America Moving Toward a Cashless Society: Could this be a global Move?

Mar 31, 2025

For decades, world leaders have gradually moved towards centralizing financial and technological control, often under the guise of modernization and efficiency. The push toward a cashless society has been a recurring theme among globalists, financial institutions, and policymakers. Now, under the leadership of Donald Trump, the United States is seeing a rapid acceleration toward a fully digital economy. Yet, few are paying attention. While some of his executive orders appeal to common sense and conservative values, the real transformations occur quietly—ushering in a system that aligns closely with the globalist agenda many have long warned about.

A few months ago, we wrote about "Project 2025," which represents a significant shift towards what has been called the "Post-Constitutional Era." This initiative, beginning in the USA but designed to replicate worldwide, envisions a system where national constitutions would become secondary to globally-mandated policies. While many have dismissed these concerns as conspiracy theories or merely domestic policy changes, the evidence suggests otherwise. Through an unprecedented number of executive orders, Trump is systematically restructuring existing systems to align with a broader agenda. A prime example is the executive order on modernizing payments (White House, 2025), which lays the groundwork for a cashless system.

As believers seeking to navigate these changes with wisdom and discernment, we must understand both the practical implications and the spiritual dimensions of such a transformation. The digitization of money raises profound questions about privacy, control, accessibility, and even eschatological concerns for many Christians. This article examines the current trajectory toward a cashless society, evaluates it through a biblical lens, and provides guidance for believers seeking to remain faithful stewards in an increasingly digital economy.

The Global Acceleration Toward Digital Payments

The movement toward electronic payments and reduced reliance on physical currency has been gaining momentum worldwide for years. In 2015, India launched its Digital India programme with the explicit goal of transforming the nation into a "digitally empowered society and knowledge economy," focusing on making financial transactions electronic and cashless (Kumar, 2023). This initiative has resulted in remarkable growth through systems like UPI (Unified Payments Interface), which processed 113 billion transactions in 2023 while charging merchants 0% fees, compared to the 1.5-3% charged by traditional payment networks like Visa and Mastercard in the United States (Thompson & Gupta, 2023). As noted in a recent Christian perspective analysis, this global shift towards digital currency systems may be laying the groundwork for unprecedented economic control (Grace for Purpose, 2024)).

In America, the transition away from cash has accelerated dramatically under recent policies. While some executive orders address common-sense cultural issues—like stating biological facts that men are men and women are women—to gain public support, a more subtle agenda advances the digitization of the economy. Under the guise of reducing fraud and inefficiency, the Trump administration has mandated the end of U.S. government checks in favor of electronic-only disbursements—effectively forcing a shift to digital payments.

Trump signs executive order to digitalize government payments

This transformation, coupled with the February 2025 directive to halt minting new pennies (Thompson, 2025) —purportedly for environmental concerns—reveals a calculated move toward a cashless system. These changes, implemented alongside strategic investments in AI governance and technology companies—including a massive $500 billion AI infrastructure investment announced in January 2025 (CNN Business, 2025)—represent a fundamental reshaping of America's financial infrastructure toward global integration—a transformation whose true implications many citizens have yet to recognize.

The technological infrastructure supporting digital payments continues to evolve rapidly. A study by Smith and Jones (2024) identifies four main categories of digital payment technologies currently in use: card payment, e-payment, mobile payment, and cryptocurrencies. Each of these technologies presents different opportunities and challenges for users, businesses, and governments alike.

However, the transition isn't merely about convenience or efficiency. It fundamentally changes how financial transactions occur, who can monitor them, and what level of privacy citizens can expect. As Thompson (2025) insightfully noted: "When you carry a dollar bill, it grants you a degree of privacy... In contrast, when you make an electronic transaction, a significant portion of the world gains access to details about who you are, what you purchased, and where the transaction took place".

What might this mean for our daily lives? How might this impact those who value privacy or who lack access to digital banking services? These questions demand careful consideration as we examine the broader implications of this shift.

Biblical Perspectives on Money and Financial Systems

Scripture offers timeless wisdom about wealth, financial exchange, and stewardship that remains relevant regardless of the form currency takes. While the Bible obviously doesn't directly address digital payments or electronic banking, it provides principles that can guide our understanding and response.

In Matthew 22:21, Jesus famously instructed, "Therefore give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" (Mark 12:17), acknowledging the role of government-issued currency while emphasizing ultimate allegiance to God (Bible Hub, n.d). This passage reminds us that while we may use the currency systems of our day, our primary citizenship and allegiance remain with God's kingdom.

