Finger Scanning Has Biblical Implications, Says Calvary Chapel
Founder Chuck Smith
Added: Nov 19th, 2006 1:16 PM
Biometric Scanning Reportedly Used by Millions of Consumers
Finger ID Has Biblical Implications, Says Calvary Chapel Founder
Chuck Smith
By James L. Lambert
SAN DIEGO, CA (AgapePress) - More than 3.3 million consumers now
use biometric technology to pay for their purchases at several U.S.
retailers, reports Parade Magazine. One prominent church founder
shares his thoughts on the biblical implications of such
technology.
"Customers at several retailers can now literally pay by touch,"
says the magazine in its Nov. 12, 2006 issue. "By placing their
finger on a scanner at the checkout and entering their home phone
number, these tech-savvy shoppers can deduct the cost of a carton
of milk directly from a bank account or credit card." Such
futuristic technology, often relegated to scenes in high-tech
thrillers or science fiction novels, is available now.
In a recent exclusive interview, Chuck Smith, founder and senior
pastor of the original Calvary Chapel (Costa Mesa, CA), contends
that "this development clearly illustrates that we are one step
closer to what is described in the Book of Revelation." Smith
indicates that "this should be yet another wake-up call from God
that we are in the last of the last days. We already know of
eye-identification scanning devices and other technology
[identification chips for pets, GPS technology] that clearly shows
us this."
Biometric scanning involves the use of automated methods for
uniquely recognizing human physical traits. The information is then
processed by a numerical algorithm and entered into a database. It
is quite different from technology that places something inside the
human body to identify a person, such as a microchip.
With the danger of identity theft, biometric finger identity is
marketed to emphasize solutions to security and convenience issues
in making financial exchanges. Smith notes that the technology
described in Parade is introduced in a manner to make it friendly
to the public. "This is just another way of desensitizing the
public to the advantages of this new technology," he says. "It's a
way for the public to buy into the system."
While this technology is presently received voluntarily, Pastor
Smith emphasizes that there is a difference between this new
technology and the mark of the Beast, which is described in the
Book of Revelation. The mark referred to in the Bible is not
voluntary, he points out; it will be mandated.