Continue with Judging The Infamous Harlot

Which religious entity? Is she the Roman Catholic Church, as some have maintained? Or is she all of Christendom? no, she must be even larger than these if she is to mislead all the nations. She is, in fact, the entire world empire of false religion. Her origin in the mysteries of Babylon is shown in that many Babylonish doctrines and practices are common to religions around the world. For example, belief in the inherent immortality of the human soul, in a hell of torment, and in a trinity of gods is to be found in most Oriental relgions as well as in the sects of Christendom. False relgion, spawned more thatn 4,000 years ago in the ancient city of Babylon, has developed into the modern monstrosity that is called appropriately, Babylon the Great. Why, though, is she described by the repugnant term "the great harlot"?

Babylon (or Babel, meaning "Confusion") came to its peak of greatness in Nebuchadnezzar's time. It was a religio-political state more than a thousand temples and chapels. Its priesthood exercised great power. Though Babylon has long since ceased to exist as a world power, religious Babylon the Great lives on, and after the ancient pattern, she still seeks to influence and mold polititcal affairs. But does God approve of religion in politics? In the Hebrew Scriptures, Israel was said to prostitute herself when she got involved with false worship and when, instead of trusting in Jehovah, she made alliances with the nations. (Jeremiah 3:6, 8, 9; Ezekiel 16:28-30) Babylon the Great also commits fornication. Outstandingly, she has done whatever she deems expedient in order to gain influence and power over the ruling kings of the earth. -1 Timothy 4:1.

Today, religious leaders frequently campaign for high government office, and in some lands, they share in government, even holding cabinet posts. In 1988 two well known Protestant clergymen ran for the office of president of the United States. Leaders in Babylon the Great love the limelight; their photos are often to be seen in the public press as they consort with prominent politicians. In contrast, Jesus shunned political involvement and said of his disciples: "They are no part of this world, just as I am no part of this world." -John 6:15; 17:16; Matthew 4:8-10; see also James 4:4.

Next time: Modern-Day 'Harlotry.'