[imardmd1]

Thanks for this excellent insight on the Bishop of Hippo! My Dad, a
Methodist minister of some 65 years, brought this to my attention in the
1980s as we were traveling together. What enters my mind as I read again
your treatment is the first verse of the simple but powerful hymn
"The Solid Rock" by Edward Mote (ca.1834):

The Solid Rock

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I cannot trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ, The Solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

[MamaB]

Grew up singing that song. Love it. Thanks.

[Springfield Reformer]

Thanks for this excellent insight on the Bishop of Hippo!

My pleasure. Though as you can see from recent activity it wouldn't matter to some if Augustine and other like-minded early interpreters of Scripture all rose from the dead and started posting here 24/7 that Christ is the Rock. The narrative must survive the onslaught of reality no matter what the cost. Truly amazing.

And that hymn was one of my mother's favorites. I know it well, and sing it with relish, such as my voice is. :(

And somewhere back in the family tree I have a circuit riding Methodist preacher. Hard days, but good times.

Peace,

SR