Religion in Rome

I recently stumbled upon this and thought it sounded a lot like the USA.  It’s from Edward Gibbon, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. I, ch. II:

“The policy of the emperors and the senate, as far as it concerned religion, was happily seconded by the reflections of the enlightened, and by the habits of the superstitious, part of their subjects. The various modes of worship which prevailed in the Roman world were all considered by the people as equally true; by the philosopher as equally false; and by the magistrate as equally useful. And thus toleration produced not only mutual indulgence, but even religious concord.”  (Emphasis added.)

In the yet-to-be-written The History of the Decline and Fall of the American Empire, vol. I, ch. II, it will state:  

“The average American was vaguely religious believing that it didn’t matter what one believed as long as one was sincere.  The devotee of science was convinced that all religion would become unnecessary if only people knew better.  Most politicians identified themselves as, ‘Christians who support Israel’ (but didn’t always give convincing evidence of either), and knew that Islam was undeniably a ‘religion of peace’ (while uncertain that religious knowledge even existed).  These points of view (though on the face of it contradictory) actually harmonized well enough in the public mind that the diverse population managed to somehow get along with itself.”

Israel, Turkey and Iran

Those interested in Bible prophecy might be intrigued by an article in the Jerusalem Post from Thursday, February 19, 2009.   It points out a noticeable shift in political focus in Turkey, which has in the past been very western-leaning, but now has an Islamist-led government.

The connection with Bible prophecy is found in Ezekiel 38, where a coalition is formed to attack Israel led by “Rosh” (Russia), but including Persia (Iran) and Gomer (Turkey).  This coalition is destined to fail. 

For anyone wanting additional information or explanation about Ezekiel 38-39, I’m including a link to my own notes.  These were written in July of 2005, when we were studying Ezekiel at Horizon Central. 

Finally, there is also a link to a 2005 article from the Middle East Forum, expressing doubt as to whether Turkey can maintain its pro-western tilt.

Jerusalem Post Article

Ezekiel38-39.pdf

Article from Middle East Forum

Thanks to John Colón for pointing out the article in JPost.

Palmer St. Podcast: Acts 23

As the Lord is completing His good work within us, he often allows us go through trials. During these trials, our perspective is limited. We don’t have the capacity to understand what God is doing unless we hear from Him. We should always expect to hear Him speak in terms of promises.

Audio:  Acts23.mp3

Notes:  Acts23.pdf