Several prophecy scholars and Bible teachers have suggested that America could be Mystery Babylon as described in Jeremiah 50–51 and Revelation 17–18. While not a universally accepted position, some notable figures have written extensively on this theory. Here are some of the key voices who believe (or have explored) the idea that America fits the prophetic description of Babylon:
1. Dr. David Wilkerson (1931–2011)
- Founder of Times Square Church and author of The Vision.
- Warned that America would face severe judgment for its sins.
- Believed America had become the “Babylon of the Last Days” due to its moral decay, economic influence, and global power.
- Claimed that New York City in particular could be the Babylon of Revelation 18, given its role in global finance.
2. John Price
- Author of The End of America.
- Detailed how America aligns with Revelation 18’s Babylon.
- Focused on America’s economic influence, military dominance, and cultural corruption.
- Argued that America would face sudden destruction, likely by war.
3. Dr. J.R. Church (1938–2011)
- Founder of Prophecy in the News.
- Explored America’s role in end-times prophecy.
- Believed America could be Babylon based on its wealth, military strength, and global reach.
4. Dr. Chuck Missler (1934–2018)
- A well-known Bible scholar and prophecy teacher.
- Did not explicitly say America was Babylon but suggested it fits many of the descriptions.
- Questioned whether Babylon was a literal city or a global system, in which America plays a major role.
5. Pastor Jonathan Cahn
- Author of The Harbinger and The Paradigm.
- Views America as following the same pattern of judgment as ancient Israel and Babylon.
- Believes America is under divine judgment for turning away from God.
- Does not outright say America is Babylon but heavily implies it plays a Babylonian role.
6. Walid Shoebat
- A former Muslim turned Christian prophecy teacher.
- Believes America is part of a Babylonian system, but also suggests that Saudi Arabia (Mecca) is a strong candidate for Babylon.
7. Perry Stone
- A prophecy teacher and evangelist.
- Suggests America might fit the description of Babylon due to its economic dominance and spiritual corruption.
Common Arguments for America as Babylon
Those who support this idea usually cite:
- Economic Power → Revelation 18 describes Babylon as the “great marketplace” of the world. America is the center of global trade and finance.
- Military Might → Jeremiah 50:23 calls Babylon “the hammer of the whole earth.” America has the strongest military in the world.
- Moral Decline → Babylon in Revelation is associated with immorality. Many scholars see America as a leader in exporting moral corruption (pornography, entertainment, abortion, etc.).
- Global Influence → Babylon influences the nations. America has a dominant cultural, political, and economic presence.
- Destruction by Fire → Revelation 18 describes Babylon’s sudden destruction by fire, which some say could be nuclear war.
Criticisms of This View
- Babylon is often interpreted as a global system, not a single nation.
- Other candidates for Babylon include Rome, the Vatican, Mecca, or a rebuilt Babylon in Iraq.
- Some argue that America does not fully match every prophetic detail (e.g., ancient Babylon was in the Middle East, not the West).
Conclusion
While there is no scholarly consensus, these prophecy teachers have argued (or suggested) that America fits the role of Babylon in a modern context.