Starting a Religion

Greetings,

            A thought for this Lenten season when we are focusing on sacrifice.

            C. H. Robinson tells the story of a M. Lapeaux who on one occasion confided to Talleyrand his disappointment at the ill success with which he had met in his attempt to bring into vogue a new religion which he regarded as an improvement on Christianity.  He explained that despite all the efforts of himself and his supporters his propaganda made no way.  He asked Talleyrand’s advice as to what he was to do.  Talleyrand replied that it was indeed difficult to found a new religion, more difficult indeed than could be imagined, so difficult that he hardly knew what to advise.  “Still,” he said—after a moment’s reflection, “there is one plan which you might at least try.  I should recommend you to be crucified and to rise again on the third day.”

            Robinson goes on to comment: “Whether we are prepared or no to accept the occurrence of the Resurrection as a fact of history, we cannot deny the influence which a belief in it has exercised in the world.  We cannot deny that it has brought life and immortality to light as no other belief could conceivably have done; that it has substituted for the fear of death, for a large portion of the human race, that sure and certain knowledge of God which is eternal life; that it has permeated our customs, our literature, and our language with a glory and a hope which could have been derived from no other source.”  (Studies in the Resurrection of Christ [1909], pp 46-48.)

            Had M. Lapeaux been trying to start his new religion today instead of in the early 1800's, I expect he might have been much more successful, especially if he started in California. 

Yours & His,

DED