The Long Reach of Christian Universalism

Portraits (left to right): Ballou, Tolstoy, Gandhi

Leo Tolstoy, became a Christian anarchist and pacifist after a moral crisis. His Christian views were greatly influenced by Adin Ballou,* a cousin of Hosea Ballou, who besides being a Universalist was also a Christian anarchist and pacifist. Tolstoy often cited Ballou as a major influence on his theological and political ideology in his nonfiction texts. He also sponsored the translation of Adin Ballou’s work into Russian.

Gandhi mentions that it was because of Tolstoy’s influence that he read the works of Adin Ballou, and incorporated them, along with those of Tolstoy into his philosophy.

Perhaps, if Gandhi had known more Christian Universalists, his famous statement, “If it weren’t for Christians, I’d be a Christian,” would have turned out differently?

Frank A. Mills
Sheffield Lake, OH
February 7, 2026