Life-cycle of Democracy

The thread I titled "Thought-provoking Quotation," generated debate between those who would vilify the U.S. and those who would idolize her. While the resulting debate between these two groups is interesting, it wasn't really the purpose of my post.

Alexander Tyler's description of the life-cycle of a democracy should cause us both as individuals and as a people to reflect upon our position on that life-cycle. I think it is noteworthy that Tyler attributes the emergence of faith as the reason for a nation's progression from bondage to prosperity.

The downward spiral of a democracy begins around the time that its people move from prosperity to selfishness. I believe the U.S. may be at that critical point, if not farther down into apathy. I am not a fatalist, however. I don't believe the U.S. is doomed to continue on the path to bondage. I believe a nation can turn itself around with God's help. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

If we as individuals or a nation hope to stop the downward spiral, we must first recognize that we have a problem. As long as we think that everything is hunky-dory, the slide will continue. It's akin to an alcoholic who is in denial; as long as he thinks he has no drinking problem, he'll never escape his addiction. As long as we can recognize our nation's faults, repent of them and renew our faith, there is hope for our nation.