A Woman Rides the Beast: The Roman Catholic Church and the Last Days

by Dave Hunt

Are you missing half the story about the last days? Virtually all attention these days is focused on the coming Antichrist―but he is only half the story. Many people are amazed to discover in Revelation 17 that there is also another mysterious character at the heart of prophecy―a woman who rides the beast. Who is this woman? Tradition says she is connected with the church of Rome. But isn’t such a view outdated? After all, today’s Vatican is eager to join hands with Protestants worldwide. “The Catholic church has changed” is what we hear. Or has it? In A Woman Rides the Beast , prophecy expert Dave Hunt sifts through biblical truth and global events to present a well-defined portrait of the woman and her powerful place in the Antichrist’s future empire. Eight remarkable clues in Revelation 17 and 18 prove the woman’s identity beyond any reasonable doubt. A provocative account of what the Bible tells us is to come.

Genres: Religion, Christianity, Christian, Nonfiction, Theology, Catholic, History

549 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 1994

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Dave Hunt was an American Christian apologist, speaker, radio commentator and author. He was in full-time ministry from 1973 until his death. A prolific best-selling author, international lecturer, and Bible teacher, his writings have been translated into at least 50 languages. More than four million copies of Dave’s books have been sold. For nearly a decade, Dave also co-hosted a weekly radio program, Search the Scriptures Daily, broadcast on over 400 stations in the U.S. and worldwide.

Reviews

[Janet Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been delivered from the very big & powerful cult of Roman Catholicism, I appreciated this honest & well written book. Every practicing & 'angry at God-Lapsed Roman Catholic' should read it. Mr Hunt is an internationally known author & lecturer. He exposes the false doctrine & evil institution of this 'church'. He recounts it's corruption & the violent history it attempts to revise.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book by Dave Hunt exposing the Roman Catholic Church for what it is, and even tying it into prophecy. I pray Catholics will read this book and see the truth -that their church is not following the Christ of the Bible, but rather the one they have created. Very good book if you are concerned (as I am) about the current trend in the church to embrace other religions (including Catholicism), or if you do not have a clear understanding of the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church, and is also a great analysis of prophesy. Five stars for "A Woman Rides the Beast".

[Patrick Lavey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very poor history and exegesis. Dominated by an anti-Catholic dispensational hermeneutic.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most surprising books I've read in a long time. It is presented more in a textbook or reference material style, but it clearly lays out the history of the Roman Catholic Church and the distortions, lies, and outright murder perpetrated by the church leaders. Written a different way, this could appeal to any fan of The Sopranos. Except it's all true.

I would consider this a must-read for any Christian. And doubly so for any Catholic. If you're going to proclaim membership in a group, you ought to know its history as well as its core values. Apparently the vast majority of Catholics don't.

[Larry Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

absolutely horrible, prejudicial, sloppy research, unfounded conclusions that produce hate

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book introduces you to a dark side of Catholic Church history that you'd probably otherwise never knew existed. Popes committing fraud, rewriting the Bible, conspiring with Nazis, excommunicating kings, giving indulgences to people for committing mass murder, smuggling war criminals across the globe, executing people simply for trusting in "Salvation by Grace"--the list goes on and on. And on. In fact, that's the big problem with this book: the list of the Church's crimes are so vast that you can't help but become a bit numb and further reading about them is rather tedious. However, this book is not an attack on Catholics as a whole, but rather an indictment of the gross and opportunistic ways in which the Church has filled its coffers, led good people astray, and turned its back on the unflinching reality of Christ's teachings. Hunt feels that the Roman Catholic Church will be back up to its old mischief again as the "End Times" rolls around, and, after reading his well-thought-out arguments, I can certainly see how such may indeed be the case.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when it was first published, back in the early 90's. I picked it up again recently and I find it even more relevant & enlightening now that I understand more of what makes the world work the way it does. Thank God for bold men like Dave Hunt, not afraid to call out the truth. Of course the brainwashed ecumenicals don't like it. He's telling them the are in quicksand. But he really only wants to save them from leading their followers into error beyond any error, that which leads to eternal damnation.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up off my uncle's bookshelf at random. If you want to explore the ugly underbelly of the Roman Catholic church, this is the book for you! What made the book worthwhile, in my opinion, was the extensive research behind everything. Every little detail was footnoted and cited one, two or more sources--everything. I certainly learned some things about history that I didn't know before. What I didn't like was the occasional attitude of "I am right and no one can dispute me" that popped up every now and then as Hunt connects the Pope with the Antichrist. It struck me as arrogant that Hunt would say that there is no way anyone could disprove his argument. But, as I said before, this was the occasional comment. Most of the book was explanation of historical facts and I found those mostly fascinating.

