>>40859715
I never once denied that the Bible has a way of speaking about money and those who make it their entire lives, but the mark isn't money. In acts, we see many converts selling their belongings and contributing the funds to the Church, which would in turn, spend accordingly to everyones needs.
We see that Jesus and the Disciples had a money bag in which I believe Judas was responsible for holding onto, and it is noted that he would dip his fingers into it.
Money is nothing more than a tool to help make society function a lot easier. It in its own right has no power. The power it has solely depends on how the individual sees it. Just because I spent a dollar yesterday doesn't mean I'm evil and have participated in an evil ritual.
What makes money evil is what people are willing to do to obtain it and hold on to it. Other than that, it's nothing. You are taking this verse far too literal, as well. Because we see that the root of all evil began in the garden where there was no money to exchange.
You're focusing too much on literal interpretation and aren't paying close attention to what is really being said.
>We will have to agree to disagree. What do you suggest is the mark of the beast?
Me personally? I don't think it's a literal mark. I think it's, as another anon has already mentioned, something metaphorical. Adherence to a certain system.
I know for a fact it isn't money.