Basically, bitcoin is like a religion in that 1) the founder is shrouded in mystery, 2) he/she goes missing/vanishes/dies before being able to benefit (i.e. they sacrifice for the benefit of others), 3) thus the actual spread of the religion/technology is left to an inner circle of disciples, 4) the masses that are brought in often talk about it incessantly furthering its spread, and 5) it has rituals/holidays (bitcoin halving day, bitcoin pizza day)
This changed the way I think about bitcoin adherents.
Interesting point there. What is also interesting is how well jokes are received. HODL and 'buy the dip' or 'to the moon' are taunts.
Note how far my comment was modded down - no room for humour if you have had your 'money' wiped out.
You can't tease religious people either. I once sat next to a girl at work who was seriously Christian. I jokingly asked if she believed in Father Christmas one slow Friday afternoon and the looks I got from my colleagues who knew what I was doing and how morally wrong my teasing was!
It is the same with the Bitcoin religion. You quickly learn not to question it.
I also consider The War Against Terror to be a religion.
Also interesting how BTC is now a store of wealth, not a currency. They should just call it a religion.