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I've read this book. The author is part of a group of Americans steeped in dispensationalism. Every time I see this book and others like it I think "oh, another book of the month dispensational book. Every time some new world wide event takes place you're guaranteed to see this author and others like him write a new book on how that event fits into their end times belief. If you believe the eschatology you'll love this book. If you don't you wont. Hunt does go into a lot of Catholic history. If you're Catholic and decide to read this book get ready to be offended. Read it with a grain of salt.

[Some Christian Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dave Hunt makes the compelling case that Roman Catholicism is the “woman who rides the beast” (hence the name), spoken of in Revelation 17. I tend to agree with Dave’s hypothesis, but in addition to that, I learned a lot about the Catholic religion that I didn’t know before. Much of Roman Catholicism goes directly against what the Bible teaches, and each pope has been anti-Christ. I feel very much for the many Catholics who are deceived, and hope that despite what their “church” teaches, that some of them have put their faith in Jesus Christ alone, and not in the pope, or Mary or anyone else. I think it’s important to understand that Catholics are not Christians, and it is our duty to evangelize them and give them the true gospel.

[BJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can't remember if I read this whole book either. Weird, I think I would disagree with a lot of the premise of the book now exegetically, but Hunt's exposing of the dangers of Roman Catholicism I find gutsy and important, even though, I would not do it in the same way and think there is areas in evangelicalism itself that is just as dangerous as Roman Catholicism.

[b e a c h g o t h · Rating 5 out of 5]

In-CREDIBLE collection of all the proofs that the woman riding the beast in the revelation of John is intact, the Roman Catholic Church. I had no idea the papercy supported Hitler, Mussolini & the slaughter of orthodox serbs by the Berlin Butcher, this book fully BLEW MY MIND.

[Stephen Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

a real eye opener. Must read for anyone who thinks catholics are Christians.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of me was hoping to be able to dismiss the author as an anti catholic zealot who was postulating an unhinged conspiracy theory. Unfortunately, the book is reasonable and well documented. I would recommend it, but I wouldn't expect anyone to enjoy it. Honestly the book broke my heart and fills me with sadness for anyone in the Catholic church. I'm not 100% convinced his conclusions are right, but I am 100% certain that Catholicism doesn't teach the Gospel of salvation by faith.

If you are offended by the statement that the Catholic church doesn't teach the Gospel, I invite you to read Ephesians Chapter 2 verses 1-10. You don't need anyone to tell you how to interpret what it means, the text is very plain. I'll post 8-10 below, it is kind of the critical takeaway, but I'd recommend reading the whole epistle.

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT

[Ben Horgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I may not agree with the main point of the book in that the Roman Catholic Church is tied to the woman who rides the beast found in the Book of Revelation; I will say that this was a well written expose on the horrendous history of the Roman Catholic Church. I had heard of some of these atrocities prior to reading this book but now I have a better grasp on just how widespread this blasphemous institution’s corruption goes. Those in Rome are not our brothers and sisters in Christ, they are an apostate church who has happily, thirstily, and eagerly engorged itself with the blood of God’s elect throughout its history. A history that doesn’t go back to Peter but one that finds it’s birth at a time when wolves came in and enticed people to follow them as they wandered away from the true Bride of Christ and away from the true teaching of Christ as found in Scripture. This book is a must read and eye opening to be sure. I hope those in the Catholic Church would take the time to read this book and seek out answers to the hard positions this book pins on their institution. Perhaps they would find themselves looking to Christ instead of their man made abhorrent institution.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

