Why Christians Should Care About Bitcoin: Lessons from The Bitcoin Standard

Bitcoin has been making headlines lately as a new form of currency that is completely different from any type of money we have ever seen before. It is decentralized, meaning that there is no central bank or government in charge of it, and it runs on a global scale.

One book that explains the complex world of Bitcoin in an easy-to-understand way is The Bitcoin Standard: The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking by Saifedean Ammous. In this article, we will summarize the main points of this book and explain why it is important for Christians to understand the significance of Bitcoin.

The book begins by exploring the history of money and how it has evolved over time. It explains that gold has been used as a form of money for thousands of years, and it has several qualities that make it a good medium of exchange. For example, it is scarce, durable, divisible, and easily recognizable. These qualities are what give gold its value and make it a reliable form of money.

Governments all over the world started abandoning the gold standard in the 20th century and starting to issue their own currencies that were not gold-backed. This led to a system of central banking where the government controls the money supply and can print as much as it wants. This can lead to inflation and devalue the currency, causing prices to rise.

This is where Bitcoin comes in. Bitcoin is a digital form of currency that operates on a decentralized network called the blockchain. It has many of the same qualities as gold, such as scarcity and divisibility, but it also has some advantages over traditional forms of money.

One benefit is that no government or other central authority has control over it, making it impossible to manipulate or undervalue. This makes it a more stable form of money in the long run.

In addition, Bitcoin is a global currency that can be used anywhere without the need for conversion rates. This makes it a great option for international transactions and can potentially help boost global trade and commerce.

But what does all of this have to do with Christians? Well, as believers, we are called to be good stewards of the resources that God has given us. This includes our money.

The Bible has many teachings about money and stewardship, and understanding Bitcoin can help us fulfill our role as good stewards. One of the main reasons why Christians should understand the importance of Bitcoin is because it can protect us from the negative effects of central banking.

In Proverbs 22:7, it says, “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” When governments have control over the money supply, they can use it to manipulate and control the people. This can lead to debt and financial hardship for individuals and nations.

However, with Bitcoin, there is no central authority that can manipulate the supply or devalue the currency, giving people more control over their own finances. Furthermore, many Christians are familiar with the concept of the end times and the mark of the beast mentioned in the book of Revelation.

While it is uncertain what form this mark will take, Bitcoin could potentially offer a decentralized alternative to whatever control system may be in place. It is always wise to have a backup plan, and understanding Bitcoin could be a part of that plan.

Moreover, Bitcoin aligns with the biblical principle of sound money. The Bible forbids using dishonest or unfair weights and measures because governments have historically done so in order to manipulate the value of currency. Bitcoin operates on a fixed supply and cannot be manipulated, making it a more just form of money.

Finally, Christians should also understand Bitcoin to stay relevant in an ever-changing world. Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, and the financial world is no exception.

Bitcoin is a great example of how technology is disrupting traditional systems and offering new solutions. By understanding Bitcoin, we can stay informed and potentially even participate in this new financial landscape.

In conclusion, The Bitcoin Standard is an important book that explains the principles and benefits of Bitcoin in an easy-to-understand way. It emphasizes the importance of sound money and why Bitcoin is a great alternative to the current central banking system.

As Christians, it is important for us to be good stewards of our resources and to understand how we can protect ourselves from the negative effects of government control. So, take the time to learn about Bitcoin and make sure to stay informed about the advancements in technology and how they can impact our lives. After all, God calls us to be wise and to use our resources for His glory.