This article illustrates some of the possible influences of ancient pagan cults upon Roman Catholicism. For a more general look at pagan influence upon Christianity in general, please see Pagan Influence in Christianity.
As shown in the article mentioned above, many facets of the pagan religions of ancient Babylon found their way into Christian traditions, and some even persist in Protestant churches today. However, according to Alexander Hislop, in “The Two Babylons,” these pagan practices have been more deeply engrained in Roman Catholicism throughout the centuries, with far more persistence. Revelation 17:5 refers to the “Mystery of Babylon the Great,” and some Bible scholars even interpret this to be a reference to the Catholic church in the last days. We will use Hislop’s writings examine Roman Catholicism in light of its origins.