What if John Murray Spear's "God Machine" had worked?

Historical Background: In 1853, a former Universalist minister named John Murray Spear lead a handful of followers to the top of High Rock Hill in Lynn, Massachusetts. Like many evangelists at that time Spear promised his followers that the return of the Messiah was at hand.

When the Messiah failed to appear, however, rather than disband his little group Spear took a radically different approach. If the Messiah wasn’t going to manifest, Spear would build one instead.


Spear spent the next nine months in a wooden shed with an unknown woman – who would be the “New Mary” – where he constructed what has come to be known as “The God Machine.” After performing a series of bizarre rituals which included channeling the spirit of Benjamin Franklin, Spear’s claimed the “God Machine” came to life.

However, according to the history books Spear’s mechanical messiah didn’t actually do much of anything and Spear eventually moved the thing to Randolph, New York where it was smashed to bits by angry farmers who found the whole affair rather blasphemous.

Alternative History Scenario: But what if Spear’s mechanized deity had come to life? What would have happened then? How would it have changed American history and religion? What other results would have come of it?
 
Wouldn't have to be ASB. Automata have been around for centuries. The question is, what happens when someone figures it out? I think if it worked better, it would just be smashed by angry (or scared) farmers sooner.

My scenario:

1854
"Spear's "God Machine" has been observed to locomote and speak, though rustily and reticently, and perform other actions which may be mistaken by the ignorant as miracles. Yestermorn it was destroyed by an angry mob."

1964
"Harkening back to little-known Universalist minister John Murray Spear's "God Machine", a new cult has formed in Los Angeles. They believe that the Messiah came in 1854 and was sacrificed on a hilltop in Massachusetts. Their stated goal is to facilitate the "Second Coming.""

1983
"Today, the laboratories of the Mechanists have unveiled their newest design. It is truly a wonder to behold. It can navigate through a maze without destroying walls, hold limited conversation with bystanders, and even shake hands, though only with the most brave or fool-hardy."

1997
"Yesterday afternoon, the Mechanists have unveiled another revolutionary new design, along with another speech extolling the Second Coming and pleading with the faithful for more funds to further that end."
 
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I originally posted this on the ASB forums but didn't get any responses...maybe it wasn't wierd enough. Maybe I should have had an ASB bring the "God Mechine" to life?

Anyway, good job so far Freodhoric.
 
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