The less enlightenment and reason men possess, the more zeal they exhibit for their religion.  In all the religious factions, women, aroused by their directors, exhibit very great zeal in opinions of which it is evident they have not the least idea.  In theological quarrels people rush like a ferocious beast upon all those against whom their priest wishes to excite them.  Profound ignorance, unlimited credulity, a very weak head, an irritated imagination, these are the materials of which devotees, zealots, fanatics, and saints are made.  How can we make those people understand reason who allow themselves to be guided without examining anything?  The devotees and common people are, in the hands of their guides, only automatons which they move at their fancy.

CXXXIX.—­TO TEACH THAT THERE EXISTS ONE TRUE RELIGION IS AN ABSURDITY, AND A CAUSE OF MUCH TROUBLE AMONG THE NATIONS.

Religion is a thing of custom and fashion; we must do as others do.  But, among the many religions in the world, which one ought we to choose?  This examination would be too long and too painful; we must then hold to the faith of our fathers, to that of our country, or to that of the prince, who, possessing power, must be the best.  Chance alone decides the religion of a man and of a people.  The French would be to-day as good Mussulmen as they are Christians, if their ancestors had not repulsed the efforts of the Saracens.  If we judge of the intentions of Providence by the events and the revolutions of this world, we are compelled to believe that it is quite indifferent about the different religions which exist on earth.  During thousands of years Paganism, Polytheism, and Idolatry have been the religions of the world; we are assured today, that during this period the most flourishing nations had not the least idea of the Deity, an idea which is claimed, however, to be so important to all men.  The Christians pretend that, with the exception of the Jewish people, that is to say, a handful of unfortunate beings, the whole human race lived in utter ignorance of its duties toward God, and had but imperfect ideas of Divine majesty.  Christianity, offshoot of Judaism, which was very humble in its obscure origin, became powerful and cruel under the Christian emperors, who, driven by a holy zeal, spread it marvelously in their empire by sword and fire, and founded it upon the ruins of overthrown Paganism.  Mohammed and his successors, aided by Providence, or by their victorious arms, succeeded in a short time in expelling the Christian religion from a part of Asia, Africa, and even of Europe itself; the Gospel was compelled to surrender to the Koran.  In all the factions or sects which during a great number of centuries have lacerated the Christians, “The reason of the strongest was always the best;” the arms and the will of the princes alone decided upon the most useful doctrine for the salvation of the nations.  Could we not conclude by this, either that the Deity takes but little interest in the religion of men, or that He declares Himself always in favor of opinions which best suit the Authorities of the earth, in order that He can change His systems as soon as they take a notion to change?