Rethinking the End Times: Faith, Technology, and Identity in a Changing World
Going live on YouTube with little expectation of an audience may seem insignificant, but sometimes the most profound conversations emerge in unexpected places. This particular session was inspired by a question posed by supermodel Kara on TikTok: Why did you leave the traditional understanding of the Mark of the Beast and end-times prophecy?
It’s a question that requires more than just a simple answer. My journey away from the conventional eschatological views isn’t rooted in rebellion but rather in a deep sense that the traditional interpretation simply does not sit right with me. It contradicts the principles found in Scripture and, more importantly, the character of God as revealed through Jesus Christ.
A Journey of Faith and Understanding
My testimony starts in 1992 when I was saved. I grew up in a religious household, with my mother deeply committed to faith and my father, a NASA mathematician involved in the Apollo mission, immersed in logic and science. Their eventual divorce shattered the structured world I relied upon, particularly as someone who is neurodivergent, likely on the Asperger’s spectrum.
For someone like me, who processes the world through logical frameworks rather than emotional intuition, the split created an internal chaos I struggled to reconcile. My need for order, for everything to have its place, was disrupted, and that experience of instability influenced my spiritual journey.
In 2011, I encountered Transcendent Man, a documentary about Ray Kurzweil’s quest to use technology to achieve immortality. The implications of his work led me down a path of questioning—how do technological advancements align with biblical prophecy? How do we, as believers, interpret scriptures that speak of the future in a world where science is progressing at an unprecedented rate?
The Flaws in Traditional End-Times Theology
Many evangelical interpretations of the Mark of the Beast and the Rapture rely on fear and external measurements of faith. The idea that a microchip or a barcode could determine one’s salvation is, frankly, ridiculous. The biblical narrative, from Genesis to Revelation, speaks of an intimate relationship between God and humanity—a relationship defined by faith, not external forces.
Romans 8:38-39 states, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” If nothing can separate us from God’s love, how could a technological advancement or a government mandate determine one’s eternal fate?
Furthermore, the book of Revelation is highly symbolic. The “mark” is a sign of allegiance, not a literal implant. Historically, “marks” have symbolized ownership, belief, and identity. The Bible repeatedly warns against placing one’s faith in worldly systems rather than in God. The true danger isn’t a microchip—it’s aligning one’s identity with a world that is fundamentally opposed to the values of Christ.
Identity and Sobriety: A Turning Point
Between 2011 and 2014, I experienced a radical transformation. I became completely sober—free from porn, alcohol, and drugs. But this wasn’t accomplished through sheer willpower; it was a shift in identity. I stopped seeing myself as a sinner struggling to be good and started believing that I was deeply loved and valued by God. When I embraced the truth that God doesn’t make trash, everything changed.
Hebrews 12 speaks of strengthening feeble arms and weak knees, making level paths for our feet. This isn’t about striving to be righteous but about walking confidently in the identity God has given us. The discipline spoken of in Scripture isn’t about punishment—it’s about refining our understanding of who we are in Christ.
Technology and the Kingdom of Heaven
One of the most controversial aspects of my perspective is the role of technology in God’s plan. Many Christians fear advancements like AI, brain-computer interfaces, and genetic modification. But what if these are part of the unfolding of God’s purpose? What if technology is the tool through which the Body of Christ becomes truly unified?
The Bible describes the Kingdom of Heaven as leaven that works its way through the whole lump of dough (Matthew 13:33). Could it be that God is using technology to accelerate His plan, to bring about a deeper understanding of unity among His people? If we believe that God is sovereign, why do we assume that scientific progress is outside of His control?
Challenging the Fear-Based Narrative
The Left Behind theology, which has been widely accepted in evangelical circles, is full of inconsistencies. It promotes a fear-based approach to faith rather than a love-based one. Many Christians have adopted a fatalistic mindset—the world is going to burn, so why care about it? But this is entirely contrary to the biblical mandate to steward the Earth (Genesis 1:28).
Instead of fearing the future, we should embrace our calling as co-laborers with Christ. God is not in the business of destruction; He is a Creator. If He calls us to be His representatives, then we should reflect His creative, redemptive nature in how we engage with the world, including its technological advancements.
Where Do We Go from Here?
The church must prepare for the rapid changes ahead. Dismissing scientific progress as “the enemy” will only alienate future generations who see the potential for technology to improve lives. Rather than resisting, we should ask, How is God working in this? How can we, as believers, use these tools for His glory?
I am convinced that the true mark of a believer isn’t a rejection of technology but a deep-rooted faith that remains unshaken regardless of external circumstances. As we move forward, we must continue asking hard questions, challenging traditional interpretations, and seeking God’s wisdom in all things.
To those who have been on this journey with me, thank you for your curiosity and willingness to engage in these discussions. Let’s continue exploring faith, identity, and the future together. God is not finished with His creation—He is still building, still shaping, and still calling us to participate in His unfolding plan.
