Yep, that Jew was wise indeed, until it came time to get a good lawyer.

The retelling of his insight by rich meglomaniacs, avaricious pious preachers and institutions does warp the message a bit.
Religion is under some new management or new brand name every generation.
But that is no reason to fear change. Religions that help people overcome thier fear of change are doing good work.

in my humble opinion.