Hosea Ballou

Hosea Ballou (1771–1852) was a prominent American Universalist minister and theologian who promoted the belief in universal salvation—the idea that all people will ultimately be saved and reconciled with God. He emphasized God's infinite love, justice, and mercy, advocating for a rational and compassionate approach to religion. Ballou also contributed to the development of religious free thought and emphasized the importance of ethical living. His writings and sermons helped shape Universalist thought in 19th-century America, seeking to make religion more inclusive and emphasizing the moral and loving nature of the divine.