Hey everyone,
I've been a Bitcoiner and a crypto news writer for a while, and recently I finished writing a book that compares Bitcoin to early Christianity—not as a joke or clickbait, but as a serious cultural and philosophical parallel. I’m posting the preface here because I’d love to hear what the community thinks before I move forward with wider publication.
So, here we go.
Throughout human history, movements tied to belief have inspired deep devotion and reshaped the world. Think about how Christianity spread, offering hope and salvation, and changed not just spiritual life but politics, culture, and economics. Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing something oddly similar with cryptocurrency, especially Bitcoin. While it might sound strange to compare a financial technology to a religion, Bitcoin’s rise has all the elements: belief in an invisible power which can be seen only in churches as statues or icons (and Bitcoin can only be seen on PC/laptop monitors or smartphone/hardware wallet screens), a vision for change, and a community of devoted followers. As someone fascinated by how beliefs and new technologies impact society, I can’t help but explore the parallels between early Christianity and Bitcoin.
Now, in this book, when talking about a religion, I’m focusing mostly on Bitcoin. Sometimes, I will be speaking sarcastically about extreme Bitcoin enthusiasts who treat it like the Holy Grail. Don’t get me wrong—I believe crypto has potential, but I don’t see Bitcoin saving the world. For me, it's just another phase humanity is going through, another tool to move us forward.
At the center of Bitcoin is the mysterious figure of Satoshi Nakamoto. In a lot of ways, Nakamoto is treated like a prophet by Bitcoiners. He (or she, or even a group of developers—no one knows) created Bitcoin in 2009, and ever since, the crypto world has been obsessed. His whitepaper, “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System1,” is viewed like sacred scripture, meticulously studied and quoted. Bitcoiners, much like the early Christians, believe in a future where financial power is decentralized and free from the control of traditional institutions (now, they are strangely happy about Wall Street consuming Bitcoin, though, much like the modern Christian church that has turned into a financial and/or political institution). And much like early Christians who expected Jesus to return in their lifetime, many Bitcoiners expect Bitcoin to hit $1 million “soon” and then to start rising higher and into infinity.
Satoshi's anonymity adds to the mystique, just like the origins of many religious figures are shrouded in mystery. Early Bitcoin adopters, similar to early Christians, faced skepticism and even ridicule as they tried to spread the word about blockchain and decentralized finance. Both groups started small, but their unwavering belief laid the groundwork for widespread adoption.
Consider how Bitcoin communities operate today. They’re like early Christian congregations—tight-knit, passionate, and bound by a shared vision of the future. Whether it’s Bitcoin forums, Telegram groups, or conferences, these spaces serve as places to gather, debate, and support each other. Ten years ago, it looked like a grassroots movement. But now, with Bitcoin being adopted by Wall Street through things like spot and futures exchange-traded funds (ETFs), it feels a lot like how Christianity moved from being underground to being accepted by the Roman Empire.
Just as early Christians had their martyrs, Bitcoin has its heroes and tragic figures. Take Hal Finney, for example—an early adopter who worked closely with Nakamoto and sadly passed away from ALS in 2014. While the sacrifices in the Bitcoin world, like people losing fortunes due to hacks or forgotten private keys, aren’t on the same level as early Christian martyrs, they still carry that spirit of perseverance and belief in a greater cause.
The Bitcoin logo, the “B” with two vertical strokes, has become a symbol of faith for many. It’s everywhere—on T-shirts, mugs, even tattoos. Just like the cross in Christianity, it’s a visual sign of belief and community.
Then there’s Elon Musk, a controversial modern-day prophet, if you will. He literary predicts the end of the world coming soon unless migration stops or unless countries raise their birth rates, or unless we go to Mars using the quite expensive services of his company SpaceX. His tweets about Bitcoin and Dogecoin can cause market prices to skyrocket or plummet. Musk’s influence highlights how charismatic leaders can shape the direction of a movement, much like religious leaders guiding their followers.
One of the key concepts in the Bitcoin community is HODLing, which started as a typo for "holding" but became a philosophy. Bitcoin believers “HODL” through market volatility, much like early Christians kept their faith despite persecution. HODLers see it as proof of their belief in Bitcoin’s long-term value.
Bitcoin’s decentralized nature is another interesting parallel. Just as movements like the Protestant Reformation sought to remove intermediaries between believers and God, Bitcoin eliminates the need for banks and financial institutions – “Bitcoin helps you be your own bank,” they love saying as a prayer. According to Satoshi’s whitepaper, Bitcoin was designed to give individuals direct control over their finances, which many see as a path to freedom.
But just like any belief system, Bitcoin has its critics and internal divisions. The debates over data block size, mining methods, and governance are a lot like theological disputes.
The ethical debates around Bitcoin are also worth noting. Supporters say it brings financial inclusion, protects against inflation, and promotes privacy. Critics, though, point out its negative environmental impact, its use in illegal activities, and the speculative nature of its market.
So here we are, standing at the intersection of technology and belief. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies represent more than just a new financial system—they’re cultural shifts that challenge our ideas of value, trust, and power. By comparing Bitcoin to early Christianity, we can gain a deeper understanding of how this "digital religion" is changing the world.
In this book, I’ll delve into the origins, growth, and impact of Bitcoin and other cryptos that followed. We’ll explore how Bitcoin mirrors the rise of Christianity, and I’ll share stories of the early pioneers, look at the technology behind BTC, and reflect on the broader implications. Whether you're already into crypto, a curious skeptic, or just trying to make sense of it all, I invite you to join me on this journey as we explore the fascinating intersections of faith, technology, and the future.
Would love to know your honest feedback. Does Bitcoin feel like a religion to you? Or is that comparison too far-fetched?
Cheers