Babylon Mystery Religion: Ancient and Modern

by Ralph Edward Woodrow

Babylon Mystery Religion is a detailed Biblical and historical account of how, when, why, and where ancient paganism was mixed with Christianity. From the early days of Babylon and the legends surrounding Nimrod, Semiramis, and Tammuz, certain rites and rituals are traced in their various developments, thus providing clues whereby the "mystery" is so9lved! The apostles had predicted there would come a "falling away" and the proof of their prediction is now evident in history. With such evidence in hand, all true believers should seek, as never before, the simplicity found in Christ himself and to earnestly contend for that original faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

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

163 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will blow your mind. A must read for all Christians to realize how some traditions are steeped in paganism, not the Bible.

[Scott Klemm · Rating 1 out of 5]

The basic thesis of "Babylon Mystery Religion" is that Christianity, particularly Roman Catholicism, has been mixed with Babylonian mystery religion. Among the silly claims expounded in the book are: the cross is a pagan symbol of the god Tammuz, there were two Peters, church steeples are actually phallic symbols, round communion wafers are symbols for the sun, and that Christmas trees and Easter sunrise services are remnants of Babylonian paganism.

The author, Ralph Woodrow, wrote this book as a young man, and was strongly influenced by a 19th century work entitled "The Two Babylons" by Alexander Hislop. Although Woodrow’s book, first published in 1966, was a great success selling over a quarter of a million copies, he discontinued its publication. After careful study and prayerful consideration, he came to the conclusion that he could no longer offer it in clear conscience. He has replaced it with a new book, "The Babylon Connection?", a renunciation of his earlier book. This is quite extraordinary - especially when one considers the loss of money this move entailed. I encourage anyone who has read "Babylon Mystery Religion" to acquire a copy of "The Babylon Connection?"

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was an interesting take on the roots of Catholicism, however it felt like the authors were trying too hard to "connect the dots". Yes, I agree Catholicism had devious roots, but including things like trying to show how even different shapes (The cross for example), point to the cults was pushing it kind of far.
From what I understand, if you look hard enough, lots of everyday things, shapes, and items can be traced to some evil root or another. That is exactly what the devil has done. He has taken something pure and wonderful that God created, and twists it to fit his own devious purposes. It's as old his temptation with Adam and Eve in the garden(Genesis 3).
All in all, the book is informative but should be read with caution and by mature Christian believers.

[Muphyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fairly quick read, only has about 150 pages, on various practices, concepts and traditions in the Roman Catholic church. Although I'm not entirely convinced about some of the examples Woodrow presents (e.g. the court case against a dead pope in the Middle Ages), it is an interesting read about how extensively the Catholic church is actually infused by pagan rituals and practices. Leaves you wondering how much is actually left of the simple practices of the early church and Christ's teachings.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the clearest, most concise books I've found to date exposing the Catholic Church for what it is. This book is what I'd call an abridged version of the classic, "Tale of Two Babylons." In it, the fallacies of Mary, saints, symbols, etc. are exposed. Relics are discussed as well as the garments worn by popes and bishops; no stone is left unturned. I will note here that a year or two after I read it and 30 years after publication, the author pulled it from the shelves and submitted a "sanitized" version. It makes one wonder what powers caused this revision.

[Benjamin Reardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We should remember that Satan does not appear as a monster with horns, a long tail, and a pitchfork. Instead, he appears as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). As Jesus warned about ‘wolves in sheep's clothing’ (Matt. 7:15), so in numerous instances the paganism that was disguised in the outer garments of Christianity became a mixture that has deceived millions. It was like removing the warning label from a bottle of poison and substituting a peppermint candy label in its place the contents are deadly just the same. No matter how much we may dress it up on the outside, paganism is deadly. True worship must be ‘in spirit and in truth’ (John 4:24)-not pagan error. Because of the clever ways that paganism was mixed with Christianity, the Babylonish influence became hidden - a mystery - ‘mystery Babylon.’ But as a detective gathers clues and facts in order to solve a mystery, so in this book we have presented many Biblical and historical clues as evidence. Some of these clues may have seemed insignificant at first glance or when taken alone. But when the full picture is seen, they fit together and conclusively solve the mystery of Babylon-ancient and modern! Over the centuries God has called his people out of the bondage of Babylon. Still today His voice is saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins’ (Rev. 18:4).”

This is a phenomenal read, and I think every serious Christian should educate themselves on its content. Woodrow lays out the fundamental flaws of Catholicism according to the apostle Paul’s insistence on “speaking the truth in love.” It must be said that Catholicism is NOT true biblical Christianity. This is not to discourage or unlovingly alienate Catholics who are certainly exceptions to the rules delineated in this book; rather, this is a methodical examination of the history of pagan traditions being mixed with Christianity. All mixtures lead back to Babylon.

I heavily emphasize the reality of spiritual warfare as a born-again believer. In an age of division which we (certainly in America) have never experienced as strongly since the Civil War, it is importantly to remember that the spiritual realm dictates the physical realm. Behind every prince of tyre, there is the king of tyre (Satan). We wrestle not against flesh and blood; we have NO human enemies. (For further study on the subject of spiritual warfare and these principles which I’ve mentioned here, I highly encourage you to check out “The Fuel Project” on YouTube and watch the series “Know Your Enemy,” a Christian understanding of the New World Order and an analysis of the history of the world and a tracing of paganism and the efforts of Satan from the Garden of Eden to the present day. In fact, I am going through this study right now, as I always go through it once a year, and I used this book as a short and sweet detour in the midst of the study.)

