Good men are ever getting in the way of the good. Look back over the changes which have made for social progress, and observe those who opposed them at the time of the change. Religion does not escape condemnation at this point. The prophets of religion have called men to the vision of new horizons and to the struggle toward new social gains. On the other hand, there is scarcely a form of meanness or narrowness that has not had sometime or somewhere the sanction of religion. Religion has promoted both candor and prejudice, both stubbornness and sweet reasonableness, both ruthlessness and gentleness.

Ralph W. Sockman (1889-1970) American Methodist clergyman

Preface to Peace, Part I, “Barriers to be Removed,” Rockwell Lecture on Religious Subjects, Rice Institute (25 Apr 1944)

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