Europe Moving Towards Digital Euro Raising Prophetic Concerns
By Stefan J. Bos, Special Correspondent Worthy News
(Worthy News) – The European Central Bank (ECB) says it moves towards issuing a digital version of the euro currency that critics fear could replace banknotes.
“The euro belongs to Europeans, and our mission is to be its guardian,” said Christine Lagarde, ECB President. “Europeans are increasingly turning to digital in the ways they spend, save, and invest. Our role is to secure trust in money, “Lagarde stressed. “This means making sure the euro is fit for the digital age. We should be prepared to issue a digital euro, should the need arise,” she added.
The central bank issued an extensive report outlining the reasons why it might need to take the step.
The ECB also said it would hold public consultations on the idea with citizens, academics, and bankers. It said no decision had been made, and that any digital euro would complement cash, not replace it. The consultations will start on October 12.
Communist-run China is already piloting the world’s first digital national currency, and other countries are considering following suit.
CHRISTIANS CONCERNED
Christians are among those expressing concerns about these developments.
“The coronavirus caused many to fear using cash because of possible transmission of the virus. Even though there is no proof that paper money carries the virus any longer than plastic cards,” said Chuck Bentley, the CEO of Crown Financial Ministries.
His group, calling itself the world’s largest financial ministry, helps people with debts problems and encourages believers to be better stewards with resources entrusted to them.
In recent remarks, Bentley said that besides potentially leading to more debt, a cashless society also raises prophetic concerns. “John describes the second beast that rises out of the earth,” he recalled. Bentley referred to Bible verse Revelation 13:16-17: “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
Bentley suggested that “Many believers see this verse pointing to a one-world government, headed by the Antichrist. That has absolute control over the entire global economic system. A global cashless society would be a step in making that control possible.”
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