Rome and Me... // November 3, 2006
My 10th graders are studying the middle ages right now. To further our understanding of this time, I read today a passage from Thomas Cahill’s book – How the Irish Saved Civilization. In the opening chapter, he writes of Rome’s fall. I had read this book while in college and had not really looked at it since then. I was fascinated by some parallels that he draws to contemporary western life from the loss of the middle class in Rome.
“There are, no doubt, lessons here for the contemporary reader. The changing character of the native population, brought about through unremarked pressures on porous borders; the creation of an increasingly unwieldy and ridged bureaucracy; whose own survival becomes it overriding goal; the despising of the military and the avoidance of its service by established families, while its offices present unprecedented opportunity for men to whom its ranks had once been closed; the lip service paid to values long dead; the pretense that we still are what we were; the increasing concentration of the populace into richer and poorer by way of a corrupt tax system, and the desperation that inevitable follows; the aggrandizement of executive power at the expense of the legislature; ineffectual legislation promulgated with great show; the moral vocation of the man on top to maintain order at all costs, while growing blind to the cruel dilemmas of ordinary life – these are all themes with which our world is familiar, nor are they the God-given property of any party or political point of view, even though we often act as if they were.”
“The pretense that we still are what we were…” What a thought. What a reality. Take from that what you will…
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Chaplain Jon Fisher
Shouldn't it be Rome and I?
Sincerely, Your Grammar Nazi
Actually, Grammar Nazi, not necessarily. Allow me to pontificate...
If it were in the context of "Rome and I" did something, then yes, it would be "I."
If, however, it were in the context of "this entry is about Rome and me," then "me" would be correct. Take out "Rome," then see what makes sense.
Of course, there is the matter of the ellipsis. That would indicate excluded words, which would mandate the "I." However, if said ellipsis was merely for poetic emphasis... as I often tend to do... then I think that "Me" would be entirely appropriate...
:-)
Anyway, to actually comment on the post, I think it will be interesting to see what is being written about America in 500 years... what will we be then??? If now we think we still are what we were, then when will we realize what we have become?
... Rome and me
I would have let that go. It's my responsibility, however, to keep this fellow accountable, so I shall. :)
As for the post, it's so interesting to read about Rome and think about the US in a state of decline. What I truly wonder is not so much are we in a decline, but is it possible to stem the tide?
Actually, I am in the position of not really wanting to "stem the tide." Perhaps we can embrace what we are becoming - or at least acknowledge it and adapt to a new world?
Very interesting discussion... both about Rome and the ellipsis...
Ya know (just to jump in on the conversation) I was thinking about this recently - America beong on decline as a world power, but more about its decline morally. (we were talking abt it in Mr. Mac's class) On the one hand it's really discouraging and I feel like I need to go into government or something and try to fix it all. But then, like you said, maybe it's not a bad thing. Maybe Xianity in America will become more and more like it was the Roman empire - persecuted - and this will cause it to flourish as it did in the first century. That will be an awesome thing to be a part of...
I think I understand what your getting at Tonia, however, I am not sure I would be as delighted as you to be persecuted. Perhaps that is a bit masochistic?
Well, I guess I don't exactly want to be persecuted... yea, I guess that sounds kinda weird. But I guess I just want to experience the real deal, you know? I want my faith to be tested and to grow stronger. I just want to live the REAL Christian life...
So... what exactly IS the "real christian life?" How do you feel that the life you lead is not exactly "real?"
Well, I'm not doubting my faith really, but I just want more. Often lately I just feel stuck. I guess I'm thinking of what I hear people call a "radical Christian life" "totally sold out for the Lord" - just being so in love with the Lord and having joy in Him and knowing His will... I just hear that Christians who live in these countries where persecution happens are just so on fire. I guess I get the idea that having some really trying things happen will make me cling to Him more and be more what He wants me to be. Maybe I just need to pray and trust that He'll work the plans He has. It's just hard to trust sometimes.
Don't be discouraged. The very disire in your heart demonstrates that you are where you want to be! Often, we as christians use broad descriptiions and flowery language to describe what we each have in our own measure - a close walk with God. There I go using one myself!
Fact is, we are as close to God as we want to be. God does not change! He does not draw away. Feelings change. Emotions tear at our faith - but they have to be recognized as such.
Frankly, I have found in my journey that people sometimes use these cliches and are missing the heart of it. God does not hide His will, He is not some maniacal despot that delights in our suffering, He is not sitting up in Heaven saying, "beatings will stop once morale improves!"
Oh no, He hurts with us. He, as Yancy wrote, "...feels in us every nerve that lacks its repose." I do not believe that God delights in His children suffering - He simply wants us to glorify Him in it.
Being "on fire" has much more to do with your own desire for God than any external circumstances.
Thats why we love Him.