Debunking Alexander Hislop?

   Hislop did a fantastic job selling his bizarre hypothesis of Nimrod, Semiramis and Tammuz and the Babylon mystery religion; as it continues to be a primary teaching in many  churches today. Hislop's theory is used to explain the prophecy of Revelation 17 in the terms as a 'harlot woman who is a church'. This is the only chapter in the entirety of the Bible, where Bible teachers forfeit the prophetic intent of scripture, and use an outside source for interpretation.

   The majority of parishioners aren't even aware that these tales are based upon mythology, mythical figures and fictional characters. but, we were told this would happen: 2 Tim 4:3,4. Those who are aware, just don't care. It is taught in church and that is good enough for them. Afterall, no one wants to be a Berean and question their favorite Bible teacher? 

  Surely Bible teachers had done their research, investing in a full analysis of Hislop's claims, before teaching it as a historical and biblical narrative? One would think so,  but it is impossible to fully analyze the conjuncture of Hislop, and still teach it as a historical or biblical narrative, with a clear conscience. Many pastors are misled by these teachings. 

   The interpretation of Alexander Hislop is the most protected non-Biblical source in modern history. The truth in the Bible supports itself, both historically and scripturally.  When you have doubts or questions, the Bible explains itself as scripture is interconnected, and scripture defines scripture. Not so with Hislop. When you have doubts or questions as to the logic of reincarnation, time travel or mythical characters, there are no discussions or debates. It is something you cannot question or criticize in many churches today. The insanity of it all just boggles my mind. But, it is what it is. In the age of mass deception - truth, logic and reason become the first victims. 

   Beginning sometime around  2010 to 2013, someone taught the Hislop narrative of the mystery religion of Semiramis, and before too long nearly every bible teacher was teaching it. As a result, you couldn't find a sermon on Revelation 17 without it. Almost all regurgitate the same Hislop narrative that includes Nimrod, a fabled mother / wife, named Semiramis and a son named Tammuz. 

Daniels Fourth Beast from the Sea

   The interpretation of Daniel 7 can be a bit perplexing. I thought I would attempt a quick and hopefully simple breakdown of Daniels four beasts that rise from the sea. It will aid in the interpretation of the beast kingdom in Revelation 13, and 17, and perhaps offer some clarity concerning the fourth kingdom which rises in the last days, prior to the second coming of Christ Jesus - Yeshua Hamashiach.

    The writing below is a simple recapitulation of scripture, not the regurgitation of the Roman empire generally taught today. Daniels night vision of four great beasts, intertwines  with the various metals found in Daniel 2: Nebuchadnezzar's dream. Nebuchadnezzar was perplexed by a dream that gave him many sleepless nights, and he tossed and turned in his bed. His dream, interpreted by Daniel, began with his role as King of Babylon, the head of gold who ruled the middle east. 

   His kingdom was  followed by two additional kingdoms, one of silver, and another kingdom of brass. His  dream ended with a fourth and final kingdom that will rise to seize world power in the latter days. The Bible doesn't require outside sources to interpret scripture but, we often find that historical events and additional prophecies, fill in the gaps. 

   Daniel 7 adds additional information which parallels the dream of Nebuchadnezzar. The kings dream outlined a prophetic timeline of Babylon, which revolved around four metals whose gods the Babylonians worshiped. The degrading metals, from gold to iron mixed with clay, indicate  kingdoms which were inferior to Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom - seen as the golden lion in Daniel 7:4. The silver and brass signified two additional kingdoms that rose to rule the middle east - the kingdom of Babylon. There is one kingdom left, the fourth kingdom of iron and clay, which rises in the latter days, fulfilling the prophecies found in Revelation 13, 17 and 18. 

   The four beasts in Daniel 7, parallel four metals from the dream image: 

   Four Beast: 1) Lion - Babylon 2) Bear- Mede-Persian 3) Leopard - Greek, Grecian 4) Beast of ten horns - Tribulation-Antichrist kingdom. 

   Four Metals: 1) Gold - Babylon, 2) Silver - Mede-Persian, 3) Brass - Grecian, 4a) Iron - God's judgement, the fulfillment of the fall of Babylon, 4b) Iron mixed with shard clay - Tribulation - Antichrist kingdom.