Episode Summary: The Sign of the Cross | The Two Babylons by Alexander Hislop

The cross is one of the most recognized symbols in the world—but has it always meant what people assume it means?

In this episode, we continue our journey through The Two Babylons as we explore "The Sign of the Cross." Hislop challenges the common assumption that the ritual use of the cross originated with the early Christian church. Instead, he argues that the symbol was already deeply rooted in the religious traditions of the ancient world long before the time of Christ.

We'll examine Hislop's discussion of Paul's statement about "glorying in the cross of Christ," why he believed it referred to Christ's sacrifice rather than a physical emblem, and then follow his historical case as he traces the cross through the mysteries of Babylon, the worship of Tammuz, and other ancient civilizations.

Was the sign of the cross handed down by the apostles, or did it find its way into Christianity centuries later? What evidence does Hislop present, and how well does it stand up to scrutiny?

Whether you've read The Two Babylons before or are encountering these arguments for the first time, this episode invites you to open the Scriptures, examine the historical record, and think carefully about the origins of one of history's most enduring religious symbols.

Episode 5: Lamps and Wax Candles

In this episode, we continue our journey through Alexander Hislop's 'The Two Babylons' by examining Section 5: Lamps and Wax Candles.

Why have candles become such a prominent feature in religious ceremonies? Are these practices rooted in apostolic Christianity, or do they trace their origins to far older systems of worship?

Drawing from Hislop's research, we explore the historical use of sacred lights in ancient Babylon, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and investigate how these customs found their way into later ecclesiastical traditions. We examine the symbolism attached to lamps, candles, and perpetual flames, as well as the connection Hislop draws between pagan ritualism and later religious ceremonies.

Whether you agree with Hislop's conclusions or approach them with caution, this chapter raises fascinating questions about the origins of religious traditions and the distinction between biblical worship and inherited customs. Join us as we sift through history, symbolism, and Scripture to better understand the significance of lamps and wax candles in the development of religious practice.

Topics covered:

• Sacred lights in ancient pagan worship

• The symbolism of perpetual flames

• Candles in religious ceremonies

• Historical parallels between Babylonian and later traditions

• Biblical perspectives on worship and symbolism

If you enjoy these studies through 'The Two Babylons', be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue examining the historical claims and prophetic implications presented in this influential work.

What is the true origin of the rosary?

In this episode, we examine Section 4 of Alexander Hislop's 'The Two Babylons', where he follows the trail of prayer beads through ancient civilizations, distant religions, and centuries of ritual practice. From the mountains of Tibet to the churches of Rome, Hislop uncovers striking parallels that challenge conventional assumptions and raise questions about the historical roots of one of Christianity's most familiar traditions.

In this episode, we explore Section 3: 'Clothing and Crowning of Images' from Alexander Hislop’s 'The Two Babylons'.

The discussion examines how ritual garments, vestments, and ceremonial “crowning” practices are presented as more than symbolic acts, tracing Hislop’s argument that these traditions echo ancient religious systems predating Christianity. We break down the historical parallels he draws, the role of sacred attire in shaping religious authority, and how visual symbolism through robes, crowns, and adorned images was used to communicate power, reverence, and spiritual hierarchy across ancient and medieval worship systems.

In this dark cinematic episode of The Two Babylons, we explore the controversial origins of relic worship. From the bones of Osiris in ancient Egypt to the shrines, holy coats, and saint relics of Rome. Through eerie historical parallels, miraculous tales, and prophetic symbolism, this episode examines how ancient pagan traditions may have echoed through centuries of religious ceremony.

In this episode, we begin Chapter 5 of The Two Babylons with a look at idol processions. Tracing their use from ancient pagan cultures to later religious traditions, this section examines how public displays of images, music, and ceremony became powerful tools of devotion—and influence. Drawing on Scripture and history, it challenges whether such practices belong to true worship or echo something far older.

This section examines the doctrine of purgatory and prayers for the dead, arguing that the idea of a middle state after death is not rooted in Scripture but echoes ancient pagan traditions. Across Greece, Rome, Egypt, and other cultures, systems emerged that taught the soul could be purified after death through suffering, rituals, or offerings. These beliefs often went hand in hand with priestly systems that claimed authority to influence the fate of the dead, leading to repeated ceremonies, prayers, and financial burdens placed on the living.

The passage contrasts this with the biblical teaching that Christ’s sacrifice fully cleanses from sin, leaving no need for further purification after death. It argues that if a person is in Christ, no purgatory is required, and if not, no later cleansing is possible. The doctrine is therefore presented as a man-made system that undermines the finality of salvation, promotes false hope, and enables religious control. The section concludes by emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement and the freedom found in relying on His finished work alone.

In this episode, we examine Chapter 4, Section 4: Extreme Unction from The Two Babylons. The focus is on the final rite administered to the dying, anointing with oil and whether its origins truly come from Scripture or from something far older.

Drawing from the words of Epistle of James, we contrast the biblical purpose of anointing, healing and restoration—with the later practice applied only at the point of death. As the distinction unfolds, the discussion explores claims that this ritual reflects influences not from the apostolic church, but from ancient religious systems, including connections to Babylon and its mystery traditions.

This episode challenges listeners to consider the difference between faith and form, healing and ritual, and what it truly means to “raise him up.”