Posted on 11/21/2006 9:14:34 PM PST by Alex Murphy
Finger ID Has Biblical Implications, Says Calvary Chapel Founder Chuck Smith
SAN DIEGO, CA (AgapePress) - More than 3.3 million consumers now use biometric technology to pay for their purchases at several U.S. retailers, reports Parade Magazine. One prominent church founder shares his thoughts on the biblical implications of such technology.
"Customers at several retailers can now literally pay by touch," says the magazine in its Nov. 12, 2006 issue. "By placing their finger on a scanner at the checkout and entering their home phone number, these tech-savvy shoppers can deduct the cost of a carton of milk directly from a bank account or credit card." Such futuristic technology, often relegated to scenes in high-tech thrillers or science fiction novels, is available now.
In a recent exclusive interview, Chuck Smith, founder and senior pastor of the original Calvary Chapel (Costa Mesa, CA), contends that "this development clearly illustrates that we are one step closer to what is described in the Book of Revelation." Smith indicates that "this should be yet another wake-up call from God that we are in the last of the last days. We already know of eye-identification scanning devices and other technology [identification chips for pets, GPS technology] that clearly shows us this."
Biometric scanning involves the use of automated methods for uniquely recognizing human physical traits. The information is then processed by a numerical algorithm and entered into a database. It is quite different from technology that places something inside the human body to identify a person, such as a microchip.
With the danger of identity theft, biometric finger identity is marketed to emphasize solutions to security and convenience issues in making financial exchanges. Smith notes that the technology described in Parade is introduced in a manner to make it friendly to the public. "This is just another way of desensitizing the public to the advantages of this new technology," he says. "It's a way for the public to buy into the system."
While this technology is presently received voluntarily, Pastor Smith emphasizes that there is a difference between this new technology and the mark of the Beast, which is described in the Book of Revelation. The mark referred to in the Bible is not voluntary, he points out; it will be mandated.
Two problems.
1. Doesn't ID the retailers. I doubt they exist.
2. Home Number is implausable. Another, non public ID would be used if such a program was in use.
"1. Doesn't ID the retailers. I doubt they exist. "
We have 'Pay By Touch' at our Cub Foods stores here in MN. Cub is owned by SuperValu. It is just like the article describes. You sign up for the service, which links your fingerprint to your credit card. When you shop, you just put your finger on the little screen and you're done. I've not signed up for it and I don't plan to.
How can "the mark of the beast" be something we're all born with? (I.e. a fingerprint)
I think Revelation is pretty clear that we'll be FORCED to make a choice about whether or not we'll take the mark, even if the choice kills us. No one is being forced to give their info as of now, and even if they were, having fingerprints is not a choice, we all have them.
I can see the hysteria over RFID chips. But biometric ID, I can't see a problem with (at least theologically).
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