The historical facts abounding it this book are completely incredible. The amount of corruption is astounding. It was an interesting, but rather dry read. Also, quite heavy for the amount of facts and dates and information in general. However, it did seem somewhat repetitive in places. I think it probably could have been a shorter book and still gotten the same points across. I would recommend it to any Christian with a strong foundation in the Word and Catholics just for informational purposes. I can see how some might find it offensive even though everything presented within the context is historically backed.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book over the past 4 months or so, fact checking it as I went relistening to chapters to make sure I heard correctly and tracking down other comments about this book. Everything Hunt said was true as far as I could find.
The most interesting thing to me is how similar the Mormon Cult is to the Catholic Church.

[John P Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opened my eyes

Coming from a catholic background, now a protestant, I was stunned by the atrocities committed by the catholic church and the continued refusal to admit and ask for forgiveness and the continuation of graces, indulgences and Mary worship.

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want a clear cut confrontation on the history of the Catholic church. And their heritical history. Then read.

[William Dicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent review of the many heretical teachings within the Roman Catholic institution.

[Matthew McLellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every catholic needs to read this.

[Steve Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hang on to your socks or this book will blow them clean off. Napoleon Bonaparte once asked, "What is history but a fable agreed upon?" This book reveals history before it was covered by fables.

[Steven H · Rating 3 out of 5]

IS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH THE "BEAST" OF REVELATION 17-18?

Dave Hunt (1926-2013) operated an "anti-cult"/apologetics ministry called The Berean Call along with and T.A. McMahon, who continues the work since Hunt's death. Hunt wrote/cowrote many other books such as 'Psychology and the Church: Critical Questions, Crucial Answers,' 'The Seduction of Christianity,' 'Peace, Prosperity, and the Coming Holocaust,' 'Understanding the New Age Movement,' 'What Love Is This? Calvinism's Misrepresentation of God,' 'Debating Calvinism: Five Points, Two Views,' 'Whatever Happened to Heaven,' etc.

He wrote in the introductory section of this 1994 book, "Confusion now surrounds the issues which were involved at the Reformation. The purpose of this book is to present vital, factual information which throws essential light upon the whole question of Catholic/Protestant relationships. The vast majority of both Catholics and Protestants are ignorant of the pertinent facts. it is our hope and prayer that the following pages will help us to clarify the issues and dispel the confusion." (Pg. 10-11)

He boldly predicts, "not only Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy will be united, but that Protestants will join together with them, along with all of the world's religions, including even the Muslims, to form one new world religion... The revival of Rome's religion will undoubtedly be a blend of Christianity and paganism, as occurred under Constantine and continued thereafter. That perverted and paganized form of Christianity eventually became known as Roman Catholicism... the Roman Catholic Church stands poised today to become the vehicle for the final ecumenical union of all religions." (Pg. 39)

He notes that "Some may object that it is Rome, and not that small part of it known as Vatican City, which is built on seven hills, and that the Vatican can hardly be called a 'great city.' Though both objections are true, the words 'Vatican' and 'Rome' are universally used interchangeably. Just as one would refer to Washington and mean the government that runs the United States, so one refers to Rome and means the hierarchy that rules the Roman Catholic Church." (Pg. 72)

He argues, "It is claimed that only the Church can interpret the Bible because it was the Church which gave it to us... the Church did NOT give us the Bible---certainly not the Old Testament, for there was no Church in those days. And if the Roman Catholic Church was not needed to give us the Old Testament, then clearly it was not needed to give us the New, either... no tradition proves who wrote Hebrews, Job, Esther, or various Psalms. Not does it matter. That the authors were inspired by the Holy Spirit is what counts. This inspiration bears witness within readers who are themselves indwelt by the same Holy Spirit who inspired the writing of Scripture." (Pg. 335)

