To some, today's date signifies something ominous - maybe even the end of the world.
And to others, "6/06/06" means nothing at all.
The number 666 is described as the "number of the beast" in the Book of Revelation. There is dispute over what this number refers to, but various numerology schemes have drawn connections between 666 and Hitler, several Caesars and popes, Osama bin Laden and even Ronald Reagan.
Web sites have posted odds on whether the world will end today, and the date has been used as a marketing tie-in for books and one high-profile movie. So although the reference in Revelation is to a number and not a date, it still carries certain associations for many people.
The Rev. Dr. Jim Phillips, pastor of North Greenwood Baptist Church, said he hadn't heard anyone express concern about the day. "We live by faith; we don't live by superstition," he said.
He and his youth minister, Ricky Wheat, had discussed the possibility that 20th Century Fox might release "The Omen" on this date. In that movie, a man discovers that his son might be evil incarnate.
The advertising campaign for "The Omen," a remake of a film from 1976, has included some black billboards with just "6-06-06" and a small reference to the movie.
Phillips said he wasn't surprised by this because fearmongering is a common strategy. "Satan always likes to compromise and capitalize on opportunity," he said.
But he decided some time ago that he wouldn't pay money to be scared by a movie anyway.
The Rev. Dr. Joe Pate, pastor of First Baptist Church, also hasn't heard anyone express worry about the date. "We do not see a concern in that because our faith is in the Lord," he said.
Some might consider the 666 number the mark of evil or give it some other significance. But Pate prefers to treat it the way he treats horoscopes. However, for those who are concerned about the 6/06/06 date, Pate said he and the people of his church would be glad to share their faith with them.
Others have used the date for marketing purposes.
Conservative writer Ann Coulter is releasing her latest book, "Godless: The Church of Liberalism," today.
Also, "The Rapture," the new book by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins in the "Left Behind" series, comes out today. LaHaye said he hopes people realize the symbolism of the date "is an embodiment of evil, while our series is the embodiment of good and optimism."
Also Parable Group is selling "Left Behind" paperbacks for $6.66 today.
