The number of the Beast. The number of a Man.
Could it be possible that the Book of Revelations is referring to the code of carbon based (aka material) life? First let's consider a few words from the Holy Scripture: "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the NUMBER OF THE BEAST: for it is the NUMBER OF A MAN, and his number is SIX HUNDRED THREESCORE AND SIX." ~ Revelation 13:18
Now let's consider this basic scientific fact: "CARBON forms the backbone of biology for ALL OF LIFE on Earth." ~ Wikipedia / etc.
Let's take a closer look at this backbone of biology --> There are 6 protons, 6 electrons, and 6 neutrons in the carbon atom. Six hundred threescore and six. 666.
A Brother told me that this idea is not far off, keeping in mind that many of our world's religions and cultures think of the material world as evil. Therefore, the "beast" could refer to our material and physical desires- passions that must be kept within due bounds with the help of the compass.
Could this be just another coincidence? Or is it possible that the things that we're just beginning to comprehend have been known to the ancients? Maybe so, or maybe this is just another one of my silly musings.
~JPG, Doric No. 316