In today’s rapidly evolving digital age, the concept of a cashless society is no longer a distant dream but an imminent reality. While it offers convenience and efficiency in financial transactions, some Christians express concerns about its potential connection to the prophetic warnings found in the Bible, specifically in the book of Revelation.
The fast-paced advancement of central bank digital currencies has many fearful, including some of the biggest names in the secular world, that it may be the catalyst to usher in the Mark of the Beast as warned about in Revelation 13:16-17:
“He causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that no one may buy or sell, except he who has the mark or the name of the beast or the number of his name.”
This very fear was voiced on the world’s largest podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” when host Joe Rogan and fellow comedian Duncan Trussell discussed cashless societies, the mark of the beast and read from the book of Revelation live on the podcast.
“This is where I get scared,” admits Trussell after Rogan asks how long until we live in a cashless society.
“Because it is too similar to the mark of the beast,” Trussell continues. “It’s too similar to exactly what it [the Bible] says. You won’t be able to trade, you won’t be able to do anything, unless you have the mark.”
When Rogan wanted to know exactly how the mark of the beast is described in the Word of God, the host of the largest podcast in the world read Revelation 13:11-18 in front of his massive audience.
“How long before we’re a cashless society? This is where I get scared, because it is too similar to the mark of the beast.”
– Joe Rogan
… sound on pic.twitter.com/8shvg81knn
— Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) September 5, 2023
Never doubt God’s mysterious ways and His ability to use whomever He wants to get His Word into people’s hearts.
As people around the world, Christian, secular and everything in between, seek truth and answers to the growing dangers of a globalized world, here are four ways to view a cashless society through the lens of Christianity:
- The All-Encompassing Nature of a Cashless Society: A cashless society eliminates physical currency and relies solely on electronic transactions. This aligns with the implementation of a mark that controls buying and selling (Rev. 13:16-17). It’s important to note that while digital currencies offer convenience, they also centralize financial control.
- Revelation’s Warning of Economic Control: Revelation emphasizes that the Mark will be used to control commerce. A cashless society, with its digital record-keeping and potential for surveillance, raises concerns about who will wield this economic control. According to Revelation 13, it is the second beast that rises from the earth who will be the one to implement the Mark of the Beast.
- Guarding Against Misuse of Technology: While embracing technological advancements is essential, Christians must remain vigilant to ensure that the use of technology aligns with biblical principles. We are reminded in 1 Corinthians 6:12: “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of anything.”
- Seeking Spiritual Discernment: In times of rapid change, it is crucial for Christians to seek spiritual discernment through prayer and Scripture. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
While we must consider the potential risks of a cashless society in light of biblical prophecy, we should also remember that technology itself is neutral. It can be used for good or ill, depending on the intentions of those wielding it. The important thing is to maintain a strong relationship with God, seek His guidance and use our resources, including technology, in ways that align with His will in our work bringing the Good News of Jesus to the world around each of us.
As Christians, we must be discerning about the changes occurring in our society, including the move toward a cashless economy. While it is not inherently evil, we should remain vigilant and prayerful, interpreting these developments in light of biblical principles. Our faith in God should guide our choices, ensuring that we honor Him in all aspects of our lives, including how we engage with the evolving digital world.
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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
Charisma Staff