Did Leo Strauss argue that religion is a noble lie society's masses need in order to ensure public morality?

Question

Leo Strauss was THE teacher of the Neocons. Reportedly, he taught them that the elites of society must convey myths to their people in order to control them and maintain public order. Strauss supposedly taught neocons that the myth of religion and the myth of america's mission to bring democracy to the world are two key myths for controlling American society.

Looking at the extreme contrast between the Bush administration's actions and the religion they push/exploit, it seems that Strauss's students were listening well.

What do you know about The Chicago School, Strauss, and the neocons? What do you think about the leaders promoting a religion they don't actually believe? Is this making America more moral or is it just destroying cultural unity?

Here's a British documentary on The Straussians and The Jihadists and their twin paths of destruction. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7930933565201168

Answer 1

That was certainly an interesting argument....but I'm not sure I need a conspiracy theory to believe that religious extremists can be extremely hypocritical.

I think a lot of Bush's problems have come from actually being a true believer. It seems to insulate him from any possible advice, or opposing opinion.

I'm more liable to just call him a hypocrite then disengenous.

It was a very interesting argument though.