honest scales and balances

Ep 289: Honest Scales and Balances: Ben Lewis and the Christian View of Bitcoin

Honest Scales and Balances: Ben Lewis and the Christian View of Bitcoin

Summary

Libertarian Christian Ben Lewis joins Doug Stuart to discuss a Christian view of Bitcoin and monetary policy. Lewis explains some fundamentals of Bitcoin technology and properties and characteristics of real and how our fiat currency system not only fails us in a practical sense, but also in a moral sense. Bitcoin is a decentralized technology with a fixed supply, both very important to maintain both the value and prevent monopolization. It uses open source software which is a proven way of building trustworthy source code.

Like gold (and precious metals) Bitcoin has the properties and characteristics of real money: scarcity, verifiability, transportability, durability, and fungibility. Lewis points out that Bitcoin does these things better than gold. Lewis also explains how goods become money, a process from being collectibles, to stores of value, to a medium of exchange and unit of account.

Doug and Ben draw out moral implications of using fiat money versus real money, discussing how decentralized currencies are fundamental to Christian ethics. Lewis appeals to Scripture to make his case using passages like Leviticus 19:36 and Proverbs 11:1. He points out that inflation (debasement of currency) was a problem in the Roman empire and these passages are specifically referencing the value of mediums of exchange used through the ancient world.

What’s the time horizon for implementation of Bitcoin as a medium of exchange? It’s hard to say, says Lewis, but gives several examples of Christians can use Bitcoin right now to support international Christian ministries. If you’re new to Bitcoin or want compelling Christian reasons for adopting it, then please listen to our interview, Honest Scales and Balances: Ben Lewis and the Christian View of Bitcoin.

Main Point of Discussion

00:00 Introduction
01:28 What is Bitcoin?
03:57 Can you trust the code?
09:20 When does Bitcoin become money?
16:50 Money as a means of choosing what we value
19:35 Petrodollar as an international tool of manipulation
20:59 Why should Christians care about monetary policy and Christian life?
29:30 How long will it take for Bitcoin to replace fiat currency?
34:00 Real world funding of Christian ministries – Afghanistan
36:00 When can you find Ben Lewis?
37:24 Closing thoughts – honest scales and balances

Resources Mentioned

Find Ben Lewis on his new blog, lewisb.me

Impoverished Afghan women are receiving emergency aid in crypto as the Taliban limits cash withdrawals and millions go hungry by Joshua Zitser, Business Insider

Thank God for Bitcoin: The Creation, Corruption and Redemption of Money by Jimmy Song, et al

Ep 225: Thank God for Bitcoin, with Jimmy Song

Ep 242: A Conversation with Jimmy Song

Browse more Christians for Liberty Network Shows

The Christians for Liberty Network is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute consisting of shows and hosts offering various perspectives on the intersection of Christianity and libertarianism. Views expressed by hosts and guests do not necessarily reflect the view of the organization, its staff, board members, donors, or any other affiliates (including other hosts or guests on the network). Guest appearances or interviews of any incumbents, officials, or candidates for any political, party, or government office should not be construed as endorsements. The Libertarian Christian Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and does not endorse any political party or candidate for any political, government, or party office. For information about the Libertarian Christian Institute’s core values, please visit this page.

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