CATEGORY:
Exposé REVIEWER:
Rick
The Two Babylons
Alexander Hislop
This book has been reissued many times. Its first publication was in 1916.
The edition I read was printed in 1965. The title has one of those old lengthy
subtitles underneath it: “Or, the Papal worship proved to be the worship of
Nimrod and his wife.” I guess the subtitle about sums it up. The author
carefully examines the various elements of Roman Catholicism and concludes in
each case that it has its foundation in the ancient religion and practices of
old Babylon as opposed to New Testament Christianity.
The topics covered include: mitres, robes, candles, rosaries, statues, crosses,
fishes, festivals, doctrines, developments and much more. It is pretty
comprehensive, at least up until the date when it was written.
The book will also go some way to explaining the origins of ‘the gods’ showing
that they were founded upon the patriarchs and their deeds. The style of this
book is more suited to academics and particularly those who are familiar with
classical mythology. Neither of which describes myself and I would have to admit
that much of the finer detail went over my head. The book can be made easier to
comprehend and considerably shortened by not reading the frequent and lengthy
footnotes.
Why am I recommending this book? Well, quite simply the subject matter in hand
is of such vital importance to God's children. Many through woeful ignorance
have been seduced into thinking that Catholicism is somehow ‘Christian’. This
book is something of a standard work when it comes to exposing, not just a few
'errors' in Catholicism, but the entire system for what it is really all about.
From both history and doctrine Mr Hislop shows overwhelmingly that the origins
and practices of this religion are founded upon ancient Babylonian mysticism.
Whether it is through this particular book or one of the many others that have
been ably written on this subject I think that every one who is a believer in
the biblical Gospel should acquaint himself with the facts of what that religion
is really all about.
There is no inference whatsoever in this book that anyone should have cause to
despise catholic people. It focuses purely on the facts of the development of
the system and concludes, just as many others do, that God has one specific word
to those who are caught up with this 'Alternative Church' – “Come out of her, my
people, that ye be not partakers of her sins.”
In conclusion, this particular book may not be the one for everyone on this
subject, but those with a slightly more academic bent will appreciate the
carefully researched detail and its presentation.
