Greetings. Today is Thursday, September the 28th, 2023, and this is the Daily Article Podcast. I'm Chris Elkins,

dear reading today's article written by Denison Forum co-founder and CEO, Dr. Jim Denison.

Last night, Janet and I watched the second Republican presidential debate. The seven participants took aim at each other, President Biden for his perceived failings,

and former President Donald Trump for not attending.

While our ministry does not endorse candidates, I will say how grateful I felt to live in a country

where candidates must go through such a rigorous process to be elected. Across much of human

history and in much of the world today, last night's events would never have occurred. In light of the

value of our democracy, it is odd to me that so many people these days, men especially, seem to be

fascinated with the Roman Empire. Even when it was a republic, Rome was never anything

like the democracy we embrace and appreciate. Colonial Americans went to war to remove themselves

from the power of a despotic ruler whom many of Rome's emperors would have recognized and celebrated.

However, a noted historian of the Roman Empire

explains that, quote, ancient Rome is a kind of safe place for macho fantasies. It's where men

can pretend to be macho men, end quote. Another historian adds that the display of might, especially

when backed up by color, clamor, and overpowering architecture,

can be stirring, even thrilling.

Cultural edifices aside, there is an even more urgent parallel between Rome and America,

one to which Christians need to respond with passion today.

I have long been fascinated by the ancient Greco-Roman world.

I've led more than 40 study tours to various parts of the Roman Empire and did my

doctrine and philosophy of religion with special emphasis on ancient philosophy.

I was especially interested some years ago in Colin Murphy's book,

...