Ripple CTO David Schwartz recently stirred up some humor on the X social media platform by suggesting the playful title “XRPope.” This whimsical notion came as a response to a lighthearted announcement by Daniel (@daniel_wwf) about the creation of the “Church of the XRPL” in collaboration with @MoonLamboio. Their collaborative endeavor aims to craft a scripture that educates the public about what they humorously dub “the one and only ultimate truth.”
In response to this, the X community couldn’t resist adding their own wit to the mix. Users like @Barakotayo playfully pondered, “Who would deliver the inaugural sermon?” Meanwhile, others like @grandorganics contemplated the benefits with a dash of jest, suggesting, “Also an excellent tax sheltering strategy. Plus, you already have thousands of believers that you can accept donations from. Would this make you an XRPriest?”
But what about XRPope?
David Schwartz holds a significant role in shaping the development and evolution of XRP, is renowned for his technical prowess, and is regarded as a leading figure within the community. Schwartz, in partnership with Jed McCaleb and Arthur Britto, is one of the masterminds behind the creation of the XRP Ledger. His enduring commitment to engaging with the community, his leadership at Ripple, and his unwavering dedication to enhancing the Ledger have solidified his status as its key architect.
A Community with Fervor
Some notable figures, including Fox Business anchor Charles Gasparino, have labeled the XRP community as a “cult.” This characterization stems from the passionate loyalty and fervor displayed by many XRP enthusiasts.
The XRP community, often referred to as the “XRP army,” is recognized for its zealous defense of XRP and the Ripple company. This devotion frequently translates into the dismissal of criticisms, regardless of their nature or validity. One contributing factor to this “cult-like” perception is the perceived centralized nature of XRP, setting it apart from many other cryptocurrencies.
When the XRP community fervently supports XRP in the face of criticism, it may appear to outsiders as though they are blindly following a centralized entity.
It’s worth noting that similar fervent behaviors are observed in other cryptocurrency communities as well.