The Bible also warns against the love of money rather than money itself: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Timothy 6:10). This principle applies whether we're dealing with physical cash, digital dollars, or cryptocurrency – the form of money matters less than our heart attitude toward it.

The early church demonstrated remarkable generosity and communal care, with believers sharing resources to meet one another's needs (Acts 2:44-45): "Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need". This model of generosity transcends the specific monetary system in use and reminds us that our financial resources, regardless of form, should be used to serve others.

When considering a cashless society from a biblical perspective, many Christians naturally turn to eschatological passages, particularly those in Revelation. The most frequently cited text is Revelation 13:16-17, which speaks of a time when "no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark—the name of the beast or the number of its name"(Reddit, n.d.). Some believers interpret this as referring to a future cashless system where electronic transactions could be controlled by a central authority.

While digital currency may be implemented in many parts of the world, S. Michael Houdmann of GotQuestions notes, "I think it is a mistake to see a cash-based economy as something that can prevent the rise of the Antichrist"(Michael, 2025). Scripture indicates that economic control will manifest regardless of the payment systems in place. As demonstrated in the first century Roman economy, where commerce often required allegiance to pagan deities, totalitarian control over buying and selling can be achieved through various means - whether through digital systems, traditional currencies, or other economic mechanisms.

How might the rapid shift toward digital currency challenge us to seek biblical wisdom in navigating these changes without succumbing to fear? As governments and financial institutions push for cashless transactions, what does faithful stewardship look like in an increasingly digital economy? These questions compel us to examine timeless biblical principles that can guide us through evolving financial systems while maintaining our trust in God's sovereignty.

While technological advancement often brings benefits, the transition to a cashless society raises legitimate concerns that deserve thoughtful consideration. These concerns range from practical issues of accessibility to deeper questions about privacy, autonomy, and potential for governmental control.

Privacy and Control

Perhaps the most significant concern revolves around privacy and potential surveillance. Digital transactions create data trails that can be monitored, analyzed, and potentially controlled by governments or corporations. Unlike cash transactions, which leave minimal records, electronic payments document what was purchased, when, where, and by whom. As one Reddit user expressed: "If you have a dollar bill in your pocket, there is a certain level of anonymity that goes with it... When I use a debit/credit card, there is an instantaneous recording of the transaction"(Reddit, n.d.).

This concern became painfully real for some when "Canada froze accounts of anyone that donated more than $50 to the trucker protest"(Reddit, 2023). Such examples highlight how digital payment systems can potentially be weaponized against citizens in ways that cash cannot. The capacity for financial surveillance raises profound questions about individual liberty and the potential for abuse by those in power.

Impact on Vulnerable Populations

A cashless society could unintentionally marginalize vulnerable populations, including the elderly, rural communities, low-income individuals, and those lacking digital literacy. As one commenter noted, a cashless system "require[s] people to maintain personal infrastructure such as accounts"(Reddit, 2023), which may not be accessible to all.

The potential disruption extends beyond just technical accessibility. A cashless society would eliminate many informal economic activities that sustain communities: "No more cash slipped into the hands of a child... No more piggy banks for your child to collect pocket money... No more fivers on the side because your wages barely cover the bills"(Reddit, 2023). These seemingly small changes could have profound impacts on how communities function, especially for those operating at the margins of the formal economy.

A 2024 research paper highlighted "social, economic, technical, awareness, and legal" challenges associated with digital payment technologies(Sangeetha S, 2024). In Nigeria, efforts to implement a cashless policy have faced hurdles including "financial literacy, infrastructure deficit, poor internet network connectivity, poor road network connecting rural areas"(Chijioke et. al., 2024). These challenges remind us that technological solutions must consider the full range of human needs and circumstances.

Eschatological Considerations

For many Christians, discussions about a cashless society inevitably lead to questions about end-times prophecy, particularly regarding Revelation 13:16-17, which describes a time when "no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name"

While interpretations vary, Crosswalk notes that "a cashless society is a sign that the tribulation is near. It is assumed that so long as we are still using cash, we are not living in the end of days"(Cross Walk,2024). However, others caution against over-interpreting technological developments as definitive signs of the end times. As GotQuestions reminds us, "not everything is a sign of the end times"(Michael, 2020). Yet, it's worth noting that the convergence of multiple prophetic signs occurring simultaneously, including the rapid shift toward a cashless economy, suggests these developments may not be mere coincidence but rather a fulfillment of biblical prophecy unfolding exactly as foretold.

