Antichrist theorizing has converged with mind-control conspiracy via the Mark of the Beast.

Evidence

Mind-control speculation rapidly acquired similarities to the speculation about the Antichrist discussed in chapter 3. This convergence occurred because recent writers on the Antichrist have fastened on modern technology as the means by which this diabolical ruler will achieve global control. Antichrist scenarios centered on microelectronics emphasize the possibility of implanting devices in the human body. This claim is an obvious by-product of a long tradition that has sought to elucidate the meaning of the Mark of the Beast biblical passage of Revelations 13:16–17. — Michael Barkun, A Culture of Conspiracy, 395

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Technology threads turned the Antichrist into a system-of-control concept — Michael Barkun, A Culture of Conspiracy: Apocalyptic…, 261; Television and computers gave Antichrist writers new control-capacity themes — Michael Barkun, A Culture of Conspiracy: Apocalyptic…, 258; Millenarian Christians read cashless payment systems as fulfilling the Mark of the Beast prophecy — Michael Barkun, A Culture of Conspiracy: Apocalyptic…, 262 (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• Modern technology links mind-control fear to the Antichrist’s Mark of the Beast #corroborates (0.95)