Spending in the Sake of Satoshi — Why the True Believer tithes Bitcoin

Trying to demonstrate things by analogy is hard to do as is, let alone trying to do it with as dangerous a topic as religion — but here it goes!

To start with, tithing is different to the occasional coin in the collection plate. Tithes have particular rules and patterns. Some are voluntary, some are obligatory — but all have a rule structure.

An example of a voluntary tithe would be regular giving to The Red Cross, as payments are ongoing, and are enforced by the rules of your direct debit agreement until it is ended. Mormons[i] and Muslims[ii] are obliged to tithe, each within a predefined set of rules and enforcement mechanisms.

Different religions even have different governance mechanisms. The above example, as well as in Mormonism, has a centralised governance, collection and distribution point, which use their donations to further the work of the organisation/church.

In Islam on the other hand, their tithe, Zakat, has a decentralised distribution structure. Regardless, specific and quantitative rules apply as with the above examples, and monies are used to help your fellow human, and fulfil your covenant with God, which is eternally enforced.

Tithing isn’t just a religious thing. Secular not-for-profits, research institutes, awareness groups, etc dominate the world’s charitable heavy-lifting. These organisations are backed by generous tithers and occasional donors. Money spent in the sake of your fellow living souls, or our environment — whether through a religion or an NPO, directly or indirectly — is an example of “righteous” money.

In 2018, righteous money is unfortunately losing the fight against evil money. Evil money is printed to further evil means, then reprinted and redistributed back to the evil, and the cycle continues. Righteous money continues to get diluted, and the people who own it are not eligible for a restock of the printed stuff.

So, who the hell can we tithe to further the cause of righteous money? Bitcoin.

Hard money is righteous by nature — whether used for good or evil. When used for good, the positive effects don’t get diluted. When used for evil, the evil person has to work to get it back — NO REPRINTS! Eventually, evil will run out of purchasing power. But what does this have to do with tithing Bitcoin?

When a True Believer tithes Bitcoin, they are theoretically increasing its “total monetised energy”, of which the market price is a proxy. When the energy level increases, more people are drawn to the faith — most importantly, the builders. From there, the body faithful grows with new use cases being found/built, increasing utility & raising faith and energy, drawing in builders, and around she goes in a virtuous cycle. A true chicken and egg story, where the True Believers are responsible for the egg deliveries!

When the energy is high enough, Evil will be crushed.

In a future piece, we’ll have a look at the beliefs and motives that drive a Bitcoin tither. Financial incentives are indeed a big factor, but don’t rush to judgement just yet…

References

[i] The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, “Tithing”, http://archive.fo/UL5lq

[ii] Wikipedia.org, “Zakat”, http://archive.is/l3wUb