Religion and the beast
As my dad was a believer in Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW) doctrine and he chose to indoctrinate me with associated instruction in my youth, I was taught about Revelation 13:18, “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six [666].”
I was informed that JW believed that the beast identified by the number 666 represented the world’s unified governments in opposition to Jehovah (Revelation 13:7). Expanding upon this matter, one JW resource states:
The Bible sometimes stresses a matter by stating it three times. (Revelation 4:8; 8:13) So the name 666 powerfully emphasizes that God views human political systems as gross failures. They have been unable to bring lasting peace and security—things that only God’s Kingdom will achieve.
Although I’ve often heard that the beast represents Satan, this is a misconception – as absurd as the notion that the Devil will rule over Hell, as though to be rewarded for having defied Jehovah. Rather, I learned that in Revelation 12:4 Satan was said to have been thrown to Earth.
This is why in Matthew 4:8-9 Satan tempts Yeshua with earthly kingdoms, because they are said to be under the Devil’s control. Thus, Satan owned the beast and the beast represented political systems.
Due to belief in Jehovah’s kingdom as the only legitimate form of governance, JW don’t participate in political activities, such as voting in elections, as active support of the beast isn’t considered a righteous endeavor.
To this day, even though I’m removed from my JW upbringing, I don’t vote. Admittedly, part of the reason I enlisted with the Department of Defense was in defiance of my JW upbringing. I later went on to work in association with the Departments of State, Energy, and Veterans Affairs, as well.
However, just as I set aside religiosity, I no longer support entities associated with governance. However, showing a lack of support for something doesn’t mean one denounces it. Thus, while I’m no longer affiliated with religion or government, I don’t assume an oppositional stance concerning these matters.
Mark of the beast
In my youth, I was fortunate enough to become familiar with reggae and dancehall music. Still associated with religious practice when stationed in Okinawa, Japan as a Marine in 1997, I purchased Capleton’s album I-Testament.
Noteworthy, my dad expressed not wanting me to subject myself to Rastafari perspectives. Nevertheless, as I rebelled by joining the military, I enjoyed Captleton’s Rastafari views.
On I-Testament, Capleton collaborated with reggae artist Big Youth on the song “Mark of the Beast,” referencing the number or mark of the beast: 666. Lyrics include:
I see the evil force trying to overcome the righteous force
I know the positive force will always overcome the negative force
Again… I see the evil force trying to overcome the righteous force
I know the positive force will always overcome the negative force
Again… long time we a preach dem never want listen it
Money out of circulation and no more you no see it
And the whole world start to live pon credit
The lyrics reference Revelation 13:17, “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 [666].” A song released in 1997 alluded to a monetary system in which money is largely out of circulation and credit is instead favored. Regarding this matter, one source states:
Debt bondage, also known as debt slavery, bonded labour, or peonage, is the pledge of a person’s services as security for the repayment for a debt or other obligation. Where the terms of the repayment are not clearly or reasonably stated, or where the debt is excessively large the person who holds the debt has thus some control over the laborer, whose freedom depends on the undefined or excessive debt repayment.
Coercive economic practice of this sort appears to be the norm in the United States (U.S.). Think about it, how many people do you know who are truly debt-free – owing nothing on a credit card, mortgage, vehicle, or otherwise?
Recently, I told a close friend how proud I was to have paid off all credit cards as well as my vehicle and mortgage. Also, I have no student loans or other shackles of debt bondage. When hearing this, my friend laughed at me. She explained that it seemed odd to be proud of such a matter.
Why is it that freedom of debt and living “pon credit,” as Capleton expressed, is considered an acceptable way to live? Even if one rejects the religious, spiritual, or metaphysical message of “Mark of the Beast,” I suspect one can contemplate this matter from a rational perspective.