This isn’t merely an analysis of the criticisms of Catholicism; this is a historical tracking of the Babylonian Mystery religion from the reign of Nimrod and his wife Semiramis to the present day inheritor of the Mysteries - the pope. Readers are advised to do their own research; don’t just take my word for it. Woodrow cites sources for every claim he makes. Satan has worked craftily to conceal the Babylonian Mysteries right in plain sight for centuries. Symbolic evidence abounds for the infiltration of false religion into the Church. Frankly, the Protestant Reformation is given far more credence as a result of the findings in this book.

Simply a must-read for a Christian, in my opinion. But if you can’t spare the time for this book, then watch The Fuel Project’s series “Know Your Enemy” on YouTube.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. I think every christian should read this book. I have to say that you need to be well grounded on your beliefs in order to read this book. Some details are astonishing.

[Xanther Calldemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

two words to put the information in this engaging book: MIND BLOWING!
Clearly, im not of Catholic faith, but i base my faith more on the Bible and Woodrow in his book gave his readers (both Christians and Catholics) a big blow of the sweet truth. Even i could have never thought of my Christmas decors having been rooted to paganism and the worship of the Sun god.
This is very much recommended to EVERYONE UNDER THE ROOF OF CHRISTIANITY (Catholic, Protestant, Born Again, Mormons etc.)
But of course, for Catholics readers, please keep a very, very open mind about this book and just keep on reading. Even in the Bible it was said that the wise accepts advice, but the fool mocks correction.

[Alicia Willis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book, but I think Christians need to be really well-grounded in what they believe before reading this. It leans on the side of conspiracy theory-ism and there was quite a few things I didn't agree with. However, one can obtain quite a glimpse into Catholicism's past and present through its pages.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good.

[Todd Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you had difficulties reading Alexander Hislop's "The Two Babylons", give this one a try. Similar information - much easier to read.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very poorly written and laid out. Makes a good case for paganism working it's way into modern religion, without our realization as to where the rituals and like actually came from.

[Janelle Tamayo]

opened my eyes

[Charmaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about how much influence paganism has on Christianity. It's an interesting book.

[Desireé · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amaizing. At some point I questioned the data the author gave, but so far, seems real.
I truly enjoyed it

[Celz Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One rare find book I was lucky to read. I heard a lot of these books were being burned and yet some people started reproducing and sharing. This book is better when combined with history books.

[Jessica Colunga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amé este libro!!!!! Jamás me aburrió al leer sus páginas. Es increíble los datos verídicos que muestran en sus párrafos, siempre lo he dicho y lo diré: cualquier católico que lea este libro, por más religioso que sea dejará de serlo!! Sin duda alguna lo volvería a comprar millones de veces más. Lo tengo que releer, aprendí muchísimo ❤️

[Anthony Lawson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Woodrow based this book on Hislop's The Two Babylon's. I read Woodrow's many years ago, I liked it at the time but subsequently realized that it was bunk. Even the author realized it later and wrote a refutation.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the book wrongly identifies the location of Mystery Babylon, but it was fascinating. I didn't want to put it down and finished it quickly. I would recommend it as entertainment if you're interested in speculation about Revelation 17, but I do not endorse his point of view.

[Laura The Book Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read all of this book except for the torture details and pope sins. This book does a good job of explaining all about pagan and Catholic practices and how we don't want a mixture with Christianity. The book has lots of pictures.

[Pastor Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I do not agree with every conclusion AND the author has since retracted this book, it still remains a 4 star collection of information.

[Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice still not done yet

[Jorge Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Básico para los creyentes.

[Elías A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este libro es fácil de leer, es interesante ya que proporciona el conocimiento de la raíz de la religión!

[Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must to understand lot of religious things, super recommended

[DAN]

its a good book talking about facts.

[Edy Salvador]

Cuenta una fascinante historia sobre Babilonia, ideal para hacer un estudio y comparación bíblica. La versión que leí tiene algunos errores de compaginación en el índice.

[Mitchell Elliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

FYI, the author retracted this book because he changed his opinions and published a new, different book in its place.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly easy to read. Written in a straightforward manner with each chapter addressing another aspect of the Roman Catholic Church. Truly enlightening to see just how pagan the church truly is.

[Tamara Vojnovic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uvijek sam se pitala odakle neke stvari u RK. Zašto to slave, zašto tada, kako ne vide da u Bibliji piše drugačije. Kako pola toga nema u Bibliji? Knjiga je točno ono što sam trebala da mi da odgovore na pitanja. Preporučam, prva polovica je ok, ali za drugu trebaš imati želudac.
Jedan čovjek me napao kad sam nešto navela iz knjige, da sam prvo trebala provjeriti. Čula da su to neprovjerene informacije. Čak i da je autor odustao od nekih svojih izjava i napisao knjigu u kojoj govori stvarno stanje. Tako da me razočaralo.