Eric Metaxas and Josh Hawley Bring Socrates in the City to Palm Beach Atlantic University

Palm Beach Atlantic University recently welcomed best selling author and commentator Eric Metaxas, along with U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, as part of Metaxas Socrates in the City series, an event designed to explore life’s deepest questions through the lens of faith, philosophy and culture.

The university’s Advancement team invited Metaxas to speak at the DeSantis Family Chapel, recognizing his influence in Christian intellectual circles and his past connection to PBA, where he delivered the 2019 commencement address.

While many expected the evening to center around Metaxas's perspectives, much of the discussion focused on Hawley and his book, “Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs.” The conversation emphasized the decline of masculinity in modern society and the biblical call for men to be strong leaders, good husbands, and devoted fathers.

In his book, Hawley states, “To become a man you must work. You must contribute. You must give more than you take” 

Metaxas is an author, speaker and radio host who is known for his works on faith, history and culture. His biographies on Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King Jr. examine the role of Christianity in times of moral and political crisis. Metaxas is also an outspoken advocate for religious liberty and cultural engagement, making him a prominent figure and powerful voice.

DeSantis Family Chapel on Palm Beach Atlantic University. Photo Credit: Mackenzie Walker

Josh Hawley is a U.S. Senator from Missouri, a member of the Republican Party known for his conservative views on issues like government power, religion, and masculinity. They both are outspoken about Christian values, conservatism, and the role of faith in public life. Hawley has also been featured on Metaxas radio show and podcast, where they discuss cultural and political issues from a Christian perspective.

Anna Lesnik, an employee at PBA’s Advancement Office, who was present at the event, shared insights into the discussion.

“Hawley spoke about his upbringing in a stable home, where his parents demonstrated a healthy marriage, shaping his understanding of biblical manhood,” Lesnik said. “He and Metaxas also discussed the distinction between Biblical masculinity and toxic masculinity, emphasizing the importance of living out Christlike values.”

Andrew Ciprian, a Senior at PBA also attended the event and found the topic to be very relevant. 

“The event was very impactful. Discussing modern-day issues and stressing the importance of the biblical masculine role in society, which is endangered, was eye-opening,” Ciprian said. “The discussion on epicurean liberalism in society was a big topic. It delved into what’s influencing men to be more passive in our society and the downsides that come with that, such as fewer children being had and a decline in working-class, blue-collar jobs.”

Metaxas opened the event by clarifying that Socrates in the City aims to focus on broader cultural and moral discussions rather than politics, ensuring the topics remain relevant over time. The conversation ultimately centered on the value of Biblical Masculinity as a foundation for strong families and moral leadership.

"I personally heard a lot of people say the talk was inspirational and a great reminder of the biblical importance of healthy masculinity,” Lesnik noted. “Many appreciated the discussion on why these values are crucial for strong families and a stable society.”

“Christian education is essential because it provides young people with a framework of truth, rooted in faith, that equips them to engage the world courageously,” states Metaxas on his website. 

By Mackenzie Walker