Bible Hub offers this balanced perspective: "While Scripture does not directly mention 'cashless society,' the biblical text addresses financial exchanges and stewardship... Questions about a cashless society often prompt those examining biblical prophecy to look closely at end-time scenarios described in Revelation... From a historical standpoint, the existence of standardized coinage... underpins the authenticity of biblical narratives referencing money"(Bible Hub, 2024).

How should we interpret these developments? Are we seeing the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, or simply the evolution of human financial systems? Could both perspectives contain elements of truth? These questions invite deeper reflection on how we interpret scripture in light of contemporary developments.

Discernment in a Digital Age

As believers navigating these complex technological and financial shifts, we are called to exercise wisdom and discernment rather than reactionary fear or naive acceptance. The Gospel Coalition advises, "Many, if not all, of our current ethical issues are rooted in deeper questions of what it means to be human and from where we derive our ethical norms. For those underlying theological and philosophical questions, the Bible is more than sufficient"(Thacker, 2023).

Balanced Engagement with Technology

Christians are neither called to wholesale rejection of technology nor uncritical embrace. Instead, we should approach technological changes with discernment, evaluating them in light of biblical principles. The Gospel Coalition notes that "technology doesn't require asking new or novel questions but asking old questions in light of new opportunities" (Thacker, 2023). As Grace for Purpose (2024) emphasizes, we must "exercise wisdom and spiritual discernment in these changing times, ensuring our technological choices align with biblical values".

This principle applies directly to digital payment systems and the movement toward a cashless society. Rather than asking "Is electronic money good or bad?" we might better ask, "How does this system impact human dignity? Does it enable or hinder generosity? Does it promote justice or exploitation? Does it support or undermine community?"

Practical Wisdom for Digital Stewardship

As financial systems evolve alongside digital identification requirements, Christians must exercise practical wisdom in stewarding resources. The integration of digital currencies with digital ID systems means that those who don't align with global financial frameworks risk being excluded from economic participation. We've already seen examples of account freezes and financial restrictions imposed on individuals who don't comply with certain policies or positions.

This reality calls for careful discernment and a loose hold on earthly possessions. While we should stay informed about how digital systems shape our financial habits and remain aware of privacy implications, our ultimate security lies not in financial access but in God's provision. The Gospel Coalition reminds us that "we're all discipled daily by something or someone. The question isn't whether you're discipled by technology but how and for what purpose" (Thacker, 2023).

This raises important questions for believers: How do we maintain faithful stewardship while navigating increasingly controlled financial systems? How can we serve God and our communities if access to financial services becomes contingent on compromising our values? What responsibilities do we have toward those who might be excluded from these systems? As the landscape evolves, we must remember that all resources ultimately belong to God, and our primary allegiance is to His kingdom rather than any earthly financial system.

Navigating the Path Forward with Faith and Wisdom

As we consider the trajectory toward a potentially cashless society, Christians have an opportunity to model thoughtful engagement that neither succumbs to fear nor ignores legitimate concerns. This moment calls for both wisdom and faith – wisdom to understand the changing landscape and faith to trust God's sovereignty over all human systems.

The tension between technological progress and eternal values is not new. Throughout history, believers have had to navigate changing economic and social systems while remaining faithful to biblical principles. From the agricultural economies of ancient Israel to the complex financial structures of the Roman Empire to today's digital economy, God's people have sought to honor Him with their resources regardless of the forms those resources take.

While technology itself is neutral, the accelerating push toward a cashless society appears to be driven by forces that seek centralized control over financial transactions. The implementation of digital-only payments could easily become a tool for the antichrist system prophesied in Scripture. Though we cannot predict the exact timeline, the global momentum toward eliminating cash, combined with advances in digital surveillance and control mechanisms, aligns eerily with biblical warnings about end-time economic control. As Christians, while we can utilize technology wisely, we must remain vigilant and discerning, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to God, not to any human financial system. Our calling remains unchanged: to be faithful stewards, to love our neighbors, to protect the vulnerable, and to hold earthly possessions loosely while standing firm in our faith.

As you consider these developments in your own life, I encourage you to stay informed while remaining grounded in scripture. How might God be calling you to steward your resources faithfully in this changing landscape? Have you considered the spiritual and privacy implications of sharing biometric data or sensitive personal information in exchange for financial convenience? What opportunities might these changes present for demonstrating Kingdom values while maintaining wise boundaries around your personal data?

Remember that our ultimate security rests not in any financial system, physical or digital, but in the unchanging character of God. "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5). In times of change and uncertainty, this promise provides an anchor for our souls and wisdom for our path forward.

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