One of the most common attacks against the Catholic Church is the accusation that it is the “Great Slut” mentioned in chapter 17 of the book of Revelation. This claim comes from erroneous interpretations of the Bible, especially among certain Protestant groups. However, a thorough analysis of the biblical, historical and theological context reveals that this accusation is unfounded.
In this article, we will break down the meaning of the “Great Whore”, analyse the biblical references and explain why the Catholic Church cannot be identified with this apocalyptic symbol.
What does Revelation say about the “Great Whore”?
Revelation chapter 17 describes the “Great Whore” with the following characteristics:
- She sits upon many waters (Revelation 17:1).
- She is clothed in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones (Revelation 17:4).
- She holds in her hand a golden cup full of abominations (Revelation 17:4).
- She is drunk with the blood of the saints and martyrs (Revelation 17:6).
- Her name is “ ”. (Revelation 17:5)
At first glance, some try to relate the clothing of the “Great Whore” to the colours used in the Catholic Church, but this is a superficial fallacy. The true meaning of this passage is symbolic and must be understood in its context.
The Symbolic Context of Revelation
The book of Revelation was written in highly symbolic language for the early Christian communities living under persecution by the Roman Empire.
In the Bible, the concept of “whoredom” is used metaphorically to refer to spiritual unfaithfulness, that is, when a people abandon God to follow false gods or fall into corruption.
The “Great Whore” is identified with Babylon, a symbol of political and religious corruption that opposes God. In St. John’s time, Babylon was a veiled reference to Rome, the persecuting empire of Christians.
✝ “The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.” (Revelation 17:15)
This verse shows that the “Great Harlot” represents a corrupt world system, not the Church of Christ.
The Catholic Church is the Church of Christ
Jesus himself promised that his Church would not fall:
✝ “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
If the Catholic Church were the “Great Whore” this would mean that the gates of hell did prevail against her, which contradicts Christ’s promise.
Furthermore, the Bible defines the Church as the “Body of Christ” and the “pillar and foundation of the truth.”
✝ “The Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15)
How can the “Great Harlot” be the same Church that God established as the “foundation of the truth”?
Who are the real enemies of the Church?
Revelation 17 describes that the “Great Harlot” is “drunk with the blood of the saints”. Historically, the Catholic Church has been the institution most persecuted by empires, anti-Christian governments and atheist movements.
If the Catholic Church were the “Great Whore” she would not have been the victim of persecution but the cause of it. However, Christian martyrs died at the hands of pagan empires, communists and anti-Christian regimes, not at the hands of the Church.
✝ “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18)
Hatred against the Catholic Church throughout history confirms its authenticity as the true Church of Christ.
Who really is the “Great Whore”?
Based on the biblical context and the interpretation of the Church Fathers, the “Great Harlot” represents:
- Paganism and idolatry that lead to spiritual corruption.
- Political and economic systems that oppress Christians.
- Any society that rejects God and persecutes His Church.
It is not the Catholic Church, but any system that turns away from God and opposes Christ.
✝ “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
Christ did not abandon His Church. Those who accuse the Catholic Church of being the “Great Harlot” do so out of ignorance or prejudice.
Conclusion
The accusation that the Catholic Church is the “Great Whore” of Revelation 17 is a fallacy without biblical or historical basis.
The “Great Whore” symbolises corruption and opposition to God, not the Church that Christ founded. The Catholic Church has been the guardian of the faith for over 2,000 years, fulfilling Jesus’ promise that “the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.”
As Catholics, we must know our faith and defend it from false interpretations. The truth is in the Church that Christ established, guided by the Holy Spirit until the end of time.
✝ “If anyone does not listen to the Church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:17)
Have you been told that the Catholic Church is the “Great Whore”? Share this article so that more people will know the truth.
