United States of Rome

It was written by Edward Gibbon in his account of the fall of Rome: “Toward the end of the Roman Empire, all religions were regarded by the people as equally true, by the philosophers as equally false, and by the politicians as equally useful.” Having read this statement I find that I am thrust into a whirlwind of modern day similarity.

Currently, in America we have a social atmosphere that allows, and even endorses, that there are many paths to God. This is not at all unlike that of the Romans many centuries ago. It is this attitude that causes the erosion of conviction and opens the door to the other two issues to follow.

In the society we now live philosophers do not hold as much of a grasp as once held. Insteadwe see their position being held in the discipline of science. Where we once speculated, we now presume to know. It is this knowledge that gives rise to a belief that God is no longer necessary.

As far as politicians are concerned; I am not fully certain that the problem of usury among them has ever truly been eradicated. While there are many good men of political industry, there are twice as many corrupt. Nonetheless, in modern America we too see the issue of men in power using religion to advance their agenda.

What was written of Rome now seems to be true in America. In a nation whose forefathers utilized the lessons and dynamics brought forth by the Romans it only seems fit that we fall on the same sword. It is often said that we should understand history lest we repeat it. Well, it would seem that even with the knowledge that history has taught we are destined to repeat their triumphs and failures to the point of our own destruction.

In conclusion, the central premise presented revolved around religion. It is apparent that the belief in God is essential to society’s united effort of progress and success. When this nation first began the majority was united and greatness occurred. Now we see a separation of efforts and therefore a decline of strength. I cannot help but believe that if only we would return to our own history and repeat the success of being one nation, indivisible, under God; that we could become the America that we all believe ourselves to be.