Is the similarity between 'biometric' identification technology and the 'Mark of the Beast' a coincidence?

by Dr. Jack Van Impe

"Let me see your papers." That has been one of the terrifying demands of every police state the world has known. But computers, surveillance technology and other scientific breakthroughs are bringing us ever closer to the day when identification papers will no longer be necessary. One day soon, say the experts, human beings may be required to receive a biochip implant in the hand or head that will limit one's right to buy and sell, travel and work.

Terry Cook, a man who has studied developments in such "biometric" devices, puts it this way: "We are getting closer all the time to that day when biochip implants will be used on human beings. Hitler's Third Reich demanded that all German citizens had to carry identification and could be stopped at any time by either civilian or military people. The day may not be far off when we can be stopped at any time and have scanners waved over us as we approach the final stages of the biochip and ID technology of the New World Order system."

Actually, the biochips necessary for such a program have been around for more than a decade. The technology is already in full use by several U.S. cities and counties in animal control work. Animal shelters and clinics are clamoring for a national ID system linking all government animal regulation and control agencies, pounds and veterinarians across the country. Not surprisingly, the cheerleaders of one-world government have been quick to champion such a system for people, too.

"The technology behind such a microchip is fairly uncomplicated and with a little refinement could be used in a variety of human applications," explains Tim Willard, executive officer of the World Future Society. "Conceivably, a number could be assigned at birth and go with a person throughout life. At the checkout stand at a supermarket, you would simply pass your hand over a scanner and your bank account would automatically be debited."

But don't look for U.S. government officials to be quite so bold -- at least not yet. Americans are naturally skeptical about such Big Brother ideas. To promote national identification as a real priority, there must be the perception of need -- some crisis in need of solving.

Several California officials are suggesting there is just such a crisis in the illegal immigration problem. Democrats such as Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Republicans such as Gov. Pete Wilson agree that the time has come for a national identity card, perhaps including biometric data. Such a card is already in use by the federal government. It's called, interestingly, MARC -- for Multi-Technology Automated Reader Card, and all armed services personnel are familiar with it.

Feinstein recently called on her colleagues in the U.S. Congress to make carrying such a card mandatory for every American citizen. Her remarks, memorialized in the daily Washington journal Roll Call, are stunning in their candor and chilling in their content.

"I believe that a new, phone- or machine-readable card that all job and benefits applicants would be required to present to verify their work or eligibility for assistance deserves careful consideration," she said. "As (the Senate subcommittee on immigration) heard (from representatives of the State Department, INS, FBI, Social Security Administration, Secret Service, state and motor vehicle authorities), counterfeit-resistant cards that incorporate 'biometric' data are available and in use today. Whether the card carries a magnetic strip on which the bearer's unique voice, retina pattern or fingerprint is digitally encoded, or whether it incorporates a digitized photo and signature integrated into the plastic card itself, it is clear to me that state-of-the-art work and benefits eligibility IDs can and must replace the Dinosaur Age documents now being used."

Feinstein urged Congress not to wait -- but to act immediately to begin creating such a system. "Is it really necessary to take three to four years to study the issue?" she asked. "Shouldn't we press forward with a single integrated system now, require everyone (not just immigrants) to obtain the new document within a reasonable phase-in period, and subject that document to annual renewals to minimize the effect of any residual fraud or change in eligibility status?"

Fortunately, some opposition has arisen to Feinstein's plans. But most Americans are blissfully unaware that such dangerous designs are even being considered in the hallowed halls of Congress.

"A national ID database represents the slipperiest of all civil liberty slopes," says Ron K. Unz, himself a computer software entrepreneur. "A system employing tens of thousands of government clerks and administrators and costing tens of billions of dollars to build and operate would surely not remain limited to catching illegal nannies. Why not use it, at virtually no additional cost, to track convicted child molesters as well? Who would dare object? Why not then also track the movements of convicted murderers. And rapists. And drug dealers and felons in general. And fathers behind in child support. And tax-evaders. And 'political extremists.' Members of 'religious cults.' Drug addicts. AIDS carriers. Gun owners. With each turn of the political cycle, left and right would add their favorite batch of social enemies to the surveillance list."

