Posted on 06/17/2010 10:17:56 AM PDT by traumer
Aizawl: The fear of the 'Beast' or the Devil in the Christian-dominated state of Mizoram has caused almost 1,000 families to refuse to enroll their names in the National Population Register (NPR) taken up along with the Census 2011 here from May 15.
The dread stems from Chapter 13 Verse 17 of the Book of Revelations in the Bible which says "... and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark or the name of the Beast or the number of his name."
The problem has stemmed from the Unique Identification Authority of India stipulating that none one could buy or sell property without the Unique ID card.
According to adherents of the belief, since buying or selling of property made one a follower of the Beast, one having the UID card, which authorised property transactions, automatically made one a follower of the Devil.
Civil society opposes caste-based census
Those refusing to be enumerated belong to the Mizoram Presbyterian Church and the Baptist Church of Mizoram.
Champhai District Magistrate Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said when he summoned Lalzawna the leader and high priest of a sect he was told that his religious belief would not permit him to register his name and he was ready to face any punishment.
Serchhip Deputy Commissioner H said that adherents of the belief claimed they had the religious freedom to disobey the government and were not afraid of punitive action.
"They are not afraid of being prosecuted for their beliefs as they are more afraid of being identified with the Devil," one enumerator said.
(Excerpt) Read more at sify.com ...
Coming soon to a theater near you!
A quick look at a real Bible will tell you there is no “Book of Revelations” (sic).
The Revelation to John (or of John) is a better translation.
Careless by the author.
misinterpretation of scripture aside what true Christian is afraid of the Devil?
A common mistake. Actually, the last one in my Bible is “Concordance.”
LOL, later versions add Index as well.
“The Revelation to John (or of John) is a better translation.”
The Revelation of Jesus is a better translation
Will
Have you heard about this?
interesting.
no, I hadn’t.
thx.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.