He states, "'But surely some Catholics are saved!' is often the response to the truth about Catholicism. I am more charitable than Rome, which anathematizes those who say they are saved. Yes, some Catholics may be saved, but only by believing the same gospel whereby other lost souls are saved. Nor can one believe two contradictory propositions simultaneously. One can't believe that Christ obtained redemption through His blood and also that redemption is accomplished through works, suffering, ritual, and indulgences..." (Pg. 365)

One of the less "genteel" critiques of Catholicism by a Protestant, Hunt's book is also one of the more detailed and wide-ranging. Anyone studying this realm will be interested in this book---whether or not one agrees with 100% of Hunt's opinions and exegesis.

[Diane Stultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Woman Rides the Beast: The Roman Catholic Church and the Last Days. by Dave Hunt. This book takes a look at the Roman Catholic Church since its inception. David Hunt has done much research to provide the reader with an historical account and ties it to various scriptures. I am a 'Recovering Catholic" and have spent most of my adult life away from the Catholic Church. I could never really articulate why I drifted, but it just did not feel right. Perhaps the 12 years of Catholic School did not help. Therefore, when this book was suggested to me, I was immediately interested.

The author takes a look at the corruption of the Vatican, starting in the early days, and the corruption of many of the past popes and bishops over time. Although the Catholics were not alone, it was the Roman Catholic Church that murdered many Jews and Christians for going against the Catholic Church and her teachings. The Vatican was in control and often had authority over kings. It was the Catholics that were behind the Inquisition. The Catholic Church has never really admitted nor apologized for such atrocities. There was much propaganda and twisting of facts coming from the Vatican.

The Vatican kept scripture somewhat secret and often preached false doctrine. For example: Purgatory...there is no such "place" that we are sent to atone for out sins after death. Only Jesus, by suffering and dying on the cross for or sins can we be "saved". The scripture was often manipulated to fit the needs of the church. People would "pay" the church to keep themselves out of purgatory or pray a dead loved one out. The church became rich on this false doctrine and others mentioned in the book. The concept that popes are "infallible" also is quite contradictory. In the Catholic doctrine, the church and the priests seem to be the intermediators to Christ. This is not what Christians believe. I could go on with many many examples presented in this book.

Although times have changed, to some degree, the persecution of Christians and Jews still goes on in parts of the world. Some of the same false doctrine is still taught and believed by many unsuspecting Catholics. (As a recovering Catholic, I have had to unlearn many things and do much sol seraching.)

One last point, the author makes a pretty convincing claim that the "woman who rides the beast" in Revelation chapter 17 and 18 is indeed symbolic of the Vatican. I am not sure that I totally agree. The Bible Scholars differ on this opinion, I mention this because it is the point (and title) of this book. You can make up your own mind.

If you are Catholic or were Catholic, the book is worth the read. Modern Catholic Churches in America may be different today than in my youth, but comparing the doctrine to the scripture may open some eyes.

[Michael Millar · Rating 5 out of 5]

RCC is NOT the woman who rides the beast

Great research by a dearly beloved brother in Christ. He presents what looks like, on the face of it, incontrovertible evidence for the identity of the woman who rides the beast. I am extremely impressed by the amount of evidence and excellent research which lends credence to this claim. Although I am in no way a theologian, I would tentatively describe RCC as a ‘type’ of the Woman who rides the Beast. However the anti type is most certainly Jerusalem as the prophesied name of mystery Babylon the Great. The reason I can confidently say this is only because of the most profound study of the subject that I have ever come across being that of Mystery Babylon by Chris White, in which he exhaustively exegetes Scripture to show that Babylon the Great is actually the end time Jerusalem which worships and promotes Antichrist to the world.
Surely we must look to Scripture first and foremost in order to see those things which the Spirit reveals to the end time Church. I would highly recommend Chris White’s book Mystery Babylon. In fact I would go so far to say that if you were entirely convinced by the identity of the woman after reading our dear brother’s (Dave Hunt’s) book, as I definitely would have been had I not read Chris White Mystery Babylon, you will most certainly be corrected by Chris’s excellent exegesis of Scripture, which, in the last analysis is our true guide.
Thank you Dave ( a blessed memory) for an absolutely awesome exposé on RCC. I have had my eyes opened to the egregious and glaring, disgusting history, dictates and damnable heresies of that heretical cult.

