Literally the Mark of the Beast

Amish farmers in Wisconsin are throwing a theological wrench into plans to put identification tags into the ears of their cattle, declaring that it's the first step toward RFID (radio frequency identification) for human beings. They are being backed in their opposition by the state Ranchers-Cattlemen Assocation. According to its state chairman, David Matthes:

"(The Amish say) it is the beginning of the mark of the beast, and our Bible has told us of the mark of the beast," said Matthes, who met with Amish from across the state at a Cashton farm Sept. 12 at their request. They asked for help in giving voice to their objections, he said.
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Some Amish farmers reached Friday say they're OK with premises registration but any computer-based tagging will cost people their salvation, and they referred to Revelations chapters 13 and 14:

Rev. 13: 17-18: It forced all the people, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to be given a stamped image on their right hands or their foreheads, so that no one could buy or sell except one who had the stamped image of the beast's name or the number that stood for its name

Rev. 14: 9-11: A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice, "Anyone who worships the beast or its image, or accepts its mark on forehead or hand, will also drink the wine of God's fury, poured full strength into the cup of his wrath, and will be tormented in burning sulfur before the holy angels and before the Lamb. The smoke of the fire that torments them will rise forever and ever, and there will be no relief day or night for those who worship the beast or its image or accept the mark of its name."

Arguments could be made, we suppose, that RFID is the coming "mark of the beast." While it's not the first newfangled proposal to draw that comparison (Social Security numbers were the feared "mark of the beast" 70 years ago), it's the first candidate that has worldwide potential to regulate buying and selling.

An outfit calling itself the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium says a new registration law that goes into effect Nov. 1 is needed in order to quickly respond to disease outbreaks to prevent economic disaster. The new law exempts no one:

Anyone with livestock - regardless if they're raising fish, or dairy farmers, or a hobby farmer with one chicken - are required to register.

Somehow we doubt that an RFID system will help prevent disease outbreaks and economic disasters any better than the current system of metal ear tags. It's just another case of "we have the technology and the willpower, so let's do it." Nevermind the consequences down the road when the government decides that everybody ought to have an RFID implant.

Go Amish!