Life, 1912-04-18 · page 19 of 54
Life — April 18, 1912 — page 19: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical piece mocks the proliferation of new religious movements in early 20th-century America by treating religion as a franchisable business. The "New England Amalgamated Religion Generating Company" offers startup kits to would-be religious entrepreneurs—complete with equipment, training, and inventory of "plain and fancy religions" tailored to different American demographics. The satire targets several targets: unscrupulous entrepreneurs profiting from spiritual seekers, the oversupply of competing sects and cults, and mainstream anxiety about religious experimentation. The testimonial from a successful "jumparound" cult leader and the "historic tablet" found in Texas (mocking fabricated spiritual authenticity) underscore the mockery. The illustrations show sample religious attire and iconography. This reflects genuine Gilded Age concerns about charlatan revivalists and new religious movements (like Christian Science, which emerged decades earlier) being treated as commercial enterprises rather than genuine faith traditions.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIFE Bona Fide Bonanza A New Opportunity for Increasing Your Capital and Making a Fortune Within Reach of All—Only Field Not Preempted— Ordinary Gold Mine as Nothing SAMPLE OUTFIT FOR STARTING A RELIGION We furnish a complete outfit, You don't have to pay a cent unless you are satisfied If, after a reasonable time you fail to make a success of it, return the outfit and we will send you another. have a startling announcement to make. Competition in all lines of business has become so keen that there is prac- tically no chance to make a living in these days. The trusts have driven the small dealer out of business, and thousands of people of experience and intelligence are left high and dry upon the market. Fortunately, however, all hope is not yet lost. In making our offer to the public, therefore, we do so with su- preme confidence in our ability to * make good.” In one field of human activity there still remains millions. Ve have made a study of this ques- tion and know whereof we speak. We furnish full equipment, give a course of ten lessons and start you off with everything in your favor. You can- not fail. Many religions have been supplied to the American people by individuats in the past. It remains for us to put the new religion business on a commer- cial basis. Inasmuch as we practically control the entire field, we can con- fidently state that hereafter no new religion will be started unless-it is under our tutelage. We keep on hand constantly a stock of plain and fancy religions to suit every requirement. Bear in mind that we have made a study of every section of the country, and positively know what will suit every class of people in America, New sects started at a moderate fig- ure. In case of steady growth you pay us a royalty based upon the results achieved. Our agents are constantly going over the field and looking for A TESTIMONIAL The New England Amalgamated Reti ‘enerating Company: Dear Sins:—For twenty years I tried to make a success as a plain revivalist, but I found that public taste had outgrown that form of religion, I then took your advice and started the Jumparound Booh Boobs’ Mystic Cult of Wave Worshippers, and I have made a, splendid liv Yours for cash, Ounirorenr Jum. Pro Bono ¢° Nox VOMICO - Prus PopuLi We Sic TEMPER emer 4S HISTORIC TABLET FOUND NEAR WACO, TEXAS A bright, lished on the profound truths, as revealed in this sacred stone. snappy religion has been estab- new ideas. We have the largest and most competent force—including broken-down evangelists, Indian yogis, indigent New-Thoughters and played- out Christian Scientists—ever gathered together in this country. New religious movements started anywhere in the country to run for any specified length of time at rates which we will be glad to quote upon application. Remember that this company is based upon the fundamental desire on the part of all human beings for a legitimate change. While apparently commercial in its aspect, it is reall; founded upon the great and recognized need for worship, Up to the present time anybody could start a new religion and “ put it over” until he tired of it. This has placed religions in disrepute, so thai people have begun to feel that they are comicbooks.com