[Florian · Rating 1 out of 5]

Exegetically weak.
I would recommend any of Kenneth Gentry‘s or Gary DeMar‘s books on Revelation. Dispensationalism is so wrong on so many levels. Rev 11:8 tells us who Babylon the Great is. It is all there in plain sight. That this has escaped Dave Hunt says tons about his bad exegesis.

The following questions will help any serious Bible student in identifying some key elements in Revelation that will unlock the book pretty easily.
- Which time statements do we find in Rev 1 and 22 that indicate its time of fulfillment?
- to whom was revelation written?
- what does that tell you if you put the time statements and audience together?

- Read Rev 11:8. Where will the two witnesses be slain?
Where was the Lord cruzified?
Who is Babylon the Great?
- Read Exodus 25ff and note the materials that are being used for the tabernacle. Now read Rev 17. What do you notice?
- In Chapter 21 we see a city which at the same time is a woman. What is its name?
- in Chapter 21 the citybride is called “New Jerusalem”. In Chapter 17&18 we see a harlot which is a city at the same time. If there is a NEW Jerusalem, there must then be an old Jerusalem.
Take Rev 11:8 into account and you will see the following: The harlot is 1st century Jerusalem.

There are way more cues from Revelation for every serious student of Scripture. I would recommend reading Gentry and DeMar. Other than their view on Nero I think they are spot on.

Hunt nontheless is way off the mark.

[Dan Roach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Interesting about the Catholic Church

While most of history has been dominated by the Catholic Church. The real Church/churches referenced by Paul's letters and confirmed early churches in Revelation are what I and the this Author think we should be focused on. Tradition and dominice on the world stage over thousands of years is hard to break. But all the traditions we have as Christians date back to when Christianity was accepted in the state In Constantine tine's time. But this is where we get Christmas (tradition) and Easter (tradition) and the Catholic Church and also the Popes.

But as the book points things out, its still hard to fathom all such things and history. The reformation was important for us Christians so we would know what was the teachings of Christ in the early churches. While There are strong Catholics that live by faith, Hope and Love. This pointes out how important reading the scripture is On top of just having faith Hope and love.

With regard to the end times, no one knows when that will be, but be on the look out and read the Bible for yourself to see what to look for so your confused if the time comes in our lifetime

[Melanie Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild deceit. This is a tough pill to swallow for any Catholic, former Catholic, (or someone who simply grew up Catholic like myself), but nonetheless an important, meaningful read full of historically backed proof. Some stuff was so blatant, so wild, it was hard to believe at first. So, I dug in and was shocked at how easy it was to find backing for the information provided here, outside of this book! It made a lot of things in my Catholic upbringing make sense, while also throwing me some massive curveballs. When something is based upon a lie, and that lie is nurtured, that thing can only grow in deceit. Wild deceit.

[Kevin Moseley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for all Christians. The Christian faith has been ruined by the religious from the beginning. The Protestant faiths, while very necessary also brought about righteous religiosity that has kept others from the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus. They certainly were in my way for too many years.. Even today the airwaves are full of the ravenous wolves Paul warned about. For whom much is given, much is required. I'm afraid Hell will be full of "Christians" who never understood from Whom their salvation came.

[Mark Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protestants have long opposed the majority of Catholic teaching on the grounds that it lacks Biblical basis. However, this book shows that much of Catholicism's core teachings (papal infallibility, for one) are more recent in history that believed.

And it's shocking to hear that the Vatican and Nazi Germany were on the same side in one issue: elimination of the Jewish race.

A necessary book for anyone who has Catholic friends or family--they need to know the truth.