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What is the formal teaching of the Catholic denomination on the symbols in Revelation 17 of the seven headed beast, its ten horns, and the whore called Babylon?
Just an fyi I do not believe these have anything to do with the Catholic church at all. I'm simply curious as to what the Catholic church teaches.
Thanks for your time!
Ernie
Thanks for the evaluation. I do think that Jerusalem, but Rome, is the enemy in Rev. -- beast, dragon, and whore.
I forgot to add the reference to Rome in 14:8 in my reply; see below.
Although there is no "formal" teaching, many if not most Catholic scholars interpret 17:1-18 as a metaphor condemning the city of Rome and what it stood for -- the goddess Roma, the claim to dominion over the eath, the inequities of the Roman economy (17:4, 18:3), and empire's violence (18:24).
The prostitute is "Babylon" and so represents a city. See such personifications of Jerusalem in the OT, for example, Is 1:21, Ez 16:15f. Here the city is Rome -- 14:8, 18:9,18. Color links the imag to the dragon of 12: and the beast of 13:
The seven heads are the seven hills of Rome or seven Roman emperors. The horns are its kings.
Hope these thoughts help. If not, please feel free to write again.
Best wishes, Ernie. Thanks for asking.
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| Comment | Thank you. I appreciate your time in answering. I'm personally what most would call a partial preterist believing that 1 Thess. 4:13-17, 1 Cor. 15, and a few other passages point to a literal end of time, a universal judgment, and eternity in Heaven or Hell, but the majority of the New Testament (in addition to establishing Christianity) speaks to the fall of Jerusalem, the end of Judaism (AD 70), and the victory of the church. The beast is Rome under Nero, the whore is Jerusalem, etc. Thanks again for your answer. In Truth and Love, Ernie | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Edward Bode
Expertise
Catholic dogma, especially as related to Scripture. I have a doctorate in biblical theology [University of St. Thomas, Rome]. I do not answer questions concerning personal moral situations -- ones dealing with right and wrong [sin].
Experience
I have taught Catholic thought in grade and high schools, and in college and universities.
Organizations
Catholic Biblical Association
Publications
Catholic Biblical Quarterly, The Bible Today.
Education/Credentials
Graduate degrees in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, in scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute, and a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas; all in Rome
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