Napoleon on religion

[Phidippides]

The following quotations come from Napoleon:

"A society without religion is like a vessel without compass."

"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich."

"If I had to choose a religion, the sun as the universal giver of life would be my god."

Although these quotes aren't contradictory, it sounds like they could be used to defend positions that are somewhat in opposition.  The first quote seems to be a defense of religion within culture and a rejection of secularism; the second pragmatic statement could be rip on religion (Christianity) as an emasculating force or a praise of it as a protection against chaos; and the third is a rejection of traditional Euro-religion (Christianity) in favor of gratitude for the natural world (a paganism of sorts).

What do you make of Napoleon's statements here?  Can you reconcile them somehow?

[scout1067]

To Napoleon, religion served a purpose, and it was to control the common man.  He never paid religion much attention until shortly before he died.  He used religion as a political tool.  His signing of the Concordat with Rome is a perfect example of his attitude towards religion.  He signed the Concordat to end an internal division in France to enable him to focus the French on his wars and not internal problems with religion.  The Concordat ensured his support among French peasants and conservatives by showing he was not hopelessly beholden to the revolutionaries that put him in power.

[Phidippides]

Yes, I think that is how he used religion - as a practical tool for political control.  This would be in keeping with the way civilizations such as Rome used religion (which is why Christians were persecuted when they began undermining official state practice which was pagan).  The third quotation I give above, though, is curious and I wonder what exactly he meant by it.

[scout1067]

That is a nice expression for atheism isn't it?  It is a good way to believe in something while believing in nothing.

You do know that Napoleon had a death-bed conversion dont you?  He insisted on last rites and a catholic funeral mass.  At the end he said something to the effect that he wanted it so that he could be assured of seeing his parents in the next life.

[Phidippides]

You do know that Napoleon had a death-bed conversion dont you?  He insisted on last rites and a catholic funeral mass.  At the end he said something to the effect that he wanted it so that he could be assured of seeing his parents in the next life.

No, I didn't know that.  Interesting.

[scout1067]

Napoleon is a very interesting characater.  He is well worth studying as he lived a remarkable life even before he became emperor.  Even a cursory study of his life will help you to understand why the French still worship him and his memory.  If you ever go to Paris a trip the Inaldies to see his tomd is almost obligatory.  You will definietly not come away from his tomd with the impression that he led France to its ruin.