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What do football, iPhone and Harry Potter have in common? At first glance, nothing, but if you think about it - each has a colossal army of loyal fans who devote a lot of time to their favorite thing, know everything or almost everything about even the smallest details, and, most importantly, are ready to die on this hill for their beliefs.

In other words, the same characteristics that religion had for the vast majority of mankind just a couple of hundred years ago. Remember the Crusades, religious wars and other "charms" of the Middle Ages? Yes, now religious fanaticism has significantly decreased, but worship of new idols has definitely taken its place.

This was also noticed by the topic starter of one of the threads in the AskReddit community, who just a few days ago asked the question: "What is not a religion, but people treat it with the same attention?" And so, as of today, the thread already has over 34.8K upvotes and around 27.7K different and sometimes extremely pathetic comments.

Bored Panda made a list for you that includes the most interesting and popular elements of the original thread. Sports and brands, music legends and internet traditions - all that make people worship them so devotedly. So feel free to scroll to the very end (literally everything is interesting there!), mark what you definitely agree with and, of course, don't forget to write your point of view straight in the comments!

More info: Reddit

#1

“What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) elon musk. he’s annoying, he’s not saving the world so please shut up about what a selfless person he is. he exploits his workers. stop being annoying fanboys. don’t worship billionaires

p0rkch0ps , JD Lasica Report

Nikki Sevven
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No one becomes a billionaire by being nice to others.

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    #2

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) The way Americans talk about their constitution is very reminiscent of religion. They worship it, but they haven't read it in a long time. Maybe never. They insist that you should respect it, even if you're not a member of the cult. They tend to assume that a justification for every opinion they have is in there somewhere. They treat the men who wrote it as if they're prophets. They can become sullen, withdrawn, or even hostile when you say it's wrong and requires serious alteration.

    Bizarre_Protuberance , fdecomite Report

    Luke Branwen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's even a term for that: American civil religion

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    #3

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) "Influencers"

    Electrical_Fruit_851 , Jean-Jacques Abalain Report

    #5

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Antivaxism

    Few-Author-4971 , Presidencia de la República Mexicana Report

    Tammilee Truitt
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Problem in States is when ANYTHING is made mandatory people flip out and think somehow their freedoms are being threatened.

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    #6

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Apple fandom.

    I_am_Tim_Cook , Kanesue Report

    Elea Bell
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is nothing wrong with owning an apple product. There is a lot wrong with obsessively buying whatever new things apple comes out with. Also, Android and Apple users s******g on each other every time the topic of technology comes up is also an issue

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    #7

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Mommy groups. Started getting completely out of hand when my kids were teenagers. I'm a crunchy mom, I'm this kind of mom, or that kind of mom. Those people get rabid. How DARE YOU listen to advice given to you from a doctor about your individual child, MY group thinks "THIS". Heresy! Blasphemy! We will CRUCIFY you! They used to helpful, now they are f*****g cults.

    SubstantialPressure3 , English106 Report

    keighterz
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I learned very quickly not to ask other moms for advice, especially on the internet. Go to the experts, folks.

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    #8

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Scientology

    CatJudgement , isghoul Report

    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    you THINK this gives you religion vibes??? they overtly call themselves a religion.

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    #9

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Obsession with a famous person(s).

    AscendedSpirit , hshq Report

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    #10

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Workaholism / hustle culture.

    trashpanda44224422 , Brent Ozar Report

    And i was like WTF!!
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I find this so... weird. I mean, it is cool that you work like 60 hours a week and so your boss can say bravo, but i want to work as much as i am payed, do my 8 hours a day and go and spend time with my wife, kids, friends or just by myself

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    #13

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Gender ideology (aka the pseudoscience surrounding transgenderism). I say this as a trans person. If you do not follow a woke belief system to the very letter you are treated like an apostate. The left used to be very areligious but it is all spiritual gender woo woo stuff now.

    Manaxium , Mack Male Report

    InvincibleRodent
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    See, the use of the word "woke" is what concerns me in this one. Their gender identity notwithstanding, cis or trans, anyone who refers to someone as "woke" in order to dismiss them, I can't trust to comment on the issue they're talking about.

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    #14

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Disney. Especially when you go down to Florida.

    Alpha_Solid , Michael Rehfeldt Report

    keighterz
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Disney adults are weird and you cannot convince me otherwise. I have my fandoms, yes, but I'm not making a yearly trip to a special theme park like it's Mecca.

