By Eric Swanson

Paul Grignon, the creator of Money as Debt movie, created a proposal of a digital currency system based on the LETS system.  On his website, Digital Coin, he provides two videos that easily describe the problems with our current currency system and benefits of switching to a new digital currency based on the actual forms of wealth.  Currently, our system is a debt-based economic system.

As governments and banks create debt,

He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. – Rev 13:16-17

How are we going to be able to deny the mark of the Beast in our economic transactions?  If we are enslaved to debt, banks are our masters.  Therefore, when banks turn to the mark of the beast, what will all their slaves do?  What will Christians do that are enslaved to banks? Turn to the mark!

Christians need to start thinking about a new form of currency that will enable us the freedom to deny the mark.  What will that currency look like?  Can it be Digital Coin?  Will you accept the Digital Coin as currency?

To read a brief PDF version of Digital Coin, click here.

BEATINGDEBT.org

–Teaching Debt Prevention–

By Eric Swanson

“Prosperity is not a luxury, it is a responsibility” – Wayne Coleman

Obedience: The Key To Prosperity by Wayne Coleman defines the basic tenants of God’s opinion on our finances.  Coleman delivers an excellent explanation of why debt is not sin, but how most of the reasons why America is in debt is sin.

Coleman provides an excellent example of one of the reasons why going into debt is a sin.  In his book he describes the purchasing of a car.

“Do you really have the mind of God to know exactly what God’s plan is for every dollar you are going to receive during the next three years?”

“Then please explain how you can purchase a new automobile by signing a credit contract that commits your income for three years in advance of you receiving it and justify that is God’s Will.”

“You are presuming upon the future…”

“I know this is true because the method by which you received the automobile violated every faith principle and example recorded in written word of God.” – Wayne Coleman

The concept of purchasing a car without letting God provide the actual funds is sin.

“A portion of what God is sending you today is purposed to be invested for future needs.  Disobedience through not investing will result in future pain.” – Wayne Coleman

Our purpose is to fellowship with God.  However, when we decide to take our finances on our own terms, we break our fellowship with God.  Coleman recommends four steps to obey God and fellowship with Him with our finances.

1. “[We] can be deceived as to what [our] need really is, so [we] must allow God the freedom to define [our] need.”
2. “[We] must allow God the freedom to determine the timing best for [us] to receive it.”
3. “[We] must allow God the freedom to define the provision.  Then [we] must receive the supply to this need from God before [we] can perform it (pay-as-you go program).”
4. “[We] must spend it, give it, or invest it as per God’s instruction, because He is the owner.”

So, basically, if we truly have faith in what God says,

“My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. – Phil 4:19“

Then there should be no reason for Christians to be in debt.  There should be very few reasons why a Christian should be enslaved to debt.  As we obey God and have faith in His provision, there should be no Christian in debt.  The community of believers should be able to work together to be God’s hands and feet to those in need.  We know we have the resources.

Wayne Coleman’s book is an excellent resource for every leader of the Church.  His Biblical references help solidify the Truth that is presented in this book that is completely contrary to current economic thought.  In addition to a Biblical framework for finances, Coleman provides many practical applications, stories, and tools to ensure your finances are in line with God’s opinion for your finances.

I highly recommend this book and encourage you to use it in your book clubs to start meaningful conversations about finances and the Church’s role within the financial arena.

BeatingDebt.org

–Convincing People To Stay Away From Debt–

By Eric Swanson

Money Strategies for Tough Times by Matt Bell is a valuable book that can be a standard learning resource for every Christian.  This book describes the current consumerism that has infected our Christian community and provides the research, Biblical knowledge, and resources to change our community.  The principles discussed in this book can help make the Christian community more financially stable and more effective in its witness. 

BeatingDebt.org

–Convincing People To Stay Away From Debt–

By Eric Swanson

The International, directed by Tom Tykwer, is a thriller based on the idea of a large international bank controlling everything from governments to people’s lives in order to make further profit.  Louis Salinger, played by Clive Owen, is an investigator from Interpol seeking to bring the bank and its directors to justice.  He is helped by Eleanor Whitman, played by Naomi Watts, who is jointly investigating the International Bank of Business & Credit (IBBC).  They are stopped at every angle of their investigation since the IBBC controls so much of the international system.  So, Louis is forced to go outside the system to exact justice.

Have you seen this movie?  What was your take of this movie?

BeatingDebt.org

–Convincing People To Stay Away From Debt–