Resurrected "Jesus" Carries Mark Of The Beast

By James Donahue

If you want to talk about radical religious thought patterns marking the end-times, consider the Florida minister who heads the rapidly growing Creciendo en Gracia church and claims to be the resurrected Jesus.

The Rev. Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda, or "Daddy" as his thousands of followers call him, not only claims to be God, he has the number 666, the much touted "mark of the beast," tattooed on his arm.

Miranda, a 61-year-old Puerto Rican whose church now claims thousands of members spanning over 30 countries, says the number 666 and the antichrist are misunderstood. He said the antichrist is not the devil, but rather the "being who replaces Jesus on Earth.

"Antichrist is the best person in the world. Antichrist means don't put your eyes on Jesus because Jesus of Nazareth wasn't a Christian. Antichrist means do not put your eyes on Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Put it on Jesus after the cross."

He explains that he is the new Jesus. Thus everyone should put their eyes on Miranda.

Are people buying the story? You bet they are. A recent report noted that parishioners of his church are lining up to have the numbers 666 tattooed on their own bodies. Is it a fad that is going to catch on and sweep the world?

Miranda believes it will.

Followers say they have proof that Miranda is divine and they believe their church will soon rise up to be a major faith in the world.

Miranda, a former felon and heroin addict who served time in prison for theft, says he discovered his divinity when he was visited in a dream by an angel. He turned to the ministry and has been declaring his own divinity ever since.