Many thought that Boiscommun’s concept of the “critical juncture of religion” came directly from the writings of Peter l’Agnostique. A controversial figure, Peter wavered throughout his life between a reluctant belief in the gods and faith in pure godless reason. Boiscommun for his part, called Peter “a dated relic of weak religion” and “a coward in philosopher’s garb.” But even he could acquiesce that Peter’s crowning achievement of reason was his oft-quoted statement, “Si les dieux n’existaient pas, il faudrait les inventer.” “If the gods did not exist, it would be necessary to invent them” was a phrase that guided Richard’s dealing with men whether he was conscious of it or not.
Richard de Conquil preached such ideas to his daughter from an early age. They did not pray in their home, n
