Sunday Worship is Pagan!

 

Why Do Christians Worship on Sunday?

The transition from Saturday Sabbath observance to Sunday worship in Christianity is a multifaceted development rooted in early Christian tradition, theological reflection, and historical circumstances. This article explores the origins of Sunday worship, addressing common questions and misconceptions.

---

1. Did the Catholic Church Change the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday?

The Catholic Church did not unilaterally change the Sabbath but recognized and formalized the practice of Sunday worship that had already been established by early Christians. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

"Sunday is expressly distinguished from the Sabbath, which it follows chronologically every week... Sunday is the day on which the paschal mystery is celebrated in light of the apostolic tradition and is to be observed as the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church."

Early Christian writings, such as the Didache (circa A.D. 70), instruct believers:

"But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure."

This indicates that Sunday worship was a practice rooted in the earliest Christian communities.

---

2. Did Emperor Constantine Change the Day of Worship to Sunday?

Emperor Constantine issued a civil decree in A.D. 321 declaring Sunday a day of rest:

"On the venerable day of the Sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed."

However, this edict recognized an existing Christian practice rather than initiating it. Christians had been gathering on Sundays well before Constantine's decree.

---

3. Is Sunday Worship Rooted in Paganism, Specifically Sol Invictus?

While Sunday was associated with sun worship in Roman culture, early Christians redefined the day to honor Christ's resurrection. Justin Martyr, writing in the 2nd century, noted:

"We all gather on the day of the sun because it is the first day on which God... created the world, and Jesus Christ our Savior rose from the dead on the same day."

Thus, Sunday worship was a conscious shift to celebrate the new creation in Christ, not a continuation of pagan rituals.

---

4. Is Observing Sunday Instead of Saturday Evil or the Mark of the Beast?

Some groups, like the Seventh-day Adventists, emphasize Saturday Sabbath observance. However, mainstream Christian theology does not equate Sunday worship with evil or the "mark of the beast." The Catholic Church teaches that the essence of the Sabbath commandment is fulfilled in Sunday worship, honoring the resurrection and the new covenant.

---

5. Should Christians Observe the Sabbath on Saturday?

While the Sabbath (Saturday) was the designated day of rest in the Old Testament, early Christians began observing Sunday to commemorate Jesus' resurrection. This practice is rooted in apostolic tradition and reflects the new creation brought forth through Christ.

---

6. Are Groups Like Jehovah’s Witnesses and Seventh-day Adventists the "True Church" Because They Observe Saturday?

Jehovah’s Witnesses and Seventh-day Adventists emphasize Saturday worship, but the broader Christian community recognizes that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ, not adherence to a specific day of worship. The early Church's shift to Sunday worship was a theological development reflecting the significance of the resurrection.

---

7. Will the Catholic Church Enforce a National Sunday Law?

Some groups, particularly within the Seventh-day Adventist tradition, believe that a national Sunday law enforcing Sunday worship will be enacted, viewing it as a sign of the end times. However, there is no official Catholic doctrine or plan to enforce such a law. The Catholic Church advocates for religious freedom and does not support coercive measures in matters of worship.

---

8. Is Sunday Worship a Continuation of Babylonian Paganism?

While Sunday was associated with sun worship in ancient pagan cultures, early Christians redefined the day to honor Christ's resurrection. The shift to Sunday worship was a theological development within the Christian community, not a continuation of pagan practices.

---

Conclusion

The observance of Sunday as the primary day of Christian worship is rooted in the early Church's desire to honor the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While Saturday Sabbath observance remains significant in some denominations, Sunday worship reflects the new covenant and the fulfillment of the Sabbath in Christ.

References:

• Catechism of the Catholic Church

• Didache

• Justin Martyr, First Apology

• Council of Laodicea

• Is Sunday a “Pagan” Day of Worship? - Reasons to Believe

• Sunday Observance in Early Christianity

The Whore of Babylon and the Beast in Revelation: Historical, Theological, and Prophetic Interpretations

 

The Whore of Babylon and the Beast in Revelation: Historical, Theological, and Prophetic Interpretations

The Book of Revelation is one of the most mysterious and contested books of the Bible, full of apocalyptic imagery and prophetic symbolism. Among its most infamous figures are the Whore of Babylon and the Beast, described vividly in Revelation 17-18. These figures have been the subject of much debate, with interpretations spanning historical, theological, and eschatological (end-times) perspectives.

This article will explore different viewpoints on the Whore of Babylon and the Beast, particularly the view that the Beast represents Rome and the Whore represents Jerusalem. It will also examine how some interpret Revelation as an anti-Jewish text referring to first-century events, while others see it as a prophecy that transcends time, applying to various world systems and corrupt institutions throughout history, including even a future corrupted Catholic Church. I will present my own perspective on these issues, grounded in Scripture, Church teaching, and historical analysis.