The Bible foretells of a time in the future when a one-world system of government will require every person to receive a "mark" in their right hand or in their foreheads. Without this "mark of the beast," no one will be permitted to buy or sell. Putting in place such a system would not have been possible without technological breakthroughs in computers and biometrics. Are we well on our way to a Big Brother-style global dictatorship?

-- St. John the Divine (1999@666.), August 11, 1999

Answers

And won't the internet be perfect for the commercial verification of all those bio-ID's using government databases!

By the way, the mysterious "number of the beast" in Revelations is: 666. The sixth letter of Hebrew is 'W'

Got WWW?

-- Hawthorne (99@00.com), August 12, 1999.

No.

-- Andy (2000EOD@prodigy.net), August 12, 1999.

Once again class, a clarification on the "Mark of the beast" found in Revelation to John.

While biometric identification may be part of a Social Conformity in a new governance arising out of whatever ashes our present systems leave in passing, bio ID's ARE NOT the "Mark of the Beast". Nor is Cable TV, Bar Codes, Social Security numbers, the Internet, Casino Gambling or the Dollar Bill.

2 basic rules to understanding Scripture and prophetic passages therein (aside from believing it is the Inspired Word of God):

1): The Bible uses symbolism in many parts.

2): The Bible interprets itself

With that in mind, the above states, "The Bible foretells of a time in the future when a one-world system of government will require every person to receive a "mark" in their right hand or in their foreheads. Without this "mark of the beast," no one will be permitted to buy or sell".

The Bible uses symbolism. The Bible interprets itself.

"Right hand" in scripture connotates action or doing a work.

"Forehead" in scripture refers to a way of thinking, or understanding or wisdom used.

"Mark" is something that identifies or is branded to ownership.

"Receives" is something someone submits to acquiring willingly, as opposed to "branded" or "forced".

So, this "mark" spoke of in Revelation is a way of accepted thinking or ideology/ conventional wisdom that imparts one to act upon it.

Plainly put, the "Mark of the Beast" is an accepted ideology and belief-system of a governmental system that requires adherance/ behavior and actions on it's behalf. I use a readily available analogy: The "Mark of the Beast" is like Liberal-Socialism. You believe in it, you accept it, and as a willing participant to enjoy the benefits of being politically correct, you act upon your belief by supporting your ideology. Or you submit to the ideology so as to not "stand-out" from the rest of the sheep and endure persecution because you are a "Right-wing whacko".

As a good member in standing, you are easily identified by other Liberal-Socialists because you rally against guns, tax cuts and mean white males, and rally for bigger government, more spending programs for useless welfare and define Bill Clinton as the most-righteous man on Earth. So in the analagous depiction of Revelation here, if you weren't a Liberal-Socialist in ideology and practice, you won't be permitted to buy or sell anything because you'd have to carry a DNC membership card, which you get by demonstrating that you're a good Liberal Socialist.

It's a crude analogy, but it works. I'm not saying Bill Clinton IS the Beast (but I'll concede he is demonic), I'm just illustrating the concept of what Revelation is talking about by "Mark of the beast".

In order to operate in a new system of governance that arises out of a time of trouble the world has yet to that time ever experience, you have to believe and espouse the ideology and faith of a government described as a "Beast" that is partially directed by a false prophet or religious order that comprises a "system", a religious empire if you will.

While biometric ID's may be required ala "papers" of NAZI Germany, scripture identifies these folks as having accepted the ideology of this "system" of government, and participate in it in order to draw sustenance and profit.

No, tinfoil hats are not the mark either. Though they would make the rest of us "religious extremists" much easier to identify by ATF agents.

-- INVAR (gundark@sw.net), August 12, 1999.

INVAR... Once again you feel that you must interpret the Bible for us. To me,the literal Revelation quotation seems to come breath takenly close to present technology.I would agree that the Bible seems to present symbolism ( especially in Revelations ), but perhaps you should offer your interpretation as a possibilty and not as a fact.

-- citizen (lost@sea.com), August 12, 1999.

citizen, telling INVAR to state his opinions as opinions, rather than as fact, is like telling God he made a mistake.

Al

-- Al K. Lloyd (al@ready.now), August 12, 1999.

INVAR

Rather than split Biblical hairs with you.

I wonder...

When booze was verboten during prohibition, there was a booming booze trade.

Prostitution is verboten, yet hookers abound.

Drugs are verboten, yet... well...look around you.

