Rome is the Great Beast of atheism and materialism, adoring nothing but itself. Israel is the Great Beast of religion. Neither one nor the other is likable. The Great Beast is always repulsive [p. 393]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Both extreme materialism and extreme religion can become self-worshipping monsters that are unlikable.
- In plain terms
- Worshipping money or God too much makes both sides unpleasant.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid idolizing any single system or institution.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does your culture worship?
- Is any system immune to self-idolatry?
Another view
This view oversimplifies the diversity within religious and materialist communities.
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