What Will Happen to Religion?—What the Bible Reveals

Are you disappointed with or even disgusted by religion? Although religion has had a positive impact on some communities and individuals, it has also caused a lot of harm. “Some of the worst wars in history have been fought over religious ideology,” says the Encyclopedia of Religion and War. Religious leaders have often used religion, not for worship, but to push political agendas. Still other religious leaders have concealed sexual abuse or financial crimes.

If you are disillusioned with religion, you may wonder how God feels about it. The Bible reveals that God condemns most religions because of what they have done. It also contains prophecies that describe what he will do. Using symbolic language, the Bible explains that God will soon take unprecedented global action against religion.

What does the Bible say about religion’s future?

Prophecy: The Bible book of Revelation describes a prostitute named Babylon the Great. This prostitute sits on a scarlet-colored wild beast. But later, she is killed by the scarlet-colored beast and another beast with ten horns.—Revelation 17:3, 5, 16.

Meaning: The prostitute, Babylon the Great, symbolizes all forms of false religion—that is, religion that God rejects.a The scarlet-colored beast symbolizes the United Nations (UN),b and the beast with ten horns represents the worldwide political system.c The portrayal of the prostitute sitting on the scarlet-colored beast indicates that false religion has tried to influence, even dominate, this political entity. The fact that the beasts kill the prostitute shows that the UN and supporting nations will turn against all the false religions of this world and destroy them. This unique event will be truly catastrophic.

How will false religion be destroyed?

Prophecy: “The ten horns that you saw and the wild beast, these will hate the prostitute and will make her devastated and . . . completely burn her with fire. For God put it into their hearts [the hearts of world leaders] to carry out his thought, yes, to carry out their one thought by giving their kingdom to the wild beast . . . In one day her plagues will come, death and mourning and famine, and she will be completely burned with fire, because Jehovahd God, who judged her, is strong.”—Revelation 17:16, 17; 18:8.

Meaning: God will plant “his thought” within the nations of the world. He will move them to give “their kingdom,” or their political power, to the UN. In turn, the UN—newly empowered by the nations—will destroy false religion worldwide. This astonishing event will happen as if “in one day”—swiftly and unexpectedly—taking many people by surprise.—Revelation 18:21.

Why will false religion be destroyed?

Prophecy: “Her sins have massed together clear up to heaven, and God has called her acts of injustice to mind.”—Revelation 18:5.

Meaning: False religion has done many ungodly things over many centuries. Note some of “her sins” that have brought God’s judgment upon her:

Political involvement. Jesus Christ taught his followers not to get involved in politics but rather to put their hope in God’s Kingdom, a heavenly government that will replace human rule.e (Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:9, 10; John 6:15; 18:36) False religion has done the opposite. Because she is deeply involved with politics instead of being loyal to God, the prophecy in Revelation describes Babylon the Great as being guilty of “sexual immorality” and fittingly calls her “the great prostitute.”—Revelation 17:1, 2; James 4:4.



Violence. False religion is described as being responsible for the deaths “of all those who have been slaughtered on the earth.” (Revelation 18:24) Many religions have not only failed to teach their members to pursue peace but have also supported or even incited wars and acts of terrorism.



Greed. False religion lives in “shameless luxury.” (Revelation 17:4; 18:7) Many religions have used their influence and connections to amass enormous wealth. Such greed displeases God.—Titus 1:7.



Lies. False religion promotes teachings and practices that contradict the truth found in the Bible.f Because false religion is the source of so many teachings and practices that mislead people and dishonor God, the prophecy calls her “the mother . . . of the disgusting things of the earth.”—Revelation 17:5; 18:23.

Will all religions be destroyed?

No. The book of Revelation speaks of a multinational group of people called the “great crowd.” (Revelation 7:9) This great crowd is described as being “dressed in white robes,” which means that they loyally worship God according to his standards. These survive “the great tribulation,” which is what the Bible calls the time period during which false religion and all the rest of God’s enemies are destroyed. (Revelation 7:13, 14; 19:11, 19-21) The great crowd dressed in white robes belong to the true religion—one that will continue forever.g

What does the destruction of false religion mean for you?

You can find comfort in knowing that God does not approve of the shocking things that religion has done. You can look to the future with hope, knowing that humankind will soon be rid of all forms of religion that dishonor God and that cause people to suffer.

You can also be assured that there is an acceptable way to worship God. The Bible says that “true worshippers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for indeed, the Father is looking for ones like these to worship him.” (John 4:23) He tells them: “Get out of her [Babylon the Great], my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues.” (Revelation 18:4, 5) Yes, God is inviting people to worship him in truth. (1 Timothy 2:3, 4) He promises those who accept his invitation that they will live forever.—1 John 2:17.