Orthodoxy - Softcover

Chesterton, G K

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0755100182 ISBN 13: 9780755100187

Publisher: House Of Stratus, 2001

Synopsis

Chesterton traces the roots of his own Christianity. He was initially a non-believer – 'I was a pagan at the age of twelve and a complete agnostic by the age of sixteen'. Chesterton avidly read lots of anti-Christian literature and decided that if Christianity was wrong ‘it was very wrong indeed'. He discusses at length the paradoxes of Christianity – too pessimistic for some and too optimistic for others. He later comes to believe and while he is completely committed to his faith he can understand why others do not. He says he believes quite rationally ‘upon the evidence'. He loves his religion because it is a living religion and will continue to teach him.

About this title

Review

If G.K. Chesterton's Orthodoxy: The Romance of Faith is, as he called it, a "slovenly autobiography," then we need more slobs in the world. This quirky, slender book describes how Chesterton came to view orthodox Catholic Christianity as the way to satisfy his personal emotional needs, in a way that would also allow him to live happily in society. Chesterton argues that people in western society need a life of "practical romance, the combination of something that is strange with something that is secure. We need so to view the world as to combine an idea of wonder and an idea of welcome." Drawing on such figures as Fra Angelico, George Bernard Shaw, and St. Paul to make his points, Chesterton argues that submission to ecclesiastical authority is the way to achieve a good and balanced life. The whole book is written in a style that is as majestic and down-to-earth as C.S. Lewis at his best. The final chapter, called "Authority and the Adventurer," is especially persuasive. It's hard to imagine a reader who will not close the book believing, at least for the moment, that the Church will make you free. --Michael Joseph Gross

From the Publisher

In the past few hundred years, some great Christian thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries have penned works of literature that continue to influence Christians today. Rediscover the cornerstones of the Christian faith with these classic works from some of the most influential Christian thought leaders.

Edition details

• Publisher: House Of Stratus
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0755100182
• ISBN 13: 9780755100187
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 132