The longest con?

[mediamogul]

I think the important distinction to make is between a lie and a conviction. A lie is where someone knows the facts but intentionally misrepresents them. A conviction is where someone actually believes something. I believe the vast majority of people have propogated religion out of conviction rather than outright lying. This is a sadder point to make. The con-man knows he is a con-man and don't get me wrong religion has had some exceptional con men but overwhelmingly people have spread it because they actually believe it which is just disheartening to think of.