Who is the great Harlot?

The image of the great harlot who is “Babylon the Great” symbolizes the prevailing economic and religious institutions that are in alliance with the political and social systems throughout history. John is concerned that an unfaithful segment of the church may participate in the economic, social, and religious institutions of contemporary society (Rev. 2:14–15, 20–24; 3:2–4; 17–18). And he knows that Jews may participate in the persecution of Christians (Rev. 2:9–10; 3:9). Thus, “Babylon the Great” includes hostile Jews and apostate Christians. But the main concern is to warn the churches not to participate in the idolatry of the economic and religious institutions of the empire.

Thus, interpretations of the harlot in terms of the Roman Catholic Church alone miss John’s point. The influence of the Roman Catholic Church today is neither economic nor wielded through political institutions worldwide. Sectors of Protestant churches have become apostate both economically and morally. For example, many who claim to be Christians justify unfettered capitalism and consumerism, champion a so-called health and wealth gospel, divorce as easily as unbelievers, or advocate the practice of homosexuality. Indeed, “the repulsive immorality, idolatry, luxury, and misuse of power that characterized Rome has been reproduced many times throughout history; and we must all recognize the same depravity in our way of life today.

Schnabel, E. J. (2011). 40 Questions about the End Times. (B. L. Merkle, Ed.) (pp. 211–212). Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic & Professional.