Prayer Quote by Daniel Defoe
““Wherever God erects a house of prayer the Devil always builds a chapel there; And t’will be found, upon examination, the latter has the largest congregation." — Defoe's The True-Born Englishman, 1701””
About This Quote
Source Book: The True-Born Englishman, 1701
Religious institutions often face opposition, and the opposing group may attract more followers than intended.
In simple terms: Opposition can unintentionally grow larger.
Key Takeaway
Beware of unintended consequences.
Themes
religion
conflict
influence
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
historical
satirical
When to use this quote
- church planting
- interfaith dialogue
- community building
- media analysis
Key Concepts
social dynamics
group psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders anticipate and mitigate backlash?
- What factors turn opposition into attraction?
A Different Perspective
The quote may exaggerate historical tensions; not all opposition leads to larger followings.
