by Bohdan Rewko (Bo of T.O.)

Created on: March 06, 2010   Last Updated: March 09, 2010

Perhaps the greatest strength of the United States of America has been its unity. This unity is not only economic, it also encompasses a common world view and general belief system. The peace this fosters engenders prosperity. But is it possible that one day the United States of America will simply become the states of North America? For some this is a thought too scary to entertain, but it is not without precedent.

At one time the southern nations of Europe comprised the major component of the Roman Empire. As tax burdens increased and societal values degenerated to the tune of 'bread and circuses', external military threats would eventually stress the Empire's political institutions to their breaking point.

With the collapse of the Empire, Europe sank into its Dark Age period and stayed there for centuries. It eventually emerged as a collection of independent states rooted in ethnicity and the Christian Church.

Is America on a similar course? Can the moral condition of a nation be a barometer for its success or demise? Although there are many differences between the historical traditions and social makeup of America and the Roman Empire, similarities do exist.

The obvious one is the Senate as a governing body. But another commonality is the moral decay that continues to insidiously creep into the social fabric of all sectors in American life.

History records that the Roman Empire fell apart from within because of the weight of its beaurocracy. But just as much blame has been allocated by historians to the moral decline of Rome.

In the Bible we are told that the nation of Israel split in two after the death of Solomon. Interestingly enough, this occurred shortly after a period in Israel's history that has come to be known as the Golden Age. 

Idolatry and moral corruption on the part of Solomon and his people led to the division of the nation, and Israel subsequently never achieved the same heights of wealth or glory.

As colorful personalities such as Rush Limbaugh, and new organizations such as the Tea Party Movement sow seeds of dissension, there is evidence to suggest that America may not be far from the brink. Texas has already asserted that it can survive on its own.

Could this kind of anti-federal government sentiment start to spread like gangrene across the nation until it breaks America into fragments, or erupts into another civil war? These may be frightening thoughts but history has taught us that anything is possible.

Some would say that now is the time for introspection. Political correctness and rationalism need to be replaced by wisdom if America is to survive as a nation. There is no question that America is a much greater nation united, but the build blocks of nations are not simply economics and political ideology.

'In God we trust' was not a hollow slogan adopted by America's founders. It was a conviction that saw them through a revolution, a civil war and two world wars. America came out on top not because of its trust in humanity, but through the belief that God was at the heart of a nation that promised freedom for all.

The very essence of this liberty is in jeopardy if He is not brought back into the equation. Those who would say otherwise need to allow history to speak, otherwise it may very well be repeating itself.

Learn more about this author, Bohdan Rewko (Bo of T.O.).
Click here to send this author comments or questions.