The Beast 

Probably was a Jewish term meaning the Roman Empire.

It probably had nothing to do with its current meaning that seems to indicate Satan.

Some followers of Islam seem to consider America to be The Beast or The Great Satan.  They seen to conveniently forget that in America they have more freedom to worship as they see fit than in probably any other country in the world, if not in the entire universe.  Of course like other Revealed Religions they probably only want Freedom of Religion for their Religion.

It is said that the number of The Beast is 666 however I have seen indications that the value of the number was mistranslated a long time ago.  What a hoot if this ever turns out to be true!

Also see:

"The Second Messiah' p 18