Edward Gibbon authored a six-volume series of books between 1776 and 1788. In this series he covers the deteriorating conditions of the Roman Empire from 180 A.D. to 1590 A.D. He points to five major factors in which he attributed to the fall of the Empire. Let’s list the five reasons for Rome’s fall, and then make some comments and observations as applied to America today:

1. The rapid increase of divorce; the undermining of the dignity and sanctity of the home, which is the basis of human society.
Right now in America, one out of every two marriages (50%) are ending in divorce. It is becoming more and more common to talk to individuals who have been divorced three or four times. Then we have a large number of our population who do not bother to get married, they just live together – in the sin of fornication. (Col. 3:5-7) And if that is not bad enough, the sin of homosexuality is gaining acceptance, and “same-sex marriages” are becoming legal in some states. (See Rom. 1:26-28) But just because some sin or vice is legally right, that does not mean that it is morally or biblically right! “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter” (Isa. 5:20).

Concerning the undermining of the sanctity of the home, we live in a time when husbands and wives are ignoring and giving up their God-given roles in the family. Many homes today are run by children, which is appalling!

2. Higher and higher taxes and the spending of public monies for free bread and circuses for the populace.
Consider all the debates that are now being considered over tax issues. Christians are to pay their taxes (Rom. 13:6-7). But there is so much controversy over tax hikes and where Americans’ tax dollars are to be spent. Part of the discussions over the new health-care bill involved tax payers’ money being used to fund abortions. In fact, it was included in the Senate bill until the president signed an executive order to stop it. If funding abortions with tax payers’ money ever starts (and many want to see that happen), it will be the first time in American history. While abortion (the murder of the unborn) has been legal in this country since 1973, that still doesn’t make it right in view of such passages as Psalm 139:13-16. How tragic for a nation to even allow abortion in the first place! And, of course, “the right to choose” (or “choice”) sounds so much better than killing or murdering unborn babies.

3. The mad craze for pleasure; sports becoming every year more exciting and more brutal.
We live in a pleasure-crazed culture. That is all some live for, especially their partying, dancing, beer-drinking weekends. (Lk. 8:14; Gal. 5:19; 2 Tim. 3:4; 1 Pet. 4:3-4) The obsession with sports has just about gotten out of hand. I must say that I enjoy sports, but in recent years, my enthusiasm has waned. The last time I attended a college football game, I asked myself, “What am I doing here?” — many who were seated around me were acting totally out of their minds; appeared totally drunk; and talked like they would fight you “at the drop of a hat.” The mad craze for sports reflects a warped value system in America today. It is truly amazing to think that athletes and coaches are paid multi-millions each year to play or coach a game.

4. The building of gigantic armaments when the real enemy was within, the decadence of the people.
Over and over, the Old Testament prophets warned the people of God to place their faith and trust in Him, not in horses, chariots, or weapons. Some years back, a world leader stated that America would fall without a shot being fired. Think of how far we have fallen into decadence within one or two generations. Young children are growing up without any training on morals or teaching concerning respect for the authority of God or their fellowman.

5. The decay of religion—faith fading into mere form, losing touch with life and becoming impotent to warn and guide the people.
Paul spoke of those in the “last days” who would be “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:4-5). Many denominations have become nothing more than glorified “social clubs”. Even some of our own brethren have lost sight of the spiritual mission of the church. All they think of is fun, food, and frolic. There is no authority in the New Testament for churches to build gymnasiums, have ball teams, dining halls, day-care centers, etc., etc.

I fear that America is rapidly forgetting God. Some of our own leaders resent this nation being referred to as founded upon biblical principles— “under God” or “in God we trust.” The Psalmist stated, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, And all the nations that forget God” (Psa. 9:17). We all need to be praying for America and its’ leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-2). May we always remember: “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34). rjevans@eatel.net