Babylon Mystery Religion” by Ralph Woodrow
Overall Theme: The book argues that many doctrines and practices within modern Christianity, particularly within the Roman Catholic Church, are rooted in ancient Babylonian paganism and were later incorporated into Christian traditions. It presents a strongly critical, evangelical Protestant perspective.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Babylon as the Source of False Religion:
- The book asserts that the “mystery religion” of Babylon, originating with Nimrod and Semiramis, is the source of all idolatry. “HE MYSTERY RELIGION of Babylon has been symbolically described in the last book of the Bible as a woman ‘arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: and upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH’.” It claims this system of idolatry spread from Babylon, influencing various ancient cultures and religions.
- It links this to the Book of Revelation, suggesting that the “MYSTERY BABYLON” of Revelation is a continuation of these ancient pagan practices.
- Mother and Child Worship (Mary Worship):
- A central argument is that the veneration of Mary in the Catholic Church is a continuation of ancient mother goddess worship, such as the worship of Semiramis and Tammuz in Babylon, Isis and Horus in Egypt, and various other “mother and child” deities across different cultures. “One of the most outstanding examples of how Babylonian paganism has continued to our day may be seen in the way the Romish church invented Mary worship to replace the ancient worship of the mother goddess.”
- The book questions the biblical basis for many Marian doctrines, such as the Immaculate Conception, Perpetual Virginity, and Assumption, claiming they are later developments influenced by pagan beliefs.
- Titles given to Mary such as “Queen of Heaven” and “Madonna” are said to be derived from pagan goddesses.
- Saints, Days, and Symbols:
- The book argues that the Catholic practice of venerating saints is a continuation of the pagan practice of worshipping gods and goddesses. The author suggests that when Roman paganism was adopted into the church, that the old Roman gods and Goddesses were renamed and called ‘saints’.
- It points out that specific saints are associated with particular occupations or needs, similar to the roles of gods in ancient pantheons.