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    #15

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Brands in general. People praising Adidas, Apple, Hugo Boss, etc.

    Spaceman_Beard , adifansnet Report

    Francisco Javier Bonillo Ponce
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Companies don't want customers, they want fans who will buy anything that company sells

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    #16

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Politics

    CrunchM , Jack Report

    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Definitely. "THEY" are wrong, the blasphemers. WE are the true ones. etc.

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    #17

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Fraternities and Sororities. Down to the recruitment/shunning culture

    abhiwan_kenobi , Mike Report

    The Idaho Potato
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They also can't even pronounce Greek the right way. "GGGGGAMMA", "BETA", "PHYYYYY", "DDDDELTA" (γβφδ). I may be exaggerating but still.

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    #18

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Crypto

    avellinoblvd , QuoteInspector.com Report

    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No dude, crypto is as scammy and religiony as the stockmarket. Sure, some people are obsessed with it, yep. But so are stockbrokers.

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    #19

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) astrology zodiac signs

    dohrn1i , morebyless Report

    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    let's see. Unscientific. Check. Magic. Check. Unfalsifiable. Check. Irrational beliefs, check. PS why are there jiggleballs there?

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    #21

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) College football

    ham_wallet998 , aaronisnotcool Report

    Bouche Clay
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it's Alabama's state college that has an adorable pug for a mascot. I don't like football, but I love dogs.

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    #22

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Homoeopathy

    dangerus_dave , Dr Tricky Report

    Esme Weatherwax
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also a potentially dangerous religion when the believer relies on it instead of science based medicine

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    #24

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) For many people, Coffee. Don’t deny it.

    plucky_dolphin , Camila Tamara Silva Sepúlveda Report

    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Drink this, for it is my blood, saith the lord.

    Minath
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't drink coffee (or tea) and when I tell someone that they act like I just ran over their grandmother.

    T. Unnamable
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Coffee is not my religion but it is my flesh and blood...

    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    BLASPHEMY!!! WE WILL UNALIVE YOU!! /jk oh wait what was this thread about again? oh yes, religion vibes.

    Tammilee Truitt
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Starbucks "culture" is annoying as **ck. The freaking lines, the can't be pleased customers, the "baristas" and their whole thing.

    Bill Evs
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Coffee is fine and if someone enjoys it then great. Even though I'm not a big drinker of it I do have the occasional one. I do find it weird though with some people who act like they can't function without imbibing this, lets be honest, very mild stimulant.

    Mary Zurlinden
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pretentious coffee, at least

    ravn
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "It is by caffeine alone I set my mind in motion, It is by the Beans of Java that thoughts acquire speed, The hands acquire shaking, the shaking becomes a warning, It is by caffeine alone I set my mind in motion"

    Tamra
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm the only person in my circle of friends who doesn't like coffee. I wish I did, it seems like an enjoyable activity, and it does smell nice.

    Donny Bereznak
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ironically I feel the same way about Christianity. Seems like the teachings of Jesus is a great thing, I just don't believe the mythology around it.

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    Archer Harris
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My body: I…. Need…… waaattteerrrr….. Me: want iced coffee?

    Rider
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A religion I can get behind.

    Amy Taylor
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was raised by Italians.. we drink espresso...thankyouverymuch lol

    Ashla Delana
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It tastes really good with maple syrup and milk

    Beck
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I will drink a few cups in the winter (maybe 3, tops) with lots of creamer. I have a keurig but I use it for hot cocoa.

    Ronda News Channel
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Drinking coffee has become a lifestyle for some people in my country. They are not coffee connoisseurs. It's believed that hanging out at coffee shop is cool.

    Flare
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The only time I ever had coffee was when I mistook my great aunt's coffee meringues for chocolate swirl ones. Never again.

    Dennis Stanley
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As for me and my house we will serve coffee. Folger's 24:7

    Nicole Holt
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't know what you're talking about *takes sip of coffee*

    Lytse Draak
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Caffeine is an addictive substance and a stimulant. Coffee is basically a legal drug, much like cigarettes and alcohol, but unregulated. I don't mind people drinking coffee, and just like with red wine there are some benefits when consumed in moderation, but caffeine is not healthy when overconsumed and will lead to withdrawal effects when stopping cold turkey

    Patti Wagner
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, I love my cofeee in the morning, but also love my cup of tea at night before I go to bed.

