Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton - January Book of the Month
Orthodoxy
G. K. Chesterton
168 pages
ISBN-13: 9780898705522
Price: $12.95
Despite being written over 100 years ago, Orthodoxy by Chesterton withstands the test of time as a witty, entertaining, and powerful response to the assault that Modernism and post-Modernism have levied against Faith in the last century. Chesterton's wonderful flair for the dramatic, pointed humor, and liberal use of hyperbole engage both the reader's reason and imagination, enabling the faithful and the agnostic alike to view familiar topics through the eyes of a child. Stale philosophical arguments and ancient doctrine seem to take on new life through the author's distinctive yet familiar perspective, awakening within readers anew a sense of excitement, wonder, and reverence at the truths contained within the outlandish examples. As readers curiously follow the mental journey of the author along seemingly unmarked paths, they will discover that they come at last to conclusions and beliefs that are familiar, yet wonderfully more appreciated because of the journey. Above all, the work leads readers to discover - or rediscover - a love for the truth and beauty of the Catholic Faith, and in turn a renewed love of God in His Church.
Orthodoxy is structured as a series of essays that outline different segments of Chesterton's journey from atheism to Catholicism. However, far from being autobiographical, the essays instead portray this journey as a series of imaginative questions and arguments lobbied against the budding post-modernist philosophy of the time and the author's misgivings against his own former atheism. Chesterton is neither shy nor gentle with the prevailing ideas and philosophy of his age, and uses his pen much as a fencer would use his foil to convincingly poke holes into the philosophies and ideologies discussed. Yet the author is not merely a cynic leaving the reader with a negative, nihilist view of the world reminiscent of Schopenhauer and Nietzsche, but rather leads the reader to the fountain of a deeper truth. It is only through mercilessly throwing down the gauntlet against the absurdities and preposterousness of these flawed human ideas that Chesterton can open up to the reader to a more defendable, divine answer. Chesterton does not fall into the trap of many philosophers in trying to answer his questions alone, but rather employs the Truth Himself as his Champion, showing how Christ and His Church have throughout eternity provided the only satisfactory answer to the fundamental philosophical question of humanity echoed by Pontius Pilate - "What is Truth?"
Overall I loved reading this book, and I recommend it to both avid defenders of the Faith as well as to atheists and agnostics. The truths contained within the book struck a harmonious chord within my own heart, and renewed a love and passion within me for the truth in the Church's teaching that had after many years become stale. I found myself multiple times throughout the book - between spurts of laughter and vigorous agreement with the author - drawn to praise and glorify God for the Truth that he has revealed to the world through His Church, and wanting to share that truth with friends and family in my own personal life. I hope that if you choose to read this book it will lead you to experience a renewed love for Truth in your own life, and to develop a deeper appreciation and relationship with Him.