Why Did the Roman Empire Fall?

SOURCE:  http://www.takeactionnetwork.com/opposition/Collapse_of_the_Roman_Empire.htm


The events which led to the collapse of the Roman Empire are startling similar to the events which are occurring in our nation today.

HISTORICAL SEQUENCE:

1. STRONG FAMILIES: Rome was founded on high moral standards. Each father was respected as the head of the family. In the early republic, the father had legal authority to discipline rebellious members of his family.

2. HOME EDUCATION: The education of the children was the responsibility of the parents. This further strengthened the children's honor and respect for their parents and also deepened the communication and understanding between parents and children.

3. PROSPERITY: Strong Roman families produced a strong nation. The Roman armies were victorious in war. The wealth of conquered nations increased Roman prosperity and prestige.

4. NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS: Great budding programs began in Rome. A vast network of roads united the empire. Magnificent palaces, public buildings, and coliseums ward constructed.

5. INFILTRATION OF "THE LIE:" As Roman families prospered, it became fashionable to hire educated Greeks to care for the children. Greek philosophy, with its humanistic and Godless base, was soon passed on to the Roman families. Women demanded more rights and, in order to accommodate them, new marriage contracts were designed, including "open marriages."

6. BIG GOVERNMENT: By the first century A.D. the father had lost his legal authority. It was delegated to the village, then to the city, then to the state, and finally to the empire. In Rome, citizens complained about housing shortages, soaring rents, congested traffic, polluted air, crime In the streets, and the high cost of living. Unemployment was a perennial problem. To solve it, the government created a multitude of civil service jobs, including building inspectors, health inspectors and tax collectors.

7. DECLINE AND PERSECUTION: The problems of big government only multiplied. Meanwhile, a nourishing New Testament Church was established in the Roman Empire through the preaching of the Apostle Paul The final act of the Roman Empire was to bring great persecution to these Christians.

Rome was quite tolerant of all religions except Christianity. Christianity was banned; Christians were persecuted, burned, and thrown to the lions. Why? Because the very nature of Christianity is Intolerant of "the lie" of Satan which is the basis of every other religion. By the third century, Christianity conquered pagan Rome.

A Strong Nation Is Built On Strong Local Communities, Answer: False.
A strong nation is not built on strong local communities but on strong families. When the "community" is emphasized at the expense of the family, social problems develop which are beyond the power of a democracy to solve. The only alternatives are total anarchy or total dictatorship. Either one becomes God's judgment on a nation for rejecting the principles and standards of His Word. Under a dictatorship, families lose their freedom to openly worship God because the dictator becomes the new "god."' In our day we are seeing an an-out assault on the family. It is coming from many different sources. We must become aware of these sources so that we can wisely build a spiritual wall of protection" around the family and use the family as a strong base to turn our nation back to God. History of Israel's captivities-Dan. 3:1-30 When the "community" is emphasized at the expense of the family, social problems develop which are beyond the power of democracy to solve.

A Child's Personality Cannot Be Changed After The Age Of Seven. Answer: False.
A child's personality is not unchangeable after the age of seven. Personality traits which are contrary to the character of Christ can be changed at any age. "Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, and things are become new. A dangerous conclusion is communicated by the notion that a child's personal is set at an early age. It implies that a child cannot be responsible to change destructive temperaments, traits, or mannerisms. He or she is simply a victim of the parent's upbringing. Certain basic characteristics of a child's disposition will become evident at an early age and may continue throughout life. However, guilt and bitterness have a tremendous effect upon a child's personality, and when these are dealt with in Christ a transformation will take place in that child's life. 1. Cor. 5:17. .

How Liberty Is Lost:

Fathers lose Scriptural convictions.

Parents neglect family responsibilities.

Men and women demand more rights.

Government provides more services and greater taxation.

Agencies get more powerful and establish more controls over every area of life.

The Constitution which protects our freedoms becomes subordinate to arbitrary laws made by bureaucratic officials.

God's Perfect Will: To be conformed to the image of Christ How Is This Done? God gives every Christian grace (the desire and the power) to be responsible in five areas:

Every thought: II Corinthians 10:4-5

Every action: II Corinthians 5:10.

Every word: Matthew 12:98-37.

Every attitude: Romans 14:12-13.

Every secret motive: "I the Lord search the heart I try the I reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings" (Jeremiah 17:10).

