Letters | Mark of the beast? Amid Covid-19 suffering, there are worthier Bible lessons to heed
- Readers discuss a Covid-19 conspiracy theory, a controversial ad in India, a chef’s inspiring journey, and the EU’s plans for a standard USB-C phone charger
Why is it that after reading the very significant and powerful revelations about Jesus and his kingdom in the New Testament, people prefer to focus their lives around an obscure phrase in the highly symbolic Book of Revelation?
It seems that for many, the Bible has become a book of intrigue and mystery that needs to be explained, a cryptic puzzle that needs to be solved, before it can be readily understood and applied in daily life. And yet a simple reading of the life and teachings of Jesus would give a clear picture of a person who changed the course of history and brought a message of hope for the world, against which no “mark of the beast” will prevail.
Perhaps if we were able to truly apply “love your neighbour as yourself”, we might have a more tolerant and peaceful society, or if we lived out the parable of the Good Samaritan, we might solve racial hatred, or if we accepted that we are all sons and daughters of God, we might be more willing to go the extra mile for each other.
As Christians, we know that the biblical story of humanity has a good ending and so we should do our best to live life well in this understanding, rather than look for an evil spirit behind every government attempt to bring relief to the suffering.
Thank goodness there are over 1,000 places of Christian worship in Hong Kong, within which the simplicity and clarity of the biblical narrative can still be clearly heard and inspire the people of this city in this new season.
