![]() Satan often uses such religions to lure people into spiritism, idolatry, and other God-dishonoring beliefs and customs. 11:1-9) Hence, all these religions may be seen as “daughters” of one organization, one great prostitute. How fitting that “Babylon the Great” derives her name from the city of Babylon, a breeding ground for false religions! ( Gen. Since the time when the languages were confused in ancient Babel, or Babylon, all manner of false religious doctrines have been spread abroad, spawning an endless variety of religions. ![]() There are denominations, sects, and cults without number. In what sense is Babylon the Great “the mother of the prostitutes”?Ħ Why, though, is Babylon the Great called not only “the great prostitute” but also “the mother of the prostitutes”? False religion has countless divisions. 17:2, 3 18:11, 23, 24) Is that not exactly what false religion has done, right down to our own day?Īncient Babel, later called Babylon, spawned all manner of false religious practices, doctrines, and organizations (See paragraph 6)Ħ. She also persecutes faithful servants of Jehovah God. Do not those charges clearly fit the corrupt religious organizations of this world? Note, too, that this prostitute is depicted as riding, or exerting a measure of influence over, the political elements of this world. What, then, is she? She is guilty of “spiritistic practices,” of idolatry, and of deception. So Babylon the Great cannot represent big business. Furthermore, Revelation shows that “the merchants of the earth,” or the commercial and business elements of this world, grieve over the demise of Babylon the Great. So she clearly is not a political power herself. How do we know that?ĥ This prostitute is condemned for having immoral relations with “the kings of the earth,” or the political powers. For many decades, however, Jehovah’s Witnesses have understood the true identity of this “great prostitute.” She is the world empire of false religion. They have variously said that she represents Babylon, Rome, or the Roman Catholic Church. 17:1, 5) For centuries, her true identity has mystified religious leaders and Bible scholars. She is called “the great prostitute” and “Babylon the Great, the mother of the prostitutes.” ( Rev. What is “Babylon the Great,” and how do we know that? (See opening picture.)Ĥ In the vision Jesus gave to the apostle John at the end of the first century C.E., a striking figure emerges. This prostitute is identified in the last book of the Bible, Revelation.Ĥ, 5. Her form of prostitution appeared long before Ezekiel’s day-even before Israel existed-and is still thriving today. ( Ezek., chaps. 16 and 23) Before we take a closer look at those passages, though, we do well to take note of another symbolic prostitute. What passages will we discuss in this chapter?ģ The book of Ezekiel contains two remarkable passages in which prostitution illustrates the terrible unfaithfulness of God’s people in Israel and Judah. The strong reaction that we feel is a key reason why Jehovah God repeatedly uses the description of a prostitute to show how he feels about false religion.ģ. Worse yet, what if this woman had a good, loyal husband but she willfully betrayed him in order to pursue prostitution? It would be difficult to feel anything but revulsion for such a woman and the course of life she has chosen. She sees it, not as degrading, but as empowering! She is eager for the money and influence that this profession offers. Picture a woman who deliberately chooses such a life. 21:28-32 Luke 7:36-50.Ģ However, let us imagine a very different kind of prostitute. He stressed that those who repented and changed their lifestyle could hope for a better life.- Matt. It is no wonder, then, that Jesus Christ singled out some prostitutes, treating them kindly. Did violence or abuse at home impel her to take to the streets at a tender age? Or did extreme poverty drive her to sell herself into slavery? Or was she fleeing a brutal mate? Such sad stories unfold all too often in this wicked world. We may wonder what circumstances led her to such a degrading way of life. IT IS a troubling thing to see a prostitute. What kind of prostitute in particular might elicit a strong feeling of revulsion?
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