As a hopelessly corrupt Rome burned, Augustine observed that every Roman at every level of society, from slave to king, had as many masters as vices (sins). He meant that not one of them was free, meaning they no longer had a free will since all of them were addicted to their vices, therefore they were forced to perform the cult of addiction.
“…they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.” 2 Peter 2:19
With their wills turned toward vice they were slaves of their vices. Thus, liars could do naught but lie, thieves could do naught but steal, the anally addicted could do naught but sodmomize each other. In short, the wicked could do naught but wickedness as do the vice-addicted oligarchies destroying both W. Europe and America.
With respect to Western Europe and America, neither are as hopelessly evil as Rome. This is because there are as yet a great number of people whose wills are turned toward the true, good, and righteous and they are rising up against the wicked. So there is hope for our lands that our Lord will have mercy on us, remove the evil-doers from both W. Europe and America and,
“Give to them according to their work and according to the evil of their deeds; give to them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward.” Psalm 28:4
2024@Linda Kimball
Yes, this could be an interesting, and long, topic, comparing ancient Rome to our times. As always, I strive to keep it short.
At first, the proud Romans cared only about the glory of Rome – their Roman state – and wanted to spread their glory throughout the known world. Their achievements were impressive, leaving behind architectural wonders. Roman laws were commendable except for their extreme and unusual punishments such as crucifixions.
But that began to end when the glory-seeking of Rome was replaced by their individual vices which their conscienceless pagan gods did nothing to address.
In our times, we’ve been bequeathed consciences awakened and informed by Christianity. Those who heed them want what’s virtuous and to do good. Those who don’t, care only about the glory of their state, which only succumbs to licentiousness eventually, and then to dissolution like Rome did.
From looking at ancient Rome we see that the promises of the statist Globalists will be short-lived since they lack the timeless durability of Christianity.
The worst part is that their moralless politics makes them meaner, callous, even malicious toward those they don’t like.