So why is this mark of the beast going to be any different? People will just go to the black market, would they not? Wouldn't you?

-- Uncle Deedah (unkeed@yahoo.com), August 12, 1999.

Right on, Al

By the way, I am reading a very interesting book which addresses many, many issues similar to those being discussed here: THE TRANSPARENT SOCIETY Will Technology Force Us to Choose Between Privacy and Freedom

by David Brin

It deals with lots of topics: tiny spy cameras and listening devices, security on the internet, encryption, etc, and what his views on the pros and cons thereof.

A good read.

JOJ

-- jumpoffjoe (jumpoff@echoweb.net), August 12, 1999.

citizen,

No, I'm not imterpreting the Bible for you or anyone... I'm simply sharing my understanding. I can care less if you agree with me or not, I'm not trying to win any popularity contests here. Take what I said and try to disprove it, research it yourself and gain better understanding or leave it. I don't care. I'm simply sharing with conviction, and for some reason THAT bothers everyone more than the substance of what I say.

Kind of like how the trolls attack anyone with conviction about how they think Y2K is going to play-out. God forbid you post FACTS and sound logic in sharing your Y2K news and advice....trolls be on you like flies on manure. Just ask Diane.

Tis better to research things yourself and study to gain conviction about your beliefs, than to rely on tradition and cultural acceptance. Lean not on your own understanding. This is how you arrive at Joe Sixpack's total indifference to the Y2K problem aside from his own opinion and how over 200,000 different sects of Christianity claim to worship the same God.

Blind faith and tradition.......can be deadly.

Applicable to both the Y2K situation and religion, no?

-- INVAR (gundark@sw.net), August 12, 1999.

Not trying to step on your toes INVAR. I suspect that we probably agree on more things than we would disagree on.:)

-- citizen (lost@sea.com), August 12, 1999.

Unc,

Depends on the situation of supply and demand.

Revelation speaks of catastrophic events that severely impact the lifestyles we've all grown accustomed. Wars, epidemics, natural disasters, ecological chaos, limited food sources...etc.

I think the catch-phrase is: He Who Has The Gold, Makes The Rules.

I guess it is all going to depend on who has the gold, and by what rules folks are willing to follow to get their little piece of the pie.

-- INVAR (gundark@sw.net), August 12, 1999.

Escatology 101 - a literal interpretation is always applied unless it makes absolutely no sense at all to do so.

INVAR, your interpretation is interesting indeed, but I would have a couple problems with it. First, if you read Rev. Chap 13 carefully, you will find that it is the SECOND BEAST (refered to by most as the false prophet) that invokes the mark, not the Antichrist himself. Also, we find in verse 17 that there are some options. Knowing the name of the first beast or the number of his name could very well substitute for receiving the mark itself...whatever it may be.

-- Don (dwegner@cheyenneweb.com), August 12, 1999.

INVAR,

"No one can buy or sell/trade without the mark of the beast 666".

If you think that having the mark is symbolic for "thought" and "action"(forhead and right hand respectivly). Please explain how someone could be refused at the grocery store for not having this mark. I mean, can the person behind the counter look into your head and tell if you have evil or good thoughts? Or can they look you in the eye and see if you've been naughty or nice?

No they can't. The mark, whatever the form, is definitely something physical. IMO.

-- CygnusXI (noburnt@toast.net), August 12, 1999.

Invar:

Well, that settles it. You go right ahead and accept this implant in you right hand or forehead when the time comes. That's your opinion and you're entitled to it.

I will not accept such a system even if I must die.

-- Larry (cobol.programmer@usa.net), August 12, 1999.

>>"Please explain how someone could be refused at the grocery store for not having this mark. I mean, can the person behind the counter look into your head and tell if you have evil or good thoughts? Or can they look you in the eye and see if you've been naughty or nice? <<"

Simple. In order to buy or sell in this new governmental/societal "Beast-666", you have to be a part of that system. Paper cash may be obsolete, some kind of debit system may be in place. Kind of like how in this country today, if you don't have a Social Security Number, you cannot be employed or have a bank account (no, SS is NOT the mark).

This mark is willingly accepted by those whom wish to enjoy the benefits of this "Beast/governmental system".

Remember that the merchants of this world will be made rich beyond their wildest dreams because of their participation with this beast. it's not a forced mark. It's coercive, just like paying your income tax or obtaining a business license is. In order to get, you have to play by their rules.

