This is June 6th, 2006 — six-six-six. Cedar Rapids pastor Rodney Bluml says the Bible says the number six-six-six represents evil and the mark of the beast. “Throughout time, the symbolism of 666 has been used to identify oppression or the source of oppression for the Christian community,” he says. But most church leaders say they’re not worried about the date.

Numerologist Valerie Stilwell feels the same way. “It’s my opinion that several of the symbols in our culture have been wrongly interpreted and we need to stop fearing where there is no fear,” Stilwell says.

Astrologer Maggie Anderson isn’t fearful of this date, either. “Astrology tends to address events in a slower manner,” she says. “We seldom say that there’s something critical happening on one day.”

But, Anderson says the date comes during a rocky period in world history. “These are troubling times. There’s no doubt about it and the public is concerned,” she says. “That probably is another reason why there is so much concern about this particular date.” Expectant mothers all over the country have been trying to avoid having their child on June 6th.

Hollywood plans to cash in on the controversial date by releasing “The Omen” in theaters.

Radio Iowa