We begin a new series on G.K. Chesterton's classic book "Orthodoxy" which features a series of essays by the controversial author about faith, tradition, and the modern world. Chesterton's prose and wit allowed him to entertain while also provoke skeptics of the faith in an unparalleled way. His influence on writes such as C.S. Lewis demonstrates the effectiveness of his logic and style with commentary on society that seems prophetic in the modern day. He did not pull any punches, yet remains one of the most winsome figures in Christianity. He was not afraid to polarize and state his opinions openly without fear of ridicule, but also understood how narrative, imagination, and humor disarms opponents and points them to consider the truth claims of Christianity. In the first chapter, Chesterton likens returning to Christianity to a man who thinks he discovers a new land, but in fact re-discovers his home. If you've never read Chesterton or find him difficult to understand this series is for you.
I never in my life said anything merely because I thought it funny; though of course, I have had ordinary human vainglory, and may have thought it funny because I had said it. It is one thing to describe an interview with a gorgon or a griffin, a creature who does not exist. It is another thing to discover that the rhinoceros does exist and then take pleasure in the fact that he looks as if he didn’t. -- except from Orthodoxy
