Not really. Historical parallels are a fun parlor game, but each age is unique. Rather I think a closer parallel is the Roman Empire in the West of Saint Augustine’s generation. The old order is crumbling and no one really has a clue what is coming next. On close examination the parallels between our time and that of Saint Augustine are overwhelmed by the differences, but the same sense of pessimism in both ages remains striking, Augustine in his City of God being a stunning exception. He could see the Age of Faith dawning even as the Roman Empire in the West was clearly in its death throes.
I feel we’re more 1910 Europe. Great dissatisfaction with institutions, increasing attacks on traditional morality and an increasing acceptance of socialism as a remedy to political ills amidst levels of prosperity and peace unseen in history. The next decade would reap the fruit.
Interesting parallel Phillip, with the Ukraine war taking the place of the wars in the Balkans just prior to the Great War.
“One day the great European War will come out of some damned foolish thing in the Balkans (1888).”
― Otto von Bismarck
I’ll suggest the but end of Bourbon France as the most fitting analogy.
Not bad Art. Useless leaders, cultural elites embracing radicalism of all sorts, strong anti-clericalism, national bankruptcy, urban mobs gaining an important role in politics, violence and sexual perversion being celebrated, etc.
Notice no one is arguing that our current conditions will last. Among the truly thoughtful people, there is a sense of the end of an age (some say the end of all ages.)
I want things to change but I sometimes wonder if I have the fortitude for a French Revolution, Great Depression, or the thick of WWI. Even if it results in some sort of new Age of Faith (rising from the carcass of our current Age of Filth) I am secular enough to fear the transition. May God grant us steadfast faith!
At age 66 my rolein any great upheaval would be sitting at home and protecting my wife to the best of my poor ability. My function on a battlefield now would be to be a large, very slow moving target.
I might as well add this here. Don posted recently about “hard times make strong men…” etc., and how that didn’t hold true. I was thinking about it for about a week when I thought that it often holds true for the Church, particularly for religious orders. Tough times inspire great movements, which have huge success, which leads to a slow downfall.
The Constitution for the United States and our Declaration of Independence, our Founding Principles based on natural law and our sovereign personhood of each and every individuals will see us through. To fall back on these principles is a safety net and truth.
Freedom is forever.
The more violent parts of the Old Testament make a bit more sense these days.
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But I have thought for quite some time we are the Roman Empire all over again.
“Interesting parallel Phillip, with the Ukraine war taking the place of the wars in the Balkans just prior to the Great War.”
Good addition and good to chew on that thought. Hopefully another Great War will not happen though I think the war in Ukraine has ratcheted things up.
At my parish, a prayer by one parishioner every day after the Rosary before Mass is to avoid WWIII. I also pray for this frequently.
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