This morning in our “giggling gals” Bible study we came to a very tough chapter for Protestants, Revelation 18.
Historically, Protestants have attributed this chapter to judgment on the Roman Catholic Church. I am not comfortable with that judgment at all. Not because I am “so politically correct” so much as I just don’t see where the the interpretation applies anymore.
During the reformation I can clearly see the imagery being tied to Rome. The Catholic Church was in need of reform. When Luther read the words, “the seven heads are the seven hills on which the woman sits” he no doubt thought of Rome’s seven hills. There’s good reason too as this “seven hills” has long been a symbol for Rome. But who’s to say that this isn’t talking about a “type of Rome.” Certainly, as we look forward the post-modern world is not ruled from Rome in the same way as it was during Luther’s day! Is the Vatican powerful? Absolutely. But no longer do even the leaders of Western Europe look to Rome for advice.
As I told my group this morning, I don’t know who this is representative of, but it is a person who is to come that is downright sinful. John describes them as someone whom “the kings of the earth commit adultery with.” It’s clear to me that this isn’t the RCC in whole because of the wondrous and marvelous reforms that she has gone through. Truly we cannot throw the baby out with the bath water… But it is more likely to be something that is a type of what the Catholic Church was during the reformation.
Since I am a baptist pastor… I’ll blame it on the Lutherans! It must be those people across the street and not me.
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