Primitive Tribes In Our World Are Just Now Emerging From The "Stone Age." Answer: False. Primitive tribes are not just now emerging from the "stone age." These tribes are remnants of civilizations which were more advanced in many ways than ours is today. The theory that these tribes were never civil benefits into evolution. However, it is totally contrary to the facts. Civilizations which were once great rich, and powerful became immoral. God destroyed them and wiped the memory of them from the face of the earth as He did the wicked nation of Amalek. ",.I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven." As archeologists sift through the ruins of past civilizations, they are discovering irrefutable evidence that they were far more advanced than anyone imagined. In fact one attempt was made to explain away the findings by suggesting that superhuman gods visited our planet and that they are responsible for the achievements. 1. Ex. 17:14.

Maya Temple Ruins
The Maya people today live in primitive conditions with disease, poverty, and ignorance. Yet in the fourth century A.D. their forefathers developed a civilization marked by spectacular achievements in astronomy mathematics, architecture, and art The Mayas constructed a great chain of cities through the rain forests of what is now Mexico. Engineers connected these cities with wide, paved roads Skilled artists represented daily life In intricate murals and masterful wood carvings. Maya astronomers invented an intricate calendar more accurate than any in Europe and recorded celestial courses and eclipses, The destruction of the great Maya civilization is a deep mystery to those who have been deceived by "the lie" but not to the alert Christian who learns of the immorality, murder, and human sacrifices which marked their final days.

A Newspaper Should Report All The Facts It Gets, Because The Public Has A Right To Know. Answer: False.
A newspaper should not report facts indiscriminately. Truth out of balance leads to error. Incomplete facts or facts put in a negative light promote false conclusions in the minds of the readers. Detrimental information about people should never be made public until all the facts have been checked out privately. Reporting the details of a sex crime can be devastating to the minds of the readers. God warns that "...I is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret"' If a newspaper is to be accurate and instructive, it must put facts together in such a way as to illustrate principles of life. God has established a cause and effect sequence in life, and all that happens only serves to illustrate this. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shah he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Deut. 19:16-18. 2. Eph. 5:12. 3. Gal. 6:7-8. 20.

News Reporting, Like History Writing, Can And Should Be Done With An Objective Mind. Answer: False.
No person can be truly "objective" or free from his own bias. In the very gathering of information, a reporter or historian win look for certain facts and, of necessity, leave out other facts. A reporter and historian will be influenced by his own experiences and his own philosophy of life. Christ emphasized that a man' a morality will influence his views. "0 generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Reporters should use facts to illustrate and emphasize the truth of God's Word rather than trying to report "neutral" information 1 Mat. 12:34. A reporter's presuppositions will influence his search, selection, and presentation of the facts. The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned" (I Cor. 2:14). 21.

Alcoholism Is A Disease. Answer: False,
Alcoholism is not a disease; it is a sin. God calls it "drunkenness."' By calling drunkenness a disease rather than a sin, we treat it as a physical problem rather than what it is in reality--a spiritual problem. In so doing, we eliminate the potential for the real and lasting solution. Sin is only removed as we confess it and claim the desire and power of God's grace to forsake it If one sin, such as drunkenness, cannot be forsaken, it indicates that there is a deeper sin which is not being dealt with. the Lord search the heart I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.'"Rom.13:13; 1 Cor. 5:11. 2 Jer. 17:10.

The Sin Of Drunkenness Begins By Violating God's Command:
"Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth Itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder" (Pro. 23:31-39).

The Physical Effects Of Drinking:
Alcohol Is an antibacterial agent. It temporarily lowers or stops the bacterial action in the upper bowel It also temporarily blocks the damaging effects of toxins on the nervous system. However, when drinking stops the bacterial action increases, and greater toxin affects the nervous system. This beneficial yet harmful effect, is the deception of alcohol and causes a "can't drink can't quit" dilemma. (Information obtained from Journal of the international Academy of Preventive Medicine Vol IV, No. a, Winter 1977, P. 43.)
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise" (Prov. 20:1). What parents allow in moderation, their children will excuse in excess.