Biblical Description of the Whore and the Beast

Revelation 17 describes the Whore of Babylon as:

• "A woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns" (Revelation 17:3).

• "Arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality" (Revelation 17:4).

• "On her forehead was written a name of mystery: ‘Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations’" (Revelation 17:5).

The Beast, on the other hand, is described in Revelation 13:

• "A beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads" (Revelation 13:1).

• "It was given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it" (Revelation 13:7-8).

The connection between the Whore and the Beast suggests that the woman (corrupt religious or political power) is riding the Beast (worldly empire), meaning she is supported by it but also, in the end, consumed by it (Revelation 17:16).

Historical Interpretation: The Beast as Rome, the Whore as Jerusalem

Many scholars and Church Fathers, including St. Augustine (City of God, XX.19) and St. Jerome, have associated the Beast with the Roman Empire. Rome, known as the "city of seven hills," aligns with Revelation 17:9, which states: "The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits."

Some scholars argue that the Whore of Babylon represents apostate Jerusalem, based on several key points:

• Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37): "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets..."

• Revelation 11:8: "The great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified." This directly refers to Jerusalem.

• First-century Jewish-Roman War (66-70 AD): Some interpret Revelation as referring to the destruction of Jerusalem, where the Romans (the Beast) burned the city (Revelation 17:16).

This view, however, has led to accusations that Revelation is an anti-Semitic text. The idea that the Jews were punished by God through Rome has been historically misused, but in its original context, it was likely a warning against both Jewish and Roman corruption.

The Antichrist as Nero, Vespasian, and Beyond

Another major interpretation is that the Antichrist was a Roman emperor, particularly Nero Caesar (54-68 AD) or Vespasian (69-79 AD):

• The numerical value of Nero Caesar in Hebrew (NRWN QSR) adds up to 666 (Revelation 13:18).

• Nero initiated intense persecutions of Christians, "making war on the saints" (Revelation 13:7).

• Vespasian and his son Titus led the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

This interpretation sees Revelation not as a prophecy of the distant future but as a coded message to persecuted Christians in the first century.

Future Prophecy and the End-Times Perspective

While many early Christians viewed Revelation as referring to Rome and Jerusalem, the Church has never officially limited its meaning to past events. The Catholic view is both historical and eschatological, meaning Revelation also speaks to the future.

Any empire or world system that opposes Christ can take the form of the Beast, and any corrupt religious or political institution can become the Whore of Babylon. As Pope Benedict XVI said in Spe Salvi (2007), the struggle between Christ and evil is ongoing, and human institutions are always at risk of corruption.

Can the Catholic Church Itself Become the Whore of Babylon?

A controversial view held by some Catholic theologians and traditionalists is that the papacy or Church leadership itself could be infiltrated by the Antichrist:

• St. Robert Bellarmine (De Romano Pontifice, II.30) warned that a false pope could lead people into error.

• Archbishop Fulton Sheen predicted in Communism and the Conscience of the West that the Antichrist would create a false Church that outwardly resembles Catholicism.

• Revelation 17:1-2 describes the Whore of Babylon as engaging in political and economic alliances, which some see as aligning with concerns over the Vatican’s involvement with global powers like the UN.

While this does not mean the true Catholic Church can be destroyed, it does highlight the warning that wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15) and false apostles (2 Corinthians 11:13) can infiltrate its leadership.

Conclusion: A Call for Discernment

The Book of Revelation is not just a cryptic prophecy about ancient Rome or a roadmap to future events—it is a timeless warning against corruption in both political and religious institutions.

While I acknowledge that even the Catholic Church can be infiltrated by false leaders and become entangled with worldly powers—aligning itself with global institutions like the UN, WHO, and WEF—this does not shake my faith. If anything, it strengthens my resolve to remain Catholic, holding fast to traditional and historic Church teachings while worshiping God and praying for our leaders. When the Church hierarchy goes astray, our response should not be to abandon our faith but to deepen it, staying true to Christ and the unchanging truth of His Church.

The Catholic Church is the Whore of Babylon & The Pope is the Antichrist

---

The Catholic Church, the Whore of Babylon, and the Pope as the Antichrist: A Comprehensive Refutation

Introduction

Throughout history, particularly since the Protestant Reformation, various groups have accused the Catholic Church of being the "Whore of Babylon" from the Book of Revelation and have claimed that the Pope is the Antichrist. These accusations, originating in polemical disputes rather than historical or biblical accuracy, continue to be propagated by some Evangelical and fundamentalist Protestant groups.

However, an exhaustive examination of Sacred Scripture, the Church Fathers, Church history, and Catholic doctrine demonstrates that these claims are unfounded.

