Peace and Security, Great Tribulation, Armageddon

[Shawnster]

7 hours ago, Watchful Sentinel said:

@Doug In all seriousness, I used to wonder how a symbolic mark could be enforced. But I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up being literal, because many governments now have the technology, or are currently piloting the technology, that could make it necessary to prohibit someone from buying and selling.

 

Many, but not all. There are some pretty poor countries out there, some that are not as technologically forward, and some whose populations are quite diverse and scattered geographically. Getting tribal people in the Amazon or billions of people in China and India to accept some literal mark (especially since Revelation is symbolic) simply may not be a reasonable feat. 

 

On the other hand, governments have always demanded exclusive devotion and people in general have been, according to our current understanding, displaying the mark of their favorite beast since governments began.  Every time a person shows support of the government, they display their mark of the beast. 

 

Much easier to force everyone to accept an already established mark that does not require a technological component or physical sign of branding when that mark is the same one used since the dawn of time.  

 

Put this sign in your yard, buy this party card, hoist the flag, salute the flag, say the pledge, sing the anthem, vote, kiss the ring, give a hearty heil.