A Doctor's Explanation

My mom basically thinks I've joined or am starting a cult.  She became a mega-church Christian, who is so dedicated to this pop trend, she watches Joel Osteen while she gets ready for church.  Between TV church, conservative talk radio, and doctor's appointments, her life is full.  Like so many aging Americans, doctor's appointments fill a great deal of her schedule.  I give these couple of sentences of background just so you know my source.

Recently, my mother explained to me that her doctor explained to her what the mark of the beast is . . . He claims to know what the mark of the beast is and has one, so my question was direct.  Do you still go see him?  She gave pause for a moment, then said, "Of course."  That's where Christian America stands if the mark of the beast is identified and owned by health care.  I tend to disagree with her doctor on what the mark is, but then I disagree with doctors regarding pharmakeia, also . . .

He and my mother were apparently discussing their joint views on current events, when the topic of the mark of the beast came up.  So as she was talking to me, she asked me if I knew what the mark was.  When she asks me a question, she's not looking for information, she's just testing me to see if I offer the same answer she already holds to.  I said, I didn't know.  I had some ideas, and thought it would probably be of some sort of technology, and I certainly did not plan to take the Veri-chip, but at this time, I really don't know what the mark of the beast will be.

That response served as her launch pad.  She informed me that her doctor held up his apple smart phone, or whatever they are called and stated, "This is the mark of the beast, it's held in your hand and up to your head.  There's even a bite out of the apple, like in the Garden of Eden."  Rather than offer a statement that would not be received, I asked a question.  "So do you agree with his statement?"  She said, "I think so, that internet is evil."  To that, I asked again, "If he openly admits to having the mark of the beast, why would you continue to see him?"  Her response was really odd considering the topic, and yet somehow, expected.  She said, "Man looks on the outward appearance, but G-d looks on the heart."

That may well be some of the scariest theology I've ever heard.  That may indeed cause many to justify taking the mark of the beast, when it really is presented . . . People truly believe pastors and doctors will not mislead them!