Ancient government v American government

I have spent the better part of the day studying the Greek and Roman systems of ancient civilization to try to understand how it interacted with the American framers of the constitution. So many questions come to mind; but, the more I read the more I began to become disturbed about the state of our government with the inter-working of our society.

According to Russell Kirk, the Greek political failures can be traced directly back to the Greek beliefs and their religions. (pp 55) The temples with their gods and images are where now? They are in ruin just like their ancient societies. Is America headed in somewhat a similar direction?

Have we (like the ancient Greek societies) become lacking in the external and internal order that actually should be in place if we call ourselves a Christian society? According to Kirk, Greek freedom was just limited to a person’s own city and was lacking liberty in any national realm and their religion our not coherently provide moral order. (pp 59)

Solon (poet, philosopher, and politician) was classified as a man of vision; popular to contrary belief the framers of the US Constitution used his theories more than any other philosopher as a basis to the constitution. He introduced imagination into political order. (pp 61) After reading a bulk of what was going on in the Athenian culture, I see where it can be applied to troubles in America today.

I had to ask myself:   

Is there a widening gap between the social classes?

Does the American Culture base too much on materialism and the dollar?

Are the wealthy desiring more and more becoming glutinous therefore pushing the poor lower and lower on the social economic chain in the American culture?

Have we all been sold into a type of slavery for our financial obligations of existence?

Is our leadership corrupt and unrighteous?

Has our justice system become inadequate?

Is there anyone one who can bridge the gap by compromising between the parties of democracy with the best interest of the people (the masses) held in their endearment?

Kirk pointed out that when the Athenian constitutional powers were assembled in a smaller simpler tribal society. (pp 62) This really made me think that when the US Constitution was assembled, because it was for a smaller society. Was it made with the future population in mind? Yet we continue to change (amend) that simple document as our country evolves. Is this wise?  

I cannot answer any of the questions that I pose, but I can state that many of these answers would probably apply to the future of so many that are dear to me in the land of my home, my life; the land that my ancestors shed their blood for the liberty and the freedom of so many. I feel it is threatened by unrighteousness and the idolaters of materialism therefore making our external social order almost intolerable for so many.

How can we change all of this?

First on the list is prayer.

Second on the list, we the people have to become one voice of reason with no harm to any living person. We have to align ourselves with humanity. We have to prove greater than the unrighteous that govern our country. The only way to do that is through the word of God with a balance of nature.

The only problem with that is that external justice, liberty and freedom cannot be had for every single person. To live in ultimate peace and harmony, something has to be sacrificed.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: love you neighbors as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)

I am probably looking at this unrealistically, but there is always hope. Violence doesn’t have to happen.

Keep in prayer Blake Savell—he had neurological surgery and suffered complications; he has not woken up at this time and is in a coma type state in one of the hospitals in Jackson, MS. Please pass the word on this young man because he really needs our prayers. Ashley Larson is in Tampa, Florida getting ready to have surgery this week. She is battling Ewing’s Sarcoma. Ashley is a mother with younger children; her entire family needs to be held in prayer as well. Keep in prayer each other.

Remember what I write is just my opinion. I will respect your opinion, so please respect mine.

God bless you all and keep you safely in His arms.

Source: The Roots of American Order by Russell Kirk, ISI Books, Wilmington, DE., 2003