Television Is Harmful Because Op All The Violence It Shows To Children. Answer: False.
Showing violence to children is not in itself, harmful God has included much violence in the Bible. There is a major difference, however, between the violence in the Bible and the violence on today's television. The violence in the Bible illustrates the conflict between good and evil between righteousness and wickedness. Much of the violence on television is between evil and greater evil. In the Bible there are Godly heroes with whom the reader can identify. On today's television programs there are usually no Godly heroes to relate to. Viewers are forced to choose between Godless and evil people. Very often the one who at first appears to be the best of the group turns out to be the worst of the bunch. The effect of this is devastating on children. They are taught to be cynical of all people, especially parents, pastors, and public officials. They are encouraged to be like Godless men and women if they want to be popular and successful. David purposed that he would not allow a wicked person to be a guest in his home; but instead, he would make the Godly of the land his heroes and invite them into his home.' God warns Christians not to even eat a meal or to keep company with a Christian who is ",.a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner. How much more should we refuse to allow Godless men and women who openly mock God and His standards to be in our home via television? Psalm 101:6-7. 2. I Cor.

The History Of Mankind Is Simply A Continual Repetition Op Itself. Answer: False,
The history of mankind is not simply a continual repetition of itself History has a beginning. God described it in Genesis. History has an ending. God described that in Revelation. Every event within history is related to the Lord Jesus Christ He is the central purpose and theme of history. History is "His story. It is true that there are cycles within history because God's dealings with individuals and with nations are according to the changeless principles of His Word. He promise blessings to those who obey His Word and curses to those who disobey His Word.' The nation of Israel is God's "time clock" for history. Events in Palestine indicate God's final fulfillment of prophecy. On the road to Emmaus, Christ opened the understanding of two of His disciples regarding the true message of history "and beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in an the Scriptures the things concerning himself " Deut. 28. 2. Luke 24:27.

Monuments Of Past Glory
The deteriorating monuments of Egypt are silent witnesses to a civilization which reached great heights of achievement but because of violating principles of Scripture experienced God's destruction.

The Only Answer:
IF MY PEOPLE, which are called by my name, shall 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." I Chro. 7:14

The Cause Of Destruction
"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he win not hear.... "None calleth for Justice, not any pleadeth for truth... "Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. "And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no lntercessor...." (Is. 59:2-Z6)

Our First Step...
"I exhort therefore, that first of an, supplications, prayers, Intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for an men; "For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. "For this Is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have an men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." Tim. 2:3-4) 24.

There Is Not Very Much We Can Do About Wickedness Because God Predicted That It Would Increase In The End Times. Answer: False.
There is much that we as Christians can and must do when wickedness increases. In fact, God's judgment on cities and nations is directly related to what Christians do or fail to do. God predicted that the great city of Nineveh would be destroyed in forty days, but God's messenger warned the city The king, the nobles, and all the people believed God, They proclaimed a fast, repented, turned from their wicked ways, cried out to God, and God spared the city.' God predicted that Sodom would be destroyed, but Abraham interceded for the city. God was willing to spare it If there were ten righteous people in it. 2 In every age, and in every city, God looks for righteous men to stand in the gap and pray God promises that when Christians pray for their political leaders, Christians will be able to lead a and honesty. He also promises that when His people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, He will forgive their sin and He "will heal their land." Spirit-controlled Christians are God's "restraining forces" against evil However, when Christians grieve the Holy Spirit in their lives by sin, they quench His power and lose their influence in the world. They are ':..thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men. Jonah 3:1-10 Gen. l8:32. Eze. 22:30. I Tim. 2:1-2. II Chro. 7:-14 Mat. 5:13.

Dear Ann Landers:
Several years ago, I recall a cartoon By the incomparable Herblock of The Washington Post The cartoon depicted an American, using Uncle Sam's hat, begging a Japanese businessman for a handout (This, of course was when the Japanese economy was much stronger) That cartoon reminded me of an article I had saved, although I don't know who wrote it. The article said the world's great civilizations averaged a cycle of 100 years. Those societies progressed through this sequence:

From bondage to spiritual faith.
From spiritual faith to great courage.
From great courage to Liberty.
From liberty to abundance.
From abundance to selfishness.
From selfishness to complacency.
From complacency to apathy.
From apathy to dependency
From dependency back again into bondage. -

As the United States has passed its 100th birthday, and in view of the recent epidemic of immorality, I wonder how your readers would assess America's current position in this cycle. -- WiIIiam W. Buinn, Lt Gen, U.S. Army (Ret.)