Guys-

I agree with CAPS and Calvin that Iraq is NOT going to be our end-times Babylon.

HOWEVER, please note: There is NO SCRIPTURE stating that "Babylon" and "Mystery Babylon" are one and the same!

SO how about THIS for a kicker?

What if America ends up being Babylon - but the Apostate American CHURCH ends up being "Mystery Babylon?"

Please realize that Paul used the word "mystery" ONLY to describe the "SPIRITUAL mysteries" of the Church! So why should we then think that John's use of the word would be any different - ie, that it's describing a NON-spiritual entity?

Yes, we clearly see the Judgment of the Nations in the Separation of the Sheep and the Goats. Yet God's Word is ALSO clear that judgment WILL begin in God's House, NOT with some nation! So to say that America AS A NATION will be judged first - but that the Church in America somehow will NOT be (which, according to Calvin, is EXACTLY what all the "ear-tickling" prophecy so-called "experts" said!) - is PURE HOGWASH!

Finally, remember that Jesus was addressing His FOLLOWERS when He taught about the salt, NOT the public in general!
 

Anyway, my .02 worth. (grin)
 

-Dave