Religion which requires persecution to sustain, it is of the devil's propagation

Religion which requires persecution to sustain, it is of the devil's propagation

Hosea Ballou, a prominent figure in the Universalist movement in the early 19th century, was a staunch advocate for religious tolerance and the rejection of doctrines that promoted persecution in the name of faith. Ballou believed that true religion should be based on love, compassion, and understanding, rather than on fear, coercion, and violence.

In his famous quote, "Religion which requires persecution to sustain, it is of the devil's propagation," Ballou was highlighting the dangers of using persecution as a means to uphold religious beliefs. He understood that when religion is used as a tool for oppression and discrimination, it loses its true essence and becomes a tool of evil rather than a force for good.

Ballou's teachings were rooted in the belief that all individuals are inherently good and deserving of love and respect, regardless of their religious beliefs or background. He believed that true religion should promote unity, peace, and harmony among all people, rather than division and conflict.

Throughout his life, Ballou worked tirelessly to promote the principles of universal love and acceptance, and he was a vocal critic of any form of religious intolerance or persecution. He believed that true faith should be based on the principles of kindness, forgiveness, and understanding, and that any religion that promotes hatred, violence, or discrimination is not truly of divine origin.

In today's world, where religious intolerance and persecution are still prevalent in many parts of the world, Ballou's message of love and acceptance is more relevant than ever. His teachings remind us that true religion should be a force for good in the world, promoting peace, understanding, and compassion among all people.