Mark of the beast.
I wanted to understand the phrase “mark of the beast” better because if sometimes comes up in various situations and I have always felt confused about its meaning and relevance.
A tribal ceremony
Recently, I watched a short video in which a Mohawk elder conducted a ceremony on a local farm property where aboriginal burial remains are believed to be interred. Other tribal leaders and members were present. The term ‘mark of the beast’ was referenced apparently in reference to some past incidents when government officials, land developers and public institutions mistreated Indigenous ancestors.
I wondered about the use of the term ‘mark of the beast’ and its relevance to the history and circumstances of Indigenous burial grounds in Ontario. I admit to having scant knowledge of either topic. Today, I used BING Copilot (GPT-4) to help me better understand the term and its possible relevance to the ceremony.
This is what I found.
The “mark of the beast” is a concept from the Book of Revelation in the Bible. It is described as a mark that people will receive on their right hand or forehead, signifying their allegiance to the beast, often interpreted as the Antichrist12. This mark is associated with the number 6663, and those who accept it are said to be able to buy and sell goods, while those who refuse it will face persecution2.
The mark symbolizes a choice between following the beast or remaining faithful to Christ, even under threat of hardship3. It’s a significant symbol in Christian eschatology, representing the ultimate test of faith and loyalty.
Different religious denominations have varied interpretations of the "mark of the beast." Here are some perspectives from a few major Christian traditions:
1. **Catholicism**: The Catholic Church often views the mark of the beast symbolically. It is seen as a representation of allegiance to worldly powers that oppose God. Historically, some Catholic scholars have linked it to the Roman emperors who persecuted early Christians¹.
2. **Protestantism**: Many Protestant denominations, especially those with a focus on eschatology (the study of end times), interpret the mark of the beast more literally. Some believe it could be a physical mark or technology used for economic control, such as microchips or digital currencies². Others see it as a symbol of ultimate allegiance to the Antichrist.
3. **Evangelical Christianity**: Evangelicals often emphasize a futurist interpretation, viewing the mark as a future event that will occur during the end times. They typically see it as a literal mark that will be required for economic transactions and as a sign of loyalty to the Antichrist³.
4. **Seventh-day Adventists**: This denomination interprets the mark of the beast in the context of worship and obedience. They believe it represents enforced Sunday worship, which they see as contrary to the biblical Sabbath (Saturday). For them, the mark is a sign of allegiance to human traditions over God's commandments⁴.
5. **Jehovah's Witnesses**: Jehovah's Witnesses view the mark of the beast as a symbol of rejection of God's sovereignty. They believe it represents the acceptance of human political systems and false religions⁵.
These interpretations reflect the diverse theological perspectives within Christianity. Each denomination brings its own historical, doctrinal, and cultural context to the understanding of this complex symbol.
Source: Conversation with Copilot, 2024-08-21.
(1) The Mark of the Beast | Catholic Answers Q&A. https://www.catholic.com/qa/the-mark-of-the-beast.
(2) THE MARK OF THE BEAST: A BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL APPROACH. https://crossexamined.org/the-mark-of-the-beast-a-biblical-and-theological-approach/.
(3) What Is the Mark of the Beast in the Bible? - Christianity. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/end-times/what-is-the-mark-of-the-beast-in-the-bible.html.
(4) What Is the Mark of the Beast? - Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/mark-of-the-beast-700628.
(5) Are COVID-19 Vaccines The 'Mark Of The Beast'? Pastor Explains. https://www.christianitydaily.com/news/are-covid-19-vaccines-the-mark-of-the-beast-pastor-explains.html.
A broad range of interpretations
The “mark of the beast” has been interpreted in various ways throughout history, reflecting different theological, cultural, and technological contexts. Here are some notable interpretations:
Symbolic Interpretation: Many scholars view the mark as a symbol of allegiance to worldly powers that oppose Jesus. This interpretation suggests that the mark represents a broader spiritual reality rather than a physical mark1.
Literal Interpretation: Some believe the mark will be a literal, physical mark or implant, such as a microchip or barcode, that people will receive in the end times. This view often ties the mark to modern technologies and global systems2.
Historical Figures: As mentioned earlier, some interpretations link the mark to historical figures like Emperor Nero, using gematria to decode the number 666 as a reference to his name3.
Economic Control: Another common interpretation is that the mark represents economic control and the ability to buy and sell. This view sees the mark as a means of enforcing loyalty to the Antichrist’s regime4.
Modern Technologies: In recent times, some have speculated that the mark could be related to digital currencies, biometric identification, or other advanced technologies that could be used for surveillance and control5.
These interpretations highlight the flexibility of the symbol and its relevance to different eras and concerns.
Historical contexts
The concept of the “mark of the beast” has been interpreted in various historical contexts, often reflecting the socio-political climate of the times.
Early Christian Era: Some scholars believe that the “mark of the beast” in the Book of Revelation was a symbolic critique of the Roman Empire. The number 666 is thought to be a reference to Emperor Nero, a notorious persecutor of Christians1. This interpretation aligns with the practice of gematria, where numbers are used to represent letters.
Medieval and Reformation Periods: During the Middle Ages and the Reformation, the mark was often associated with the papacy and the Catholic Church. Reformers like Martin Luther viewed the Pope as the Antichrist and the mark as a symbol of allegiance to corrupt religious authority2.
Modern Interpretations: In contemporary times, the mark has been linked to various technological and political developments. Some see it as a metaphor for totalitarian control, while others have speculated about its connection to modern technologies like microchips or digital currencies3.
These interpretations reflect the enduring nature of the symbol and its ability to adapt to different historical and cultural contexts.
Why was this important to me?
Consilience is another term that is relevant to this discussion. When terms are used to bridge new associations between previously unconnected subjects, consilience is often the result. For example, while the Book of Revelations was identified as the first published instance of the term, it was subsequently used throughout history by different groups under different circumstances in different locations and at different times. This has produced an diverse understanding of the term with a religious context as the most prevalent.
Will the ‘mark of the beast” become associated in some way with the history of indigenous burial grounds because it was spoken and recorded in the video I watched? Is this an example of how language and culture evolve, and are doing so at such an unprecedented pace in the Digital Age?
About the ceremony as context.
I now believe that the reference to the ‘mark of the beast’ in the ceremony was symbolic - not religious or technology related or intended to address any one “bad actor”. Instead, it represents every person, business or public entity that has ever disturbed the spirits of deceased aboriginal persons whose bones remain buried in graves on sacred grounds wherever they may be.
Who recorded the ceremony?
As I watched the ceremony, I wondered who was recording it and why he or she chose to post it in the Internet. Intentions matter. What was the purpose of recording and releasing the video to the Internet for all the world to find?
You’ve heard the saying that the best lie the devil ever told was convincing the world that he doesn’t exist. The “mark of the beast” is generic enough a term that it comes as no surprise that indigenous peoples would use it. Your point about “why at this time to post on the internet” is interesting. One way to normalize an aberration is to make it commonplace. If the conversation about the “mark” escalates into mainstream, it would be to normalize it and downplay it. Which could be a sign that its implementation is getting closer. Just mho.