It is a widespread notion, that our modern American society closely resembles that of the mighty ancient Roman Empire in many respects - in just about all facets of life. In fact, the similarities are so vast that there would not be enough space to include them all on this page. For example, the architectural style that is so prevalently found throughout our nation's capital closely resembles that of the many buildings and temples that existed throughout the Roman empire's capital city of Rome. With it's many splendid colonnades and grandiose statues, for even the statue that graces the top of the White House is that of an ancient Greco-Roman deity. The many nations of which our country's military has a significant presence in is very similar to that of the Roman's military stronghold that was found spread throughout the many countries contained within the confines of the once existing empire. The Roman army was the most powerful and strongest military force to be reckoned with, such as the case with our military force today. In many ways, our nation's government is fashioned after the Roman's system of government with it's senatorial congress and numerous state governors. Additionally, some of the most profound medical and technological advances had it's beginnings in Rome, some of which are still in practice to this day. Likewise, America is far more medically advanced than most other countries found throughout the world in our current modern era. The Roman Empire was comprised of a multitude of ethnic groups and nationalities along with it's many diverse cultures and traditions. There is no other nation today whose existence contains such a multitude of various people groups as that of America. In regards to religion, although the Roman emporers demanded that they themselves be worshipped by their own citizenry, there were still many religions and cults, both polytheistic and monotheistic, that existed within the boundaries of the empire. The religions, denominations, sects, and cults of today are far too numerous to count within our own nation. These are only but a few of the many examples of the similarities between the Roman Empire of old and the American Empire of today.
But perhaps the most disturbing similarity between the two empires are the ways in which the two have and are in the process of declining and ultimately dissolving altogether. In his timely classic, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Edward Gibbon stated the many reasons that attributed to the demise of the Roman Empire, here are just a few:
- Rapid increase of divorce.
- An attack on the sanctity of the home.
- Higher taxes while wasting public money.
- A mad craze for increasingly brutal and exciting pleasure.
- Gigantic armaments for war in the midst of internal national disentegration.
- Decline of real religion as faith faded into mere formality.
These are all not to mention the many moral and political downfalls of the empire. Abortion was a common practice throughout the empire. The sex industry flourished, existing under the guise of Roman orgies and bathhouses. It was quite common to take another man's wife to have a rompous good time with her throughout the evening, fulfilling one's many sexual avarices. Homosexuality was tolerated and in fact was considered as an acceptable and normal lifestyle. Many of the empire's Caesars were, in fact, practicing homosexuals. Drunkeness and lewdness was commonplace. The emporers themselves were extremely corrupt, including murder and the many sexual escapades, yet still managed to be absolved from any political retributions and consequences. The Roman Empire was indeed a corrupt entity.
It wasn't until the 5th century A.D. that the empire had finally become so weakened as a result of internal strife, division, and corruption, ultimately resulting in the empires demise by the invasion and conquering from neighboring empires and tribes, namely the Germanic tribes such as the Visigoths and the Vandals.
Does this sound all too familiar? Are we that same empire today? Will we, like the once great Roman Empire, suffer a total demise and self-destruct as we slowly begin to crumble and fade away into non-existence? Grant it, we are much more civil and less barbaric than the days of the Roman Empire's existence. However, the means to the end remain the same. Does this sound like doom and gloom? Perhaps so. But as history has continuously repeat itself throughout the ages, we will most assuredly experience these same tragic results. With exception.
Amongst the turmoil, the corruption, and the persecution, there were always a remnant of committed Christians who devoted themselves to praying for the Roman Empire and it's leadership. As modern Christians, we too must do the same and therefore continue to pray and intercede on behalf of this nation and pray that God may have mercy upon this land and it's people. God has commanded us to do so.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (II Colossians 7:14)
God has strategically placed us here, not to merely lead complacent lives but to be the salt and the light amongst the enveloping darkness that seems to inhabit this land. Ultimately, it is up to us as to the fate and destiny of this country - think about it.
