Church Trials

Sanctions? What Sanctions?

A young man whose religious exemption application was denied made his scheduled appearance before a review officer at one of the Secretary of State facilities in his home state. His attorney began the hearing by reading the scriptural basis for the young man's religious convictions:

Revelation 13:16-17  And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Revelation 14:11-12  And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Revelation 16:2  And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.

Revelation 20:4  And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

The attorney then asked the young man the reason given for denial of his application for a drivers license.

"I did not submit a Social Security Number with my application."

"What is your religion?"

"Christian."

"Could you describe how your religious belief prohibits you from using a Social Security Number?"

"Sir, I believe that the Social Security Number is the Mark of the Beast mentioned in the Bible's Book of Revelation. Without it you cannot buy or sell."

"Why do you believe that?"

"Because the mark will have severe penalties and sanctions for those that don't receive it."

"Why wouldn't you want to receive it then?"

"Those that receive the mark will receive the wrath of God mentioned in the Book of Revelation here on Earth. Those that don't receive it will reign with Christ when He returns."

At this point the State's Attorney interjected, "Sanctions? What Sanctions?"

"Sir, for the past 7 years I have not been able to get a drivers license without a Social Security Number.

I can't get a:

• Hunting license
• Fishing license
• Medical license
• Pilot's license
• Real Estate license
• BAR license
• Plumber's licence
• Electrician's license
• Commercial Drivers License
• Motorcycle license.

I don't know of any license that I can get without having a Social Security Number."

The applicant's attorney then asked, "Are there any other sanctions?"

"Yes, I cannot apply for a:

• bank account
• credit card
• student loan to go to college
• loan to buy a car
• loan to buy a house
• job where the Social Security Number is required.

I also can't:

• cash a check
• buy and sell stocks
• get health care.

Everything related to buying, selling and working in this society is sanctioned if you don't use the Social Security Number, therefore it is the Mark of the Beast."

"How do you manage to live - can you make a living?"

"I have to pay someone else to transport my equipment to remote job sites, so there is no money left for me. Because I can't haul my trade equipment very far I have to seek jobs in my neighborhood, and I live with my parents because I cannot afford a home or apartment. "

"Do you find yourself having to make a decision between your religious beliefs and getting a job?"

"Yes."

"Would you object to the Secretary assigning you a different number in lieu of the Social Security Number?"

"No."

"How would this number not violate your religious beliefs while a Social Security Number would?"

"I am not obtaining a mark in order to buy or sell. I am applying for a drivers license. A random number assigned for use in the Secretary's database is not my concern. The Social Security Number is for receiving benefits from the Beast, which I will not do."

The hearing officer then asked, "Who is the beast?"

"Sir, he is the Antichrist."

"Who and where is this Antichrist?"

"He is the Prince of this World, the shadow spirit that controls every humanistic government and has not yet been revealed, but I believe that his infrastructure for the Mark of the Beast is already being established worldwide to deceive and enslave mankind. I am convinced that the Social Security Number is the mark for our nation. It proves itself to be everything that the Bible has declared it to be."

The Hearing Officer said, "I understand the nature of your appeal and will give you ten days to present any other evidence to support your request. I will make my decision in consideration of the State's Religious Freedom Restoration Act. This meeting is adjourned."

As the hearing participants began to leave the room the State's Attorney remarked, "I know of many people in other countries that don't have drivers licenses and they are doing just fine."

His remark implied that the young man should leave America to practice his religious beliefs. The attorney, applicant, and an observing State official looked back at the State's Attorney, astonished at his open contempt and intolerance.