Are RFIDs destined to become the mark of the beast? Why or why not?
Refer to the Discussion Board Prompt for further details and helpful
information. Discussion_Board_Forum_2_Prompt.docx
Main Post:
In a minimum of 300 words, create a thread in Module 4’s discussion board forum that answers the
question: “Are RFIDs destined to become the mark of the beast? Why or why not?”
Indicate your position in the title of your post (e.g. “RFIDs are destined to become the mark of the beast”
or “RFIDs are NOT destined to become the mark of the beast”).
Note that the discussion board main thread requires a minimum of two citations.
CSIS 100 - Discussion Board Topic #2:
RFIDs: Good or Evil?
Technology can be used for good. Think of all medical devices that have saved countless lives
over the decades.
Technology can be used for evil. Think of how technology can be used to manufacture biological
weapons and mind-altering drugs or to facilitate kidnapping, human trafficking, and even
murder.
In the hands of good people, any technological device can be used for good. In the hands of evil
people, the same device can be used for evil. Thus, it is true for RFIDs…
On page 142 of your textbook, Wallace discusses some of the uses of RFID chips as sensing
technologies. She says that they are “especially useful in supply chains” as they reduce clerical
errors and provide tracking information.
Even in the early 21st century, RFIDs were rapidly gaining momentum as ways to protect
families’ beloved pets: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1612639,00.asp
On the other hand, some people have suggested different uses for RFIDs, including the tracking
of humans through the use of chip-implants beneath the skin. For all of the benefits that this
potentially brings, could there be hidden dangers as well? Some people have likened embedded
RFIDs in humans to the mark of the beast as described in 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.”
Here are a couple of non-peer reviewed articles that discuss opposing viewpoints on this subject:
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/healthscience/2014/April/RFID-Tech-Opening-Doors-for-
Revelation-Fulfillment/
http://www.end-times-prophecy.org/mark-of-beast-rfid-technology.html
Note that the positions taken in the references above are not necessarily those of Liberty
University, your instructor, myself, or anyone associated with LU. It is up to YOU to make up
your own mind as you discover whether there is any research that links RFIDs to the mark of the
beast.
Discussion Board Deliverables
Main Post:
In a minimum of 300 words, create a thread in Module 4’s discussion board forum that
answers the question: “Are RFIDs destined to become the mark of the beast? Why or why not?”
Indicate your position in the title of your post (e.g. “RFIDs are destined to become the
mark of the beast” or “RFIDs are NOT destined to become the mark of the beast”).
Naturally, no one, except God Himself, knows the answer to this question. There are no
scholarly research articles that prove or disprove this future occurrence. There is only the world
we live in today, viewed through the goggles of God’s Holy Word. Ask yourself, is today’s
world representative of the world described by Daniel, Ezekiel, the apostle John, and Jesus
himself in their discussions of the last days? Consider what is happening in the middle-east.
Think of our own country and its position on biblical issues. Where are we in terms of prophecy?
How does technology fit into the broader scheme of eschatology? These are all areas that you
can discuss as you examine the question about whether there is a connection between RFIDs and
“the mark”.
Replies:
Reply to two of your classmates’ threads. Each reply should be 100 words each. Like your first
discussion board replies, each reply to this post should say something meaningful rather than just
“Great job. Well-said. I really agree with you…” Use this as an opportunity to discuss the topic.
This will likely be a heated debate as many people are quite passionate about the topic. Please
remember that as you approach these replies, it is fine to hold different opinions, but these
differences should always be addressed with kindness. As you write your replies, remember
Christ’s humility, kindness, and love for all of us as he bore our sins on the cross. Model your
replies after Jesus’s example.
As with the first discussion board, I pray that this topic serves as an opportunity for you to look
at the world around you and relate it to God’s Word. I pray it ignites an urgent desire in you to
share the love of Christ with everyone you know.
Running head: RFIDS AND THE MARK OF THE BEAST 1
RFDIs and the Mark of the Beast
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RFIDS AND THE MARK OF THE BEAST 2
RFDIs and the Mark of the Beast
Contrary to common assumptions, I don't believe that RFIDs are necessarily going to
translate into the mark of the beast. Many Christians and non-Christians believe that the tech-
tattoo is a typical physical mark installed in people's bodies. However, many people don't
understand that Radio Frequency Identifications have been around for years, and the innovation
is only being advanced as technology progresses (Ajami & Rajabzadeh, 2013). The small RFID
chip is implanted under someone’s skin and typically replaces bar codes and magnetic strips used
in different transactions. The RFID technology-"chipped" individuals can access various
services, including shopping and transactions, without involving third parties (Jung & Lee,
2015). People will typically be capable of filling carts and walking out of the store with
everything conveniently paid.
Despite the numerous benefits brought by convenience, RFIDs' ability to track
people's movement is not ideal. This perspective creates a totalitarian state where the government
limits and controls citizens' freedom. RFID chips typify dog tracking systems that help owners
track their pet's movement to limit their freedom and safeguard them from danger potentially. No
human being craves to be tracked by the government, regardless of the intentions. Most
importantly, the electromagnetic frequencies produced by the chips can arguably bombard brain
cells and cause cancer.
Nonetheless, I don't believe that RFIDs qualify as the mark of a beast to segregate the
Antichrist or prevent people from engaging in economic activities. An ideal example is the
introduction of credit cards, which people initially associated with the mark of the beast. People
have gotten used to using the cards, demonstrating that the new technology is criticized for
RFIDS AND THE MARK OF THE BEAST 3
fearing the unknown. Likewise, millions of Americans also associated barcodes with Antichrist
activities, and RDFI chips are likely to follow their predecessors' path.
RFIDS AND THE MARK OF THE BEAST 4
References
Ajami, S., & Rajabzadeh, A. (2013). Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and
patient safety. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 18(9), 809-813.
Jung, K., & Lee, S. (2015). A systematic review of RFID applications and diffusion: key areas
and public policy issues. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and
Complexity, 1(9).
