In 1995, I wrote about how the growing use of debit cards and credit cards were setting the infrastructure in place for the "mark of the beast" as found in Revelation 13:16. While many believe what the bible says is true, many do not take too seriously the predictions that some have had since most have been inaccurate and many downright hokey. I have tried to take a more reasoned view of events. Consequently, not every headline is filled with signs of the end times. However, one must carefully view technological progress from an objective point of view. Because we are familiar with technology does not make it off limits to scrutiny.
One of the primary hurdles of implementing such a "mark" is the person-to-person transactions that will be required. We have been able to make electronic purchases from retail outlets for years. However, we have not been able to transfer funds from one person to another easily. This cell phone news is big in this regard. Many if not most have cell phones. It is only one small step from using them at a retail store to using them between individuals.
One of the primary hurdles of implementing such a "mark" is the person-to-person transactions that will be required. We have been able to make electronic purchases from retail outlets for years. However, we have not been able to transfer funds from one person to another easily. This cell phone news is big in this regard. Many if not most have cell phones. It is only one small step from using them at a retail store to using them between individuals.
Wall Street Journal - AT&T, Verizon Unveil Mobile Payment Venture
By ROGER CHENG And SCOTT MORRISON
Three major U.S. wireless carriers announced a joint venture to allow their customers to pay for goods and services with their cellphones.
Verizon Wireless, AT&T Inc. and T-Mobile USA are participating in the venture, dubbed Isis, which will compete with credit card companies. It will use near-field communications technology that allows a person to wave their phone in front of a scanner to pay for purchases.
NFC is already found in cards, and can be accepted at drugstore chains and gas stations. NFC chips transmit signals short distances and are considered to be a key emerging technology that will enable consumers to use their phones to make payments at brick-and mortar locations.
Quoted in part. November 16, 2010
Mathew 16:3b Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.
