Petri, RCC is a harlot, but not the mother
Yes, I agree that the RCC is a harlot. But that great city Jerusalem (representing the nation of Israel and Judaism) is a harlot also (search "harlot" in the Bible). Jerusalem was a harlot long before the RCC even existed. It is completely illogical to think that a harlot existed before the *mother* of harlots existed. Using simple logic one must understand that the first harlot is the mother harlot and all other harlots must be daughter harlots.
Plus, if you believe that the RCC is the mother of harlots, then who is the beast which hates her? The EU or NATO? Do you really believe that NATO or the EU will attack Rome?
Do not confuse the mother of harlots, Mystery Babylon the Great with the beast. They are not the same thing. The beast will hate the harlot and attack her. Rev 17:16 (KJV)
As someone pointed out, non-Christian Jews do fit the description of antichrists as defined in 1John and 2John. (Except for 1 John 2:19, Judaism did not "come out from us".) On the other hand, Muslims also fit the description of antichrists and since Mohammed had a Christian background it could be said that Muslims "came out from us". But keep in mind that the beast is the one commonly called the antichrist. Not the harlot.
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Now, put those 2 ideas together (who the harlot is and who the beast is) and you have this picture. Jerusalem (representing Israel) is that great city which:
1. rules over kings of the earth (a worldwide religion) Rev 17:18
2. is a harlot. Ezek 16; Isa 1:21; Jer 2:20; Jer 3:6,8; Hos 2:5, etc
3. is decked with gold. Rev 17:4, Rev 18:16, Ezek 16:13,
4. has a cup. Isaiah 51:17, 22; Jer 25, Zech 12, Rev 14, 16, 17, 18;
5. is where the prophets were killed, where their blood would be found, and where they would be avenged. Luke 13:33, Matt 23:34, 37; Rev 18:24, Rev 18:20
6. which sits on 7 mountains (not hills). Rev 17:9
7. is hated by the beast (group of antichrist Muslim nations) which will attack her.
Rev 17:16
Doesn't the above make sense and fit with the world situation today? Would you prefer to believe that "one day" a Pope will lead a "revised Roman empire" and begin to kill Christians? Or that NATO or the EU will attack Rome?
How can anyone ignore the fact that Muslims are killing Christians almost every day right now and that they hate Israel and can't wait to attack her (again)?
The RCC *is* a harlot. But the RCC is neither the mother of harlots, nor is she the beast, nor will there be a "revised Roman empire" which will begin killing Christians and attack Rome.
Yours in Christ,
"Mudturkle"