How would you respond to a Christian arguing that #Bitcoin is the Mark of the Beast? I have already had that question come up a few times.
From my experience, every generation thinks their “xyz” is the Mark of the Beast. I remember seeing an old book about how QR codes were the MOTB as well. History rhythms, I guess?
CBDC's are the mark of the beast, Bitcoin is freedom technology
I would respect an idiot’s right to their own opinion, however idiotic, as long as it doesn’t harm me or others. Then I’d go outside on a hike and later, DCA like I always do.
#bitcoin doesn’t need cheerleaders or evangelists. It is here, it works great as is, and whether other people choose to use it or not makes no difference to me.
That said, if people would like to discuss the merits of it, or possible use cases I haven’t thought of myself, then I’m all ears.
The question, however sincere, arises from an erroneous eschatological reading of Revelation. Buying and selling, as well as the larger theme of being marked, is used throughout Revelation in connection with worship (v. 3:18, 5:9–10, 7:3–4, 13:16–17, 18:11–13). The mark of the beast is contrasted by the seal of God on the forehead. There is a lot more here to unpack but ultimately it is all making a spiritual point rather than painting a doomer end times situation.
Everyone who asks the question about bitcoin and the mark of the beast will require the dignity of a tailored response. Like most questions, there is always more behind what the person is asking on the surface. So the theological context above is mostly for you to consider rather than providing that as some sort of stock answer.
I might start by asking what the person means and what the concerns are. Depending on the openness of the person (if they are asking honestly rather than dismissively) I would walk them through the properties of bitcoin (decentralization, honest, auditable, unmanipulatable, etc) and explain that this would be the antithesis of any "mark of the beast" currency. This might give you an opportunity to contrast it with a CBDC (which has been mentioned already by others here). If I were of the theological persuasion to interpret Revelation as talking about a literal mark of the beast currency or technology, I would be more concerned about a CBDC.
