Just some food for thought. You can start by reading from the book of Revelation. I suggest you read the entire chapter, even the entire book, to get some context for what I have provided:
Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.
(Revelation 13:16-17 ESV)
What if the mark of the beast isn’t a physical mark after all? What if it is something prominent about you that must be readily affirmable and associated with your strength (right hand) or your mind (forehead)? What if it was some allegiance that you must have and if you failed to have this commitment, you were barred from the marketplace of goods and ideas? What if such a non-physical mark wasn’t limited to some future event, but had reoccurring examples throughout the centuries?
What sort of affirmation would today’s culture require if one was to be considered worthy to engage in the marketplace today? What deviation from the rest of our culture would cause someone to be shunned and berated by the majority? Would it be right or safe to comply with this position in the short term? What about the long term?