In “Mark of the Beast,” Big Youth concludes the song by stating:
Then if you want a solution
Then we’ll have a revolution
Want a solution then you’ll have a revolution
A revolution of the mind
Regarding revolution, it’s worth noting that I tend to favor the perspective of el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz who stated, “I’m telling you, you don’t know what a revolution is, because when you find out you’ll get back in the alley, you’ll get out of the way,” and, “You haven’t got a revolution that doesn’t involve bloodshed, and you’re afraid to bleed.”
As well, according to one source, “Just prior to the [American] Revolution, British tax rates stood at between 5-7%, dwarfing Americans’ 1-1.5% tax rates,” as colonial citizens went to war in part due to taxation. Contrast that with the current 10-37% tax rate, depending on tax bracket.
U.S. antecedents were apparently more concerned with debt bondage than citizens in modernity. Nevertheless, I’m not advocating bloody revolution herein. Therefore, for now, I’ll not quibble with Big Youth’s proposal of a “revolution of the mind.” Framing this issue, one source states:
The Enlightenment’s idea of progress, then, was invariably conceived as being “philosophical,” a revolution of the mind. But it was undoubtedly economic, technological, political, medical, and administrative as well, in addition to being legal, moral, educational, and aesthetic. Enlightenment “progress” was thus very wide-ranging and multifaceted.
While I cannot in good conscious advocate an actual revolution, I do support the notion of a philosophical revolution of the mind. In essence, this is what occurs through practice of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). The late psychologist who developed REBT, Albert Ellis, elucidated on this matter thusly:
If you profoundly change your philosophy – your thinking – then you’re more likely, in all probability, to profoundly change your feeling and your behavior – especially your disturbed feeling and your disturbed behavior.
Thus, a revolution of the mind in order to free oneself from unhelpful beliefs about economic, political, or other perceived forms of bondage can occur when practicing useful REBT techniques such as the ABC model and unconditional acceptance. I find great value in these tools.
Conclusion
In my youth, I was introduced to JW doctrine and taught that the government was essentially an evil force. Rebelling against my upbringing, I subsequently sought and gained employment in and/or with a number of government agencies.
While in the military, still holding on to religious views, I purchased Capleton’s I-Testament and saw value in “Mark of the Beast,” as the track resonated with the one foot I maintained in my formative years and despite the other foot resting in worldly endeavors.
In particular, I found hope in Capleton’s message, “I see the evil force trying to overcome the righteous force. I know the positive force will always overcome the negative force.”
There was information to which I was privy when working for the government that reinforced some of the teachings I received as a child. For instance, debt bondage appeared to be a tool of oppression that people to whom I’m currently close have ostensibly welcomed as a normal facet of life.
I’ve no idea how many people consider that this may be a calculated design versus an accidental system of servitude. Even a cursory search of U.S. undue influence over other nations’ governments will yield many results of corrupt influence.
In a similar way as the U.S. influences other nations with economic sanctions, it’s feasible to imagine how our government may influence U.S. citizens with financial manipulation (i.e., Internal Revenue Service allegedly targeting political criticism). And yet, here I criticize.
Rather than disturbing myself over how unfortunate I believe this matter is, I use REBT to tolerate and accept the fact that I have no control and little influence over the number of the beast, the debt of other people or the U.S. as a whole, or the weaponization of government organizations.
As the current entry is my six hundred threescore and sixth post (666), I now find wisdom in Capleton’s statement in “Mark of the Beast,” as the reggae artist stated, “long time we a preach dem never want listen it,” as I realize that I’m likely speaking into the abyss when addressing the current matter.
In any case, I find purpose and meaning in hearing an echo reverberating from the chasm. This is because, in the interest of a Stoic virtue regarding justice, at least I spoke out when witnessing injustice.
How about you? What method do you use when observing the effects of oppression while realizing how little impact you have over such matters? I blog about it. And you? If you self-disturb with unhelpful beliefs, I may be able to help you explore a more constructive use of your remaining time in life.
If you’re looking for a provider who works to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply helping you to feel better, I want to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
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