Mary Stewart Relfe’s book The New Money System: 666 (1982) is a notable work in the realm of Christian eschatology, specifically concerning end-times prophecy as interpreted from the Bible. The book draws heavily from the Book of Revelation and other biblical texts to argue that a global, cashless economic system linked to the prophesied “mark of the beast” (666) will emerge as a tool of control in the end times.
Relfe’s work ties biblical prophecy to contemporary financial, technological, and political developments of her time, framing them as signs of the approaching fulfillment of Revelation’s warnings. Below is a detailed exploration of the book’s main themes and arguments, along with their broader implications.
Central Premise: The Mark of the Beast
Relfe’s book focuses on the prophecy in Revelation 13:16-18, which states:
“He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.”
Relfe interprets this prophecy as foretelling a global monetary system that will require individuals to accept the “mark of the beast” to participate in economic activities. She argues that technological and financial trends in the 20th century were paving the way for this system.
The “New Money System”
Relfe asserts that a cashless society, enabled by technological advancements such as computer systems, barcodes, and digital banking, would form the foundation of the prophesied “new money system.” Key elements include:
A. Global Economic Control
- Relfe believed that a centralized, computerized financial system would be used to monitor and control all economic transactions.
- This system would eliminate the use of physical currency, replacing it with digital identifiers tied to individuals, such as biometric data or implanted microchips.
B. Identification and the Mark
- She theorized that the “mark” mentioned in Revelation could be a literal mark, such as a tattoo or microchip, placed on the hand or forehead to identify individuals within this system.
- This mark would signify allegiance to the “beast” (interpreted as the Antichrist or an authoritarian global leader) and would be mandatory for participation in the economy.
Linking Prophecy to Contemporary Developments
Relfe sought to connect the biblical prophecy to real-world events and emerging technologies in the late 20th century. Some of her claims included:
A. Barcodes
- Relfe argued that the universal adoption of barcodes for product tracking and sales could be a precursor to the “mark of the beast.” She highlighted how some barcode systems incorporated the number “666” in their design, which she interpreted as a sinister link to the prophecy.
B. Digital Banking and Credit Cards
- She viewed the rise of digital banking, credit cards, and electronic funds transfer systems as steps toward a cashless global economy.
- These technologies, she claimed, could enable governments or global organizations to exert unprecedented control over individuals by restricting access to financial systems for those who do not comply.
C. Globalism and Political Unity
- Relfe linked the growing interconnectedness of nations and the push for global governance (e.g., organizations like the United Nations) to the prophesied rise of a one-world government under the Antichrist.
Warnings and Implications
Relfe’s book served as a warning to Christians and others about the dangers of these developments. She urged vigilance against technological and political changes that could facilitate the fulfillment of Revelation 13.
A. Spiritual Allegiance
- Accepting the “mark of the beast” is portrayed in Revelation as an act of spiritual defiance against God. Relfe emphasized that Christians must resist participation in any system requiring such a mark, even at great personal cost.
B. Surveillance and Loss of Freedom
- Relfe expressed concerns about the loss of privacy and personal freedom under a globalized, cashless economy. She feared that advanced technology could be used to enforce compliance with a totalitarian regime.
C. Moral and Ethical Choices
- The book challenged readers to consider how their choices in adopting technology or engaging with global systems might align with biblical prophecy and their faith.
Criticisms and Legacy
Relfe’s book has been influential in evangelical and prophecy-focused circles, but it has also been criticized for its speculative nature and reliance on conspiracy theories.
A. Criticisms
- Lack of Evidence: Critics argue that many of Relfe’s claims are based on speculative connections rather than verifiable facts. For instance, the claim that barcodes incorporate “666” is often dismissed as a misunderstanding of how barcodes work.
- Fearmongering: Some see the book as promoting fear and paranoia rather than constructive engagement with technology and global challenges.
B. Influence
- Despite criticisms, The New Money System: 666 has had a lasting impact on Christian eschatology, influencing discussions about technology, globalization, and end-times prophecy.
- It helped popularize the idea that technological advancements, particularly in finance and identification systems, could be linked to biblical prophecy.
Modern Relevance
Many of the themes Relfe explored—such as digital currencies, biometric identification, and global surveillance—remain relevant today. Developments like cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) have reignited discussions about how emerging technologies might align with her warnings.
A. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain
- While proponents of cryptocurrency see it as a decentralized alternative to traditional banking, critics worry that governments might co-opt the technology to create centralized digital currencies with increased surveillance capabilities.
B. Biometric Identification
- Advances in biometric technology, such as facial recognition and implanted microchips, echo Relfe’s concerns about a system where individuals are uniquely identified and potentially controlled.
C. Global Governance
- Debates about globalism and the potential for centralized authority (e.g., through international organizations or alliances) continue to evoke concerns about the rise of an Antichrist-like figure.
Conclusion
Mary Stewart Relfe’s The New Money System: 666 is a thought-provoking interpretation of biblical prophecy through the lens of technological and societal changes. While speculative and controversial, the book taps into enduring anxieties about control, surveillance, and the ethical implications of technological progress. Whether or not one agrees with her conclusions, her work serves as a reminder to critically evaluate the intersection of faith, technology, and governance in an increasingly interconnected world.
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