In the book of Revelation, the power against God, such as Satan (the dragon), is described as a beast. These beasts do not represent a divine image, but embody godlessness. They want to depersonalise man and reduce him to a number.

God, however, is a person and calls his creatures by their personal names. Isaiah 43:1 says: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”

It is exciting that in our time we have degraded man to a more developed animal. The divine dignity of man has been lost.

The first beast in Revelation 13 abuses state power. The second beast, the false prophet, embodies a religious or ideological power that allows itself to be at the service of the first beast, tempting people to live out of relationship with God.