The Eagle and the Lamb: Unmasking Ideological Empires

Words by Jon Swales

A podcast summary of a larger blog post.

Transcript

Podcast Episode: The Eagle and the Lamb: Unmasking Ideological Empires

Rev’d Jon Swales:

Welcome to “Lament and Hope.” I’m Rev’d Jon Swales, and today we’re delving into a critical examination of ideological empires through the lens of the Book of Revelation. Our focus is on the seductive myths of unrestrained capitalism and consumerism, which have become deeply ingrained in our worldview. We’ll explore how the seductive myths of empire  are critiqued in Revelation and how this ancient text speaks powerfully into our modern context.

Introduction of the Main Topic

The dual myths of unrestrained capitalism and consumerism articulate an ideological empire that tells us that this is the way things 'are,' the way the world 'works,' and therefore 'the way to get along.' These myths, beguiling stories that have seduced us since birth through the propaganda of advertising, offer a vision of the good life and provide a cultural liturgy that is enacted by our society and enforced by our institutions.

And yet, although the church has often co-opted, colluded, and compromised with this ideological empire—allowing its mythic power to infiltrate and shape our worldview so that we do not question its power and influence—the ideological empire of capitalism and consumerism has been embodied in a history of abuse, exploitation, and domination. It also leads us further into a future in which, in the words of the UN Secretary-General, we face an existential threat. Unrestrained capitalism exacerbates climate breakdown by prioritizing short-term profit over environmental health. This system promotes relentless consumption, leading to resource depletion, pollution, and significant greenhouse gas emissions. Companies externalize environmental costs, ignoring the long-term impacts of their actions, while the focus on immediate financial gains prevents investment in sustainable technologies. Additionally, the global supply chains and market inequalities inherent in capitalism further damage the environment and exacerbate social vulnerabilities.

Exploration of The Dual Myths

The Book of Revelation is not merely an ancient text but a powerful critique of its time's dominant ideologies. It compels its readers to pledge allegiance to Jesus the Lamb and reject the Roman Empire's ideological narrative. The Roman Empire claimed to have ushered in a golden era of global peace and prosperity, presenting itself as the new reality and perpetuating this dominant story from generation to generation. This narrative was disseminated through various channels, including temples, monuments, inscriptions, festivals, orations, coinage, plays, and songs.

Plutarch, in reference to the era of the Book of Revelation, highlighted Rome's growth and stability under the rule of foreign kingdoms. He stated, “Rome developed and grew strong, and attached to herself not only nations and peoples but foreign kingdoms beyond the sea; and then at last the world found stability and security when the controlling power entered into a single, unwavering cycle and world order of peace.” 

This imperial rhetoric and propaganda shaped the lives and worldviews of ordinary Romans, offering a structured and meaningful existence. The "glory of Rome" brought cultural riches such as theaters, gymnasiums, baths, and schools, often described as "panem et circenses" (bread and circuses)—a tactic to distract and appease the populace with immediate gratifications.

Scriptural Analysis and Counter-Narrative

Revelation challenges the dominant narrative of Rome's "glory, strength, and peace" by presenting a starkly different perspective. Instead of Rome ushering in an era of prosperity and tranquility, Revelation describes it as a source of destruction and moral decay.

Revelation 11:18 (ESV) says:

“The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”

Here, we see a condemnation of Rome's destruction and exploitation, contrasting sharply with its proclaimed peace. Similarly, Rome and the Emperor are depicted as beasts in cahoots with evil forces:

Revelation 13:1–4 (ESV):

“And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?’”

Rome is portrayed as a harlot responsible for violence and corruption:

The Mark of the Beast

Revelation 13:15–18 (ESV) states:

“And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.”

The "mark of the beast" in Revelation is often interpreted as a symbol of economic and social control, representing allegiance to the empire. In the Roman Empire, this mark was essentially a requirement for participating in the economic system, demanding loyalty to the imperial cult and its practices. To engage in the marketplace, one had to pledge allegiance to the empire’s deity, reflecting a form of idolatry intertwined with political and economic structures.

Moreover, the number 666 is traditionally understood to refer to Emperor Nero. This interpretation arises from the practice of gematria, where letters are assigned numerical values. The name "Nero Caesar" in Hebrew, when transliterated and calculated, sums to 666. Nero was notorious for his brutal persecution of Christians, and this numerical reference serves as a coded critique of his tyrannical rule.

In modern terms, this mark metaphorically represents the ways our current economic systems demand conformity and allegiance to values that often prioritize profit over people and the planet. The pressures to adhere to market demands, embrace consumer culture, and prioritize immediate financial gains reflect a similar dynamic of idolatry and control. The modern marketplace, driven by unchecked capitalism, often mirrors this dynamic, where economic participation requires endorsement of its underlying values and practices.

Revelation 17:1–6 (ESV):

“Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk. … And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.”

And as the New Babylon, hoarding wealth built on the backs of slaves:

Revelation 18:3 (ESV):

“For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.”

Revelation 18:11–13 (ESV):

“And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls.”

Christians are called to reject these idolatrous economic practices:

Revelation 18:10 (ESV):

“They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, ‘Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.’”

Instead of the empire's glory, the true center of the cosmos is the Lamb, Jesus:

Revelation 5:12–14 (ESV):

“Saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to

 receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!’ And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’ And the four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’ and the elders fell down and worshiped.”

In this vision, Revelation calls us to reject the seductive myths of our own time and pledge allegiance to a different reality—the one embodied by Jesus the Lamb. In doing so, we confront the ideologies that perpetuate exploitation and destruction, whether in ancient Rome or in our modern capitalist systems.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the message of Revelation, let us consider how it challenges us to rethink our own allegiances and economic practices. May we have the courage to stand against ideologies that prioritize profit over people and creation, and instead, embrace a vision of justice, sustainability, and true peace.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through the Book of Revelation. I hope this exploration has provided new insights into the challenges of our modern world. Until next time, may we seek wisdom, challenge the false narratives, and live out our allegiance to the Lamb.

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