pp. 87–97
The article outlines the evolution of Robespierre’s beliefs about Christianity and church within the context of Enlightenment ideas, Rousseauism and the French Revolution. The author highlights their relation to philosophical currents of the period in discussion and analyzes the creation of a new religious cult, nationalization and political subordination of the church. The paper substantiates Robespierre’s religious criticism of revolutionary violence, terror, and atheistic ideology. A set of political speeches delivered by Robespierre in 1789–1794 was the source for this article.
Keywords: Maximilien Robespierre, revolution, reign of terror, National Constituent Assembly, National Convention, Christianity, church, Enlightenment, Cult of the Supreme Being.