In this section, A. Hislop examines the prophetic symbolism of Revelation 12 and the Great Red Dragon. He traces its imagery through Scripture and ancient religious traditions, connecting it to the historical development of Babylonian religion and its later manifestations within the Roman system.

Priests, Nuns, Monks

In this section of The Two Babylons, Alexander Hislop turns his attention to the religious orders of the Roman system, examining the priesthood, monks, and nuns and comparing their origins and functions with the ministry established by Christ and the apostles.

Hislop argues that the distinction between biblical Christianity and the papal system becomes especially apparent in its clergy and religious orders. He examines the authority claimed by the priesthood, the role of the confessional, the restriction of Scripture from the common people, the distinctive tonsure of the clergy, and the institution of monastic and conventual orders.

Drawing upon historical examples from Babylonian, Chaldean, Scandinavian, and other ancient religious systems, Hislop seeks to demonstrate what he considers the pagan ancestry behind these institutions and their later incorporation into Roman Catholicism.

This is an audiobook presentation of Hislop’s original work, presented without commentary or discussion, allowing the text itself to make its historical and prophetic case.

From Chapter VI — Religious Orders, Section II: Priests, Monks, and Nuns.

'The Sovereign Pontiff'

In this episode of The Two Babylons audiobook, Alexander Hislop examines the claims, titles, and authority associated with the Roman Pontiff. He explores the development of the papal office and its connection to ancient religious traditions, presenting his argument that the institution of the papacy reflects patterns and practices that can be traced back to the ancient Babylonian religious system.

Hislop considers the position of the Pope as a universal religious authority, examining the titles attributed to the pontiff, the claims of spiritual supremacy, and the historical development of the papal system. Through his characteristic use of historical and biblical comparisons, he seeks to uncover what he believes lies beneath the outward appearance of the Roman Catholic hierarchy.

This chapter continues Hislop's broader investigation into the relationship between ancient Babylonian religion and later religious institutions, inviting the listener to consider the historical and spiritual significance of the Sovereign Pontiff and the system surrounding him.

*This episode is presented as an audiobook reading of Alexander Hislop's work. No additional commentary or discussion is included outside the contents of the book.