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.
NOTE (Nov 2010) – Many years after writing the above review it has come to my attention that some of the historic information in this book has been seriously contested. I am not a scholar and I have no inclination to spend significant time investigating the arguments about this. My feeling is that even IF the link to Nimrod, and other specifically mentioned historic figures, is incorrect there still remains a strong association, in symbolism and practises, between Roman Catholicism and heathen religions in general. Therefore, the general tenor of the book still remains insightful.
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