2005-3-8 00:49:00
Since answers are filtering in slowly to the last question I thought I would comment on John's question:
"I hope we can discuss this again when it comes up. People have a ghoulish fascination with the number 666, in my opinion. I like Nemelka's explanation that it refers to money, but I also like your explanation of idealism and Ray 6."
Nemelka quotes I Kings 10:14 Which reads:
Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold.
Because this number (666) seems to be synchronously associated with money then some associate the number and the beast with money. I say some because this idea did not originate with Nemelka, but has been tossed around Christian circles for many years.
There are several things that does not fit the Law of Correspondences when this interpretation is used.
First, to say that no one can buy or sell unless he has money is about as big of a revelation as saying that no one can breath unless he has air. If the answer were this simplistic then air could also be the answer for no one can buy or sell unless he first breaths air to stay alive.
Secondly, the mark of the beast is presented as negative thing to receive. Money, like air, is neither good nor bad. Just as we breathe air and can use the energy for good or evil even so it is with money. Money can feed the hungry, help the sick and help to bring happiness if used correctly.
One can say that no one has ever been able to buy or sell without money, not only in the age of the beast but all ages, especially when you consider that even barter is a form of exchanging money.
When a true interpretation of the mark is given it will strike a chord within and outer authority does indeed strike that chord.
In Revelation chapters 13 and 14 two types of authority are portrayed.
Unlike money, which can be used for good, unearned outer authority always has a negative result, leading the seeker further into illusion. Redemption from this mark is always the same which is to find the name of the God within and receive verification from this inner authority rather than the outer.
As far as I know I am the first to teach this interpretation of the mark, but the interesting thing is as soon as people see how it corresponds that they immediately accept it. I believe the day will come that this will become the most accepted interpretation just because it makes so much sense.
What I have given here is very sketch, but we covered the beast in detail in my first 100 or so posts. Those who have an interest may want to go to the archives and read the applicable posts.
The best armor is to keep out of range. Italian Proverb
Copyright 2005 by J J Dewey