It's conceivable that some type of ID or debit system may be used, but that physical "mark" is not as significant as the acceptance of the mark in ideology and practice.

Remember, it's what's important to God that matters. He can probably care less that someone has a Biometric ID, what upsets Him more, is the acceptance of the Beasts ideology in order to have that ID in order to buy/sell or obtain wealth. It's idolatry. Not much different than folks in this country that rely on government to fix all their ails as opposed to relying on God.

Larry,

I will not knowingly accept this mark, and I know neither will you...provided we are not deceived as to what the mark is in God's eyes. If in the near future, the world's fiat finance system collapses and throws the globe into chaos...what may be borne out of the ashes might sound swell to the global population: a NEW money- system that actually has intrinsic VALUE (perhaps credit notes based on a gold standard?).

Folks wanting to feed their families might throw all caution to the wind and jump on the beastly bandwagon...not knowing what they are participating in. All done in order to survive and provide a living.

It's a satanic system of government clothed in the bright light of benevolence.

I've heard it told that some think our governmental system is the "Beast"....and while there are similarities, the Beast that Revelation speaks of is a global system with the exclusion of Asia and Russia.

We don't have that yet geopolitically.

-- INVAR (gundark@sw.net), August 12, 1999.

Some states revoke peoples's drivers licenses for offenses that have nothing at all to do with driving.

What if, after this new ID is established, they start "turning it off" on those whose behavior they don't approve of? It would be make someone an "unperson" just like in "1984".

Becoming self-sufficient or stockpiling supplies could be considered suspicious - "Why do you need all those cans of food? Are you expecting your ID to be turned off?"

-- biker (y2kbiker@worldnet.att.net), August 12, 1999.

INVAR says, "Remember, it's what's important to God that matters. He can probably care less that someone has a Biometric ID, what upsets Him more, is the acceptance of the Beasts ideology in order to have that ID in order to buy/sell or obtain wealth. It's idolatry. Not much different than folks in this country that rely on government to fix all their ails as opposed to relying on God. INVAR, YOU LITTLE PIPSQUEEK, HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU? YOU ARE NOT ME. DO NOT TELL OTHER PEOPLE WHAT I THINK ABOUT THINGS. EVER AGAIN!

GOD

-- god (god@in.heaven), August 12, 1999.

Hey god---NOT,

Show me in Scripture where you say that.

If I ever want to know what (you) have to say and think on a subject, all I needs to do is read what (you) inspired (your) patriarchs to write down for our edification.

But thanks god --NOT, for surfing the net.

Is this the new on-line service to heaven?

Let me know if you inspire the pope to institute online confessionals....

-- INVAR (gundark@sw.net), August 12, 1999.

INVAR,
Methinks the kettle is calling the pot black.
Yeah, I've met my share of politically correct types, who behave like good little Nazis, with their lock-step expectations.
Then again, I once briefly belonged to a Fundy church (Oh, the things we do for love). Now THERE was a group that new how to ream you a new one, if you didn't start touting just EXACTLY what the party line was, in a double-time hurry. I'm still counting all the "new ones" I received, from that experience.
There are places where Ultra-Left and Ultra-Right come neatly together. This issue, is one of them.

-- Bokonon (bokonon@my-deja.com), August 12, 1999.

Amen Bokonon.

Though you couldn't exactly say that I'm even in the same cabinet with the rest of the cookware.

I don't belong to any of the organizations of mainstream religion. They each have a personal agenda (money and converts), and they know not, or choose to ignore what they believe, why they believe it and where the beliefs came from. Most have never questioned their beliefs or have proven them for themselves.

Blind faith, just like faith in our fragile infrastructure, can be truly dangerous if you are caught unawares.

-- INVAR (gundark@sw.net), August 12, 1999.

Just think how the sheeple will be lining up, begging for implants for themselvs and their children. All Big Brother has to do is explain how these new implants can be used to match up parents and their children. They will be protecting their little darlings from kidnapers. Matching implants will be necessary to pick up a child from daycare or school. It will be the newest fad, matching implants for the entire family. Perhaps the family pets can be included for a small charge.

-- Homeschooling Grandma (mlaymon@glenn-co.k12.ca.us), August 13, 1999.