Orthodoxy
by G. K. Chesterton (1874–1936)
- Free to read
- 4 hours to read
- 9 chapters
- Reading level: 8th & 9th grade
"Orthodoxy" by G. K. Chesterton is a philosophical work written in the early 20th century. The book serves as a defense of the author's beliefs and critiques contemporary thought, addressing Christianity, individualism, and modern skepticism. Central to the text is the author’s perspective on how a balanced understanding of faith can coexist with reason, emphasizing a desire for a worldview that appreciates both the familiar and the mysterious aspects of life. The opening of "Orthodoxy" presents Chesterton's motivations for writing the book, sparked by a challenge from critics regarding his previous work, "Heretics." He introduces the idea that he aims to articulate a personal philosophy that reconciles astonishment with security, using a metaphor of a man who mistakenly believes he has discovered England rather than realizing he has always been part of it. The author proposes that genuine philosophy should embrace both the wonder of existence and the groundedness of faith, asserting that the exploration of orthodoxy is about discovering truths that resonate universally, rather than proposing a rigid system of beliefs. This section sets the stage for a broader discussion on morality, sanity, and the essential paradoxes of life, framing Chesterton’s journey towards affirming traditional Christian doctrines as a response to the complexities and contradictions of modern thought.
- Apologetics
- Chesterton, G. K. (Gilbert Keith), 1874-1936
- Christianity · Essence, genius, nature
Read the opening
Chapter I. — Introduction in Defence of Everything Else
The only possible excuse for this book is that it is an answer to a challenge. Even a bad shot is dignified when he accepts a duel. When some time ago I published a series of hasty but sincere papers, under the name of "Heretics," several critics for whose intellect I have a warm respect (I may mention specially Mr. G.S. Street) said that it was all very well for me to tell everybody to affirm his cosmic theory, but that I had carefully avoided supporting my precepts with example. "I will begin to worry about my philosophy," said Mr. Street, "when Mr. Chesterton has given us his." It was perhaps an incautious suggestion to make to a person only too ready to write books upon the feeblest provocation. But after all, though Mr. Street has inspired and created this book, he need not read it. If he does read it, he will find that in its pages I have attempted in a vague and personal way, in a set of mental pictures rather than in a series of deductions, to state the philosophy in which I have come to believe. I will not call it my philosophy; for I did not make it. God and humanity made it; and it made me.
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About this edition
This free edition of Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #16769, released 2005-09-28. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Philosophy & Ethics, Religion/Spirituality.
Other editions: eBook #130 (most read).
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