Hi, Lighter- I'm not sure the Number of the Beast makes a whole lot of difference. To my mind, it's a poetic thing, not meant to be taken literally. I think apocalyptic writings (like poetry) are meant to challenge and provoke the imagination and the intellect - not to give any definitive answers. Same with most sacred writings - and when we view them as absolute, we betray their primary purpose, which is to challenge us to think.