We try to maintain a good perspective on the current election as it unfolds before us. The party conventions excite and entertain. The debates incite strong emotion. It is easy to get too worried about the course of local and world politics in the most powerful country in the world in turbulent times. Kelly read a book last week about events such as these, but that occurred in the couple of decades starting in 47 A.D. in Rome. She was assigned to read The Flames of Rome by Paul L. Maier as part of her Sonlight literature curriculum. I was amazed to learn that Maier studied under Karl Barth at Basel in the 1950’s. Maier makes a statement in the preface that he used no proper names in the book nor did he describe any events that did not appear in the historical record of the time. Some of the activities in the book were sufficiently repugnant that he put in a disclaimer that said that he did not want to offend the sensibilities of the reader, but it would have been dishonest not to include the material. There do seem to be some strong analogies between the events of the first century and the events of our own times.
Kelly felt like this was one of the best books she has ever read. That is quite a statement because we have read some amazing books over the last four years. Some of the events in the book she described as “disturbing and truly disgusting.” The book did not have a happy ending. I decided to read the book myself. It is always good to be reminded that our hope is not in America and that America is not good. Goodness and hope derive from a completely different source. We have had it so good for so long that we expect certain freedoms and luxuries. Every reminder that no one has ever made any promises that we would have an easy life helps us to base our hope in reality. The reality is that things will get bad before they get better, either in our own time or that of our children or grandchildren. Maybe this book will help me remember that.