Question
Gramps,
I have heard many people speak of America as “Mystery Babylon, the Mother of Harlots” as mentioned in Revelation chapter 18. Is there an official LDS position on this topic? Has the Church said anything to enlighten us as to who or what is considered “the Mother of Harlots”? Whenever someone starts a discussion, I am not sure whether or not I should agree with them or not, although their arguments ARE compelling.
Ryan
Answer
Ryan,
The term “great and abominable church” originates with Nephi, who, in a sweeping prophetic vision, saw a global organization or ideology set in direct opposition to the Lamb of God. This church is described as “great”—meaning large, powerful, widespread, influential—and “abominable”—wicked, impure, with ulterior motives and corruption at its core. But what exactly is it? As clarified in modern reflection, it is not a specific religious institution but can be seen as a worldwide organization or belief system dedicated to the opposition of God’s work—a counterfeit of Christ’s divine order, aimed at undermining truth, virtue, and salvation.
This concept echoes the ancient metaphor of Babylon, the “whore of all the earth,” symbolizing immense material wealth, moral decay, and worldly power. Hugh Nibley, a prominent Latter-day Saint scholar, deepens the imagery by contrasting matriarchal and patriarchal cultures in the ancient world, both of which are susceptible to perversion and corruption. The “mother of harlots” thus becomes not just a symbol of sexual immorality, but a metaphor for the ultimate in spiritual apostasy—any system that subverts divine truth for power, gain, or pleasure.
Nephi’s description warns that the devil is the founder of this system, crafting a belief structure that teaches worth is measured by beauty or wealth, that parental roles are obsolete, and that there are no absolute truths. Its aim is clear: to lead souls away from Christ and bind them in spiritual captivity—a message all too relevant in the moral landscape of the modern world.
The conflict between “the mother of harlots” and Christ is not simply theological; it is profoundly practical, affecting families, personal decisions, and even societal trends. Unlike Christ, who seeks to lift, sanctify, and transform, the mother of harlots offers counterfeits of happiness and fulfillment, each with devastating consequences.
The reach of the great and abominable church is universal; its seductive invitations are extended to all people. While Christ’s arms are open to every soul—desiring to set all free by His Atonement—the abominable church seeks to ensnare, not for the benefit of the individual, but for its own corrupt gain. Its gospel is one of instant gratification, shallow pleasure, and the false promise of privacy and impunity. By appealing to mortal lusts and weaknesses, it promises happiness in the moment but ultimately seeks the misery of those it ensnares.
Perhaps its most insidious tactic is to target what is most precious: personal virtue, fidelity, and the sacred covenants that bind individuals to God and to family. The mother of harlots seeks not only to distract but to destroy, stripping away moral strength and misleading saints into exchanging eternal blessings for fleeting pleasures. Christ, in contrast, asks for total devotion so He can protect, strengthen, and exalt those who follow Him.
The great and abominable church expressly attacks the covenants and values that form the foundation of the family, seeking to confuse morality and invert the God-given order of right and wrong. Its influence, manifest in legislation, culture, and education, threatens to unravel the eternal fabric of the family. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that the Savior offers binding covenants that protect and fortify the family, making eternal relationships possible through His atoning power.
Though the church of the devil claims dominion over the earth—wielding the tools of power, legislation, and cultural sway—the dominion of Christ is within the hearts and lives of individuals and families. What may seem small in number is profound in spiritual power, for the true kingdom of Christ is not measured by worldly metrics but by eternal influence.
Today, the principles remain. The great and abominable church may be manifest in ideologies that devalue covenants, undermine the family, and promote moral relativism. Its tactics are made more potent by modern technology and media, making the battle for individual and family righteousness as urgent as ever.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that the key to resisting the siren call of spiritual counterfeits is the relentless, loving maintenance of personal and family covenants. Saints are “armed with righteousness and the power of God in great glory,” creating a shield against the enticements and attacks of the mother of harlots.
True protection involves constant remembrance and honoring of covenants—at home, in the temple, at the sacrament table, and in daily devotion. Family prayer, scripture study, and sacred routines are not mere ritual; they are defenses against a spiritual foe that seeks not just momentary distraction but eternal ruin. Christ’s plan is one of transformation and strengthening; His gifts come at a price He has already paid, but the rewards—happiness in this life and eternal life to come—are immeasurable.
Gramps
