer nuanced and insightful readings shaped by Bet...

Reinhold Niebuhr critically engages with the concept of "American exceptionalism," particularly in The Irony of American History (1952), offering a critique of the notion that the United States is a uniquely virtuous or divinely chosen nation. Niebuhr’s perspective is profoundly theological and ethical, rooted in his understanding of human sin, pride, and the complexities of history. He sees exceptionalism as a dangerous form of hubris that blinds the nation to its moral ambiguities and the unintended consequences of its actions, often leading to ironic outcomes that betray its ideals. American exceptionalism is the belief that the United States occupies a unique role in history, marked by: • Moral Superiority: The idea that America uniquely embodies ideals of freedom, democracy, and justice. • Providential Mission: The belief that the nation is divinely appointed to lead humanity toward progress and enlightenment. • Global Responsibility: A sense of obligation to...

Pondering 2 Samuel 23:1-7, what are traditionally described as the “last words of David”—a poetic meditation on righteous leadership and the enduring covenant between David’s lineage and the Divine. This passage holds significant literary, theological, and historical value, offering us deep insights into the ideals of kingship and the theological perspectives of ancient Israel. While these words are attributed to King David, modern scholarship suggests that they were likely composed or edited by later writers during the exilic or post-exilic period, between the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. The Books of Samuel were compiled from diverse sources—royal annals, prophetic records, and oral traditions. It’s possible that this section was added to emphasize the legitimacy of the Davidic dynasty and its covenant with the Divine, particularly during times of national crisis or restoration. The passage itself is poetic in form, resembling a psalm or an oracle, and is part of an appendix to the mai...

The story of Rome’s rise and fall is often a cautionary tale about the transient nature of human power. For centuries, Rome symbolized strength, innovation, and cultural sophistication. Its vast empire seemed unshakable. Yet its eventual collapse revealed the frailty of even the mightiest human institutions. Augustine, writing in the shadow of Rome’s decline, reminded Christians that the “eternal city” was never truly eternal. Despite its grandeur, Rome was part of the earthly city, inherently subject to corruption, decay, and eventual failure. Its fall exposed the futility of placing ultimate hope in political or military power. Augustine contrasted Rome with the City of God, a city built not on ambition or conquest but on the eternal foundation of God’s justice and love. Unlike earthly cities, vulnerable to internal decay and external assault, the City of God is unshakable. It does not rely on the fleeting structures of human governance or culture but on the steadfast promises of God...