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Abolition Quote by Frederick Douglass

“I dwell mostly upon the religious aspects, because I believe it is the religious people who are to be relied upon in this Anti-Slavery movement. Do not misunderstand my railing—do not class me with those who despise religion—do not identify me with the infidel. I love the religion of…” quote by Frederick Douglass
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““I dwell mostly upon the religious aspects, because I believe it is the religious people who are to be relied upon in this Anti-Slavery movement. Do not misunderstand my railing—do not class me with those who despise religion—do not identify me with the infidel. I love the religion of Christianity—which cometh from above—which is a pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of good fruits, and without hypocrisy. I love that religion which sends its votaries to bind up the wounds of those who have fallen among thieves. By all the love I bear such a Christianity as this, I hate that of the Priest and the Levite, that with long-faced Phariseeism goes up to Jerusalem to worship and leaves the bruised and wounded to die. I despise that religion which can carry Bibles to the heathen on the other side of the globe and withhold them from the heathen on this side—which can talk about human rights yonder and traffic in human flesh here… I love that which makes its votaries do to others as they would that others should do to them. I hope to see a revival of it—thank God it is revived. I see revivals of it in the absence of the other sort of revivals. I believe it to be confessed now, that there has not been a sensible man converted after the old sort of way, in the last five years.””

Frederick Douglass

About This Quote

Source Speech: Anti‑Slavery lecture, 1850s

He praises a compassionate, action‑oriented Christianity while condemning hypocritical, distant religious practices that ignore suffering.

In simple terms: He loves active, caring Christianity; despises hypocritical religion.

Key Takeaway

Seek faith that serves the needy.

Themes

faith compassion hypocrisy social justice

Mood

hopeful determined

Type

inspirational ethical

When to use this quote

  • helping the oppressed
  • community service
  • faith activism
  • social reform

Key Concepts

practical Christianity moral action religious authenticity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What actions demonstrate true Christian compassion?
  • How can institutions avoid religious hypocrisy?
A Different Perspective

Faith can be misused to justify oppression.

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