The Book of Revelation has layers of symbolic meaning. Historically, "Babylon the Great" was most likely a coded reference to Rome, which persecuted early Christians and represented worldly decadence, oppression, and idolatry. But Revelation is apocalyptic literature, and it speaks in archetypes — so its images echo across eras, especially when societies start resembling what those symbols condemn.
The Book of Revelation says of Babylon the Great “She has become a dwelling for demons and a haunt for every impure spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.” This paints Babylon as a spiritual wasteland — overrun by impurity, pride, and demonic influence. It's not hard to see how some would draw parallels with modern America: moral confusion, rampant individualism, a consumerist culture that commodifies everything — including religion — and increasing hostility to traditional Christian beliefs.
The problem is spreading out from USA. Yes, America has deep roots in Christian revivalism, missionary work, and moral reform. It sends more missionaries abroad than any other nation. It has vibrant churches and faithful communities, even in the midst of cultural fragmentation. Unfortunately, with USA being such a hotbed and breeding ground for heresies, the spreading of the Bible-based gospel is also a vector for the spreading of its distinctly American heresies too.
Is America already fallen or still being called back. Revelation warns not just against Babylon as a place, but as a spirit — pride, rebellion, and spiritual harlotry. That spirit can infect any nation, any church, any soul.
If the Babylon the Great hat fits, and USA must wear it, then Revelation calls on any faithful still remaining to cut their losses and get out before they share in its punishment for it sins. It was primarily addressing people associated closely with Rome, but it speaks in archetypes — so its images echo across eras, and societies which match the description.
Stephen D Green with ChatGPT, April 2025
