Is the USA the Whore of Babylon in Revelation?

Theology
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Is the USA the Whore of Babylon in Revelation?

The Book of Revelation’s “Whore of Babylon” symbolizes sin, pride, and rebellion. Some link it to nations like the USA, citing parallels in global influence and material excess. Reflect on whether America fits this imagery.

#WhoreOfBabylon #Revelation17 #ProphecyDebate #EndTimesDiscussion #FaithAndCulture

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The Book of Revelation describes the Whore of Babylon as a figure or entity representing ultimate sin, pride, and rebellion against God (Revelation 17:1-6). Scholars and theologians have long debated its modern application, with some suggesting it symbolizes a nation, system, or culture marked by excess, immorality, and influence over the world.

Revelation 17:2 speaks of the Whore of Babylon committing spiritual “adultery” with kings and intoxicating the earth’s inhabitants. The imagery of power, wealth, and moral decay resonates with characteristics observed in various cultures, including contemporary ones. The United States, known for its global influence, material wealth, and cultural exports, is sometimes linked to this symbolism. Others point to America’s role in global politics and its cultural dominance as potential similarities.

Revelation 17:4 emphasizes wealth and luxury, while Revelation 17:6 highlights persecution of God’s people, inviting reflection on how these characteristics might manifest today. Could America’s complex legacy of faith, culture, and power align with the description of Babylon, or is this connection unfounded?

What do you think? Is the USA the Whore of Babylon, or do you see another interpretation? Let’s explore these questions together in light of Revelation 17.

Read more about the Whore of Babylon in this article:

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No, it is not. That would be the Roman Empire more than likely.

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Why do you think Rome fits the description, especially when, at one time, the British Empire was so large that the “sun never set” on it?

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Because Revelation is not about our time period. I can provide s Hilary references if you want but it won’t be today. The US was not around, and Britain was to become subjugated by Rome, was not a nation itself.

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Revelation is typically assigned to roughly 100 AD. In the new book I’m reading, however, scholar Paula Fredriksen assigns it to a more plausible date of 68-73 AD - meaning right in the middle of, or immediately after, the Jewish revolt of 66-70 AD that resulted in the destruction of the Second Temple, the leveling of Jerusalem, and pretty much the end of Judaism as it had previously been known.

Revelation is clearly, without any doubt, talking about Rome and Nero (whose name meshes perfectly with 666 and the variant reading of 616 and who, it was rumored, would return from a fatal head wound after his death in 68). It makes little sense for it to have been written in 100 AD, although it’s possible the final version wasn’t in place until that date. The point of the apocalyptic genre is not to predict future events but to encourage and strengthen those who are experiencing the sort of disaster the Jews of 66-70 and thereafter were experiencing.

The standard modern narrative is that Revelation of course applied to Rome, right down the line, which cannot be denied, but “also” applies to similar events on a larger scale far in the distant future. One can certainly believe this, but there is little reason to do so. The inclusion of Revelation in the NT canon was controversial, and Thomas Jefferson called it the “ravings of a madman, no more coherent than our nightly dreams.” That’s a bit harsh, but I believe Revelation strictly applies to events of the first century, specifically the 70’s (which makes me a Preterist) and that the current evangelical obsession with applying it to contemporary events is one of the most embarrassing aspects of modern Christianity.

That being said, I listen to Jan Markell’s “Understanding the Times” program almost every Sunday just because it’s a hoot and I’m fascinated that seemingly sane people actually think this way. Radio - Olive Tree Ministries

BTW, Revelation fans, many people don’t realize that Postmillennialism was the standard position until the 20th century. Since Premillennialism is now the rage, many people think this was always the case. No, the standard position was that the world was IN the Millennium and getting better every day. Two World Wars, the Holocaust and the advent of nuclear weapons caused a rethinking of that fantasy, so now Premilennialism occupies center stage,

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^^^what he said. This is not a prophecy for America

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I prefer an early date of writing as well, for a host of reasons. Foremost among them is that it’s almost inconceivable that ALL or any of scriptural text to have been written post-destruction-of-Jerusalem, without mention of it. Your theory of a later compilation of writings makes the most sense to me, as the ‘book’ of Revelation reads like a journal of dreams, which occur over time, but not in a chronological sense. Somebody came along later and assembled the entries into a compendium.

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