The Number of the Beast!

[Sir_G]

Came across this item online this afternoon.
"Louisiana Town Ditches 666 Area Code Over Religious Concerns"
"What happens when you combine a strongly religious community in the south and the unfortunate telephone area code of 666? Hilarity ensues, of course! Ok, maybe not too much hilarity, but some."

I had to chuckle about it, of course. I would ALMOST be willing to pay to have that area code. I certainly wouldn't want to get rid of it if it were assigned.

Anyway, according to Heinlein the number "666" is a mistranslation. The actual number is 6^6^6 (6 to the sixth power to the sixth power, or 6 raised to the 46656th power - a truly phenomenal number) and represents the number of possible universes. (The Number of the Beast by Robert Heinlein.)

I've got to say this post made me smile and like you Thorne, I had to chuckle.

Numerogically speaking 6 relates to harmony and some numeroligists give it that title. Three sixesto me = triple harmony so I wouldn't have a problem with it, also 3 x 6 = 18, 1 + 8 = 9 which is completion. Again a number I wouldn't mind having associated with my town or county or even myself.

After all being a complete person is what I am hoping to achieve this life time - obviously bible numerology or gematria is different and means different things. And I'm not interested in debating the whole antichrist and end time fundamentalist myth used to enslave unsuspecting and vunerable seekers out there.

I will add in case that last comment offended anyone out there. You are entitled to your beliefs and I fully support your right to believe what you want. If you are concerned for me please say a prayer for me I can use all the positive energy I can get wherever it comes from. *smile*

[Thorne]

I've got to say this post made me smile and like you Thorne, I had to chuckle.
If you are concerned for me please say a prayer for me I can use all the positive energy I can get wherever it comes from. *smile*

... but are you wimping out now?

Glad you enjoyed it, Sir_G. That's why I posted it.

And I don't think you're wimping out. I'm like you: if the faithful out there are concerned for my soul they are more than welcome to say a prayer for me. As long as they do it quietly. And not in my presence. At least it'll keep them from preaching at me!

[Alex Bragi]

Yes, this make me smile too. That’s certainly an interesting piece of trivia, Thorne. I guess a lot of people are superstitious about odd things—numbers particularly.

I have a few odd .. well not necessarily superstitions, but odd things that I feel compelled to do. For instance, I have to have my nick-knacks around the house all in clusters of three. I’m not sure if if’s it’s unlucky not to because I’ve never chanced doing it any other way. *g*

And, Sir G, I’m one of those who are a little miffed by the use of the word ‘fairy tale’ in reference to religion. I say that not because I'm religious, or I’m trying to defend religion, but more because I feel it’s just simply not a fair thing to say, particularly here on this forum where we have many good people here who also just happen to be theists.

[Sir_G]

And, Sir G, I’m one of those who are a little miffed by the use of the word ‘fairy tale’ in reference to religion. I say that not because I'm religious, or I’m trying to defend religion, but more because I feel it’s just simply not a fair thing to say, particularly here on this forum where we have many good people here who also just happen to be theists.

A fair enough comment Alex see above. I think myth is far more applicable seeing as thats what other religions refer to my beliefs as and probably far less offensive.

[Thorne]

Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines "myth" as -
1 a: a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon b: parable, allegory
2 a: a popular belief or tradition that has grown up around something or someone; especially : one embodying the ideals and institutions of a society or segment of society <seduced by the American myth of individualism — Orde Coombs> b: an unfounded or false notion

"Fairy tale" is defined as -
1 a: a story (as for children) involving fantastic forces and beings (as fairies, wizards, and goblins) —called also fairy story b: a story in which improbable events lead to a happy ending
2: a made-up story usually designed to mislead

And it defines "mythos"
2: a pattern of beliefs expressing often symbolically the characteristic or prevalent attitudes in a group or culture

It seems to me that Alex is right: religion cannot really be considered a fairy tale. It's more in line with a mythos.
I think you can make a point of defining the stories in the Bible, for example, as myth. Possibly even fairy tales in some cases.