We’re almost to the Holy City, just hold on. This week we engage Revelation chapters 17-20 dealing with the fall of Babylon.

Please take note we plan to hold a Live ZOOM with listeners on Monday, November 17th 2025. Reply to this email if you’d like to participate or you have questions you’d like us to engage.

Both Sage and Ted were ordained two decades ago, Sage as a Swedenborgian Minister and Ted as an Episcopal priest. Sage is currently the visionary founder of the Helen Keller Spiritual Life Collaborative, author of the Substack Worship is Life, and producer of the Be Love Podcast. Ted serves as the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Sage and Ted live in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston with their two sons Theo & Zach, their cat Miso and their newly adopted dog Princess.

Keywords Revelation, Babylon, New Jerusalem, spirituality, symbolism, judgment, transformation, feminine symbolism, historical context, spiritual forces

Summary In this conversation, Sage and Ted explore the complex themes of the Book of Revelation, focusing on the contrasting symbols of Babylon and the New Jerusalem. They delve into the significance of the prostitute as a symbol of exploitation and the spiritual forces at play in the world. The discussion also touches on historical contexts, the role of women, and the nature of judgment and transformation. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of truth and the ongoing journey of spiritual growth.

Takeaways

* The contrast between Babylon and the New Jerusalem symbolizes the struggle between exploitation and divine truth.

* The image of the prostitute represents a perversion of relationships and the exploitation of resources.

* Spiritual forces of evil are depicted as powerful yet ultimately transient.

* Historical context, particularly the Book of Daniel, informs the understanding of Revelation.

* Feminine symbolism in Revelation reflects cultural perceptions and distortions of women.

* The fall of Babylon serves as a warning about the cyclical nature of power and exploitation.

* Judgment is not merely punitive but transformative, leading to renewal.

* The rider on the white horse symbolizes the truth that cuts through falsehood.

* The final judgment emphasizes the importance of living in alignment with divine principles.

* Spiritual growth is an ongoing journey that requires humility and openness to transformation.

Sound Bites

* “This is the contrast of two cities.”

* “The cycle of the seven trumpets is a spiral.”

* “The rider on the white horse brings truth.”

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Birthdays and Unpacking Revelation

01:55 The Contrast of Two Cities: Babylon vs. New Jerusalem

04:45 Spiritual Forces and John’s Vision

08:02 The Astonishing Reality of Evil

10:48 Misalignment of Goodness and Truth

14:22 John’s Context and the Book of Daniel

16:13 Swedenborg’s Critique of Faith and Charity

21:39 The Fall of Babylon: A Dark Yet Hopeful Narrative

23:49 Exploitation and the Human Cost of Power

26:14 The Distortion of Feminine Power in John’s Vision

28:02 Exploring Visionary Experiences

29:59 The Fall of Babylon and Transformation

33:49 Celebration and the Wedding of the Lamb

36:31 The Rider on the White Horse and Truth

40:50 The Nature of Judgment and Spiritual Growth

45:27 The New Heaven and New Earth

This episode’s theme music is “Ephesus and Smrynna,” and “New Heaven & New Earth,” by the Rev. Ken Turley www.turleymusic.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worshipislife.substack.com