Lyric discussion by Mikesch 

From Dylan's Jewish background, Christians are heathen. Their bells symbolize their activities for reminding the world of God's will. This is certainly an important job. Though the result is that "they're breaking down the distance / Between right and wrong". Perhaps due to their variety and dividedness.

Yes, Christianity is Jesus' bride. But Dylan sees it is developing backwards. The "sacred cow" was not meant to be a God other than Jahwe but just a means of better control over Jahwe. The specific "beliefs" of all the different Christian demonimations can be seen as "sacred cows" and thereby as a reason for going backwards.

@Mikesch Bob Dylan is a christian convert and is not referring to Christians as heathens. Far from it. I suggest that you listen to Bob Dylans music and read the bible, heathen.

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