This treatise aims to:

1. Examine the biblical depiction of the "Whore of Babylon" and whether it applies to the Catholic Church.
2. Address the claim that the Pope is the Antichrist in light of Scripture and Christian tradition.
3. Explore the historical origins of these accusations, particularly from the Protestant Reformation.
4. Present theological, historical, and doctrinal evidence that refutes these charges.
5. Analyze Protestant objections and offer counterarguments.

By the end of this analysis, it will be clear that these accusations lack any substantive basis.

---

I. Understanding the "Whore of Babylon" in Revelation

A. Biblical Description of the Whore of Babylon

The "Whore of Babylon" is described in Revelation 17–18 with the following characteristics:

1. "A woman sitting on a scarlet beast" (Revelation 17:3).
2. "Clothed in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls" (Revelation 17:4).
3. "Holding a golden cup full of abominations" (Revelation 17:4).
4. "The mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth" (Revelation 17:5).
5. "Drunk with the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus" (Revelation 17:6).
6. "A great city that rules over the kings of the earth" (Revelation 17:18).

Some Protestants argue that this imagery applies to the Catholic Church because of its liturgical colors (purple and scarlet), hierarchical structure, and historical power. However, this interpretation is flawed for several reasons.

B. Why the Catholic Church Is Not the Whore of Babylon

1. The Whore of Babylon Represents Pagan Rome, Not the Catholic Church

The dominant scholarly consensus—shared by both Catholic and many Protestant scholars—is that the "Whore of Babylon" represents pagan Rome, not the Catholic Church.

• Revelation 17:9 states: "The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits."

  • Ancient Rome was famously known as the "City of Seven Hills."
  • Church Fathers, including St. Irenaeus (Against Heresies, Book 5, Chapter 30:3–4), Tertullian (Apology, 35), and St. Hippolytus (Treatise on Christ and Antichrist, 36–38), all identified Babylon with pagan Rome.

• Revelation 17:18 states: "The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth."

  • In John’s time (1st century AD), only Rome ruled over the known world.

2. The Catholic Church Has Not Persecuted True Christians

• Revelation 17:6 describes the Whore as being "drunk with the blood of the saints."

  • This fits pagan Rome, which persecuted and martyred early Christians (e.g., St. Peter, St. Paul, and thousands more under Nero, Domitian, and Diocletian).
  • The Catholic Church, on the other hand, was the persecuted Church, not the persecutor.

• Even Protestant scholars admit that the early Church suffered at the hands of Rome.

  • Anglican scholar F.F. Bruce writes:

    "The harlot represents Rome and its empire, which was notorious for persecuting Christians." (The Canon of Scripture, 1988).

3. The Catholic Church Is the Bride of Christ, Not a Harlot

• The Catholic Church identifies itself with the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-32), not the harlot of Babylon.
• Revelation 19:7–8 contrasts the "Whore of Babylon" with the "Bride of the Lamb," which represents Christ's true Church.
• If the Catholic Church were the Whore of Babylon, how could it have preserved the Bible, canonized Scripture, and evangelized for 2,000 years?

---

II. Is the Pope the Antichrist?

A. What the Bible Says About the Antichrist

The term "Antichrist" appears primarily in:

• 1 John 2:18 – "Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared."
• 1 John 2:22 – "Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ?"
• 2 John 7 – "For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh."

B. The Pope Confesses Christ, Not Denies Him

• The Antichrist is described as someone who denies Christ (1 John 2:22), but the Pope is the Vicar of Christ.
• Every Pope in history has affirmed Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Redeemer of mankind.

C. The Early Church Did Not Identify the Pope as the Antichrist

• No Church Father or theologian in the first 1,500 years of Christianity identified the Pope as the Antichrist.
• The idea that the Pope is the Antichrist originated with Martin Luther and John Calvin, not with early Christians.

---

III. The Protestant Origins of These Accusations

A. The Protestant Reformation (16th Century)

• Martin Luther (1483–1546) called the Pope the "Antichrist" out of opposition to Catholic authority.

  • "We here are of the conviction that the papacy is the seat of the true and real Antichrist." (Luther, Smalcald Articles, 1537).

• John Calvin (1509–1564) also called the Pope the "Antichrist" in his Institutes of the Christian Religion.

• However, these accusations were based on polemics, not historical or biblical evidence.

B. Evangelical Fundamentalist Views

• In the 19th and 20th centuries, figures like Jack Chick, Dave Hunt, and John MacArthur continued these claims.
• Many rely on anti-Catholic misrepresentations rather than serious theological argumentation.

---

Conclusion

• The Whore of Babylon represents pagan Rome, not the Catholic Church.
• The Pope cannot be the Antichrist since he professes Christ rather than denies Him.
• The accusations originate not from Scripture or Church history, but from Protestant polemics.

Thus, the Catholic Church remains the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church founded by Christ (Matthew 16:18).