    L hill
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Forgive him Almighty Coffee! He knows not your glories!!

    Bored puppy dog
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Idk how being vegan didn't make it into this list

    Massiel Rufino
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is nothing wrong with coffee.

    Daaaaaaaaaaa
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    F**k me. I'm Italian and we're not as ballistic over coffee as some are.

    Suutashi
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think this one needs to be reworded as Starbucks and Pumpkin Spice Latte. Some of the ones that obsess over both of these are just plain scary.

    sturmwesen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I drink my overprized coffee and love to talk about it - if the general topic is food and beverages. Other people can drink their bitter Senseo pad coffee if they want to. That's their decision. It should be the same with religion.

    Pheebs
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I worship the bean, for the bean shall keep my sinus headaches at bay.

    Shelby Minchew
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I see my coffee more as a drug than a religion, thank you very much. ;)

    Kar Red Roses
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Coffee …. It’s my life, and it’s my wife

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    Gibberint Dark
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm happy with a cup of Nescafe instant... You use to be able to get decent cup of instant coffee at cafes but not any more... Now it's all fancy coffee so I don't bother when I'm out now...!!

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    #25

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Football! Biggest sport in the world, stadiums are genuinely awe-inspiring and the atmosphere created during a game is crazy. (Edit) Okay okay... guys, I do mean FOOTBALL as that's what the vast majority of the world calls it but to allow other cultures to understand... yes, "soccer" is the biggest sport in the world.

    SurvivingWow , pbkwee Report

    Bouche Clay
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What I don't understand is why, when someone grabbed the ball and ran, the people who turned it into a new sport chose "FOOTball." Was it just that it came from football/soccer? Why didn't they call it handsball or something like that?

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    #26

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Crossfit

    LettuceGreedy9345 , Big Titan Report

    Victoria Pitt
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the only thing that came to mind. But I think it's ok if it's treated that way, you get a community and you stay fit. Win win.

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    #27

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) iPhones, Tesla, Marvel

    CleonII , Windell Oskay Report

    Jo Davies
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Marvel is my escape from reality! Off to ComicCon Africa next weekend.

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    #28

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) The idea of a nation.

    CompetitiveSherbert7 , LEGOFIIR Report

    Luke Branwen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nationalism, aka. the idea that you're superior because you were randomly born inside a certain set of nonexistent lines on the map.

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    #29

    Hot take: owning dogs EDIT: owning specific breeds of dogs

    baby_yoda_is_thick Report

    Becky Samuel
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The very concept of "pure-breed" dogs is a genetic disaster waiting to happen. As soon as you restrict the genetic diversity in this way, the extinction of the breed becomes inevitable. As much as people don't want to hear it, this is scientific fact. Don't even get me started on the ethics of deliberately breeding deformed animals that suffer throughout their lives in search of an aesthetic. And now we've moved on to doing the same thing to other species, like cats, rats, mice and guinea pigs. Even reptiles aren't immune to the greed and selfishness of the humans who breed them for "pretty colors".

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    #30

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Harry Potter

    StirlingBridge1297 , Elen Nivrae Report

    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hmm it's just fandom. I don't find its fans that pushy.

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    #31

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Some people treat atheism like a religion. They on here trying to get converts

    Jp_gamesta , Steve Garry Report

    Tamra
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Meh, I'm atheist, but I have no desire to change anyone's mind about what they believe. As long as they extend the same courtesy to me.

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    #32

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) Owning a jeep wrangler Edit to add, I own a jeep wrangler and do 4x4 SAR for my state.

    Thatonecrazywolf , Brett Levin Report

    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this must be an american thing. Here people are obsessed with BMW.

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    #33

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) The console wars

    CounterSYNK , Mike Carter Report

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    #34

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) In India, cricket

    Hyperion_23 , David Surtees Report

    Pumpkin Spice
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I challenge every cricket worshipper (not fans, but fanatics) to try and hit a sixer alone, no help, nothing.

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    #35

    “What Is Not A Religion, But People Treat It With The Same Attention?” (30 Answers) "I trust the science"

    WannaGetCrazy , Nenad Stojkovic Report

    Hex Gurls
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    damn it’s giving ‘i do my own facebook research and a crazy man in the woods told me the government is trying to track me with the vaccine and i trust him more than doctors’

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