This sort of problem is susceptible to the red queen’s race—if you solve it, that just means that lots of people will copy you, and you will find yourself in competition with a new crop of viral religions. You don’t make much long-term progress by being innovative, so perhaps your best bet is to copy some moderately successful cults and hope that power won’t corrupt you. The Hare Krishnas are a good template—just avoid the racketeering, mail fraud, murder, and child abuse, and you should do fine.
This sort of problem is susceptible to the red queen’s race—if you solve it, that just means that lots of people will copy you, and you will find yourself in competition with a new crop of viral religions. You don’t make much long-term progress by being innovative, so perhaps your best bet is to copy some moderately successful cults and hope that power won’t corrupt you. The Hare Krishnas are a good template—just avoid the racketeering, mail fraud, murder, and child abuse, and you should do fine.