In his book Orthodoxy, G.K. Chesterton takes us through his concept of correct reasoning to his acceptance of the Christian faith. Chesterton’s writings will influence the later works of both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. In preparation, I have used the study guides from Alfred J. Freddoso (Notre Dame), Joe Grabowski, (Marquette), and Kyle D. Rapinchuk (College of the Ozarks). This study is for nine weeks. (This is the first book study. The emails are quite short and some are missing.)
(Autumn 2013)
Orthodoxy – Introduction
This book is a defense of basic Christianity both against modern rationalism which holds that only logic and reason are the means of discovering truth and against a post-modern denial of truth itself.
Orthodoxy – Chapters 1 & 2
“The poet only asks to get his head into the heavens. It is the logician who seeks to get the heavens into his head. And it is his head that splits.”
Orthodoxy, Chapter 8(a)
For Chesterton, Christianity is a “romance” – not like Nicholas Sparks but King Arthur – a tale of marvelous adventures, heroic knights, and grand battles.
Orthodoxy, Chapter 4
He writes that we must change our perspective from one of laws and necessity to an attitude based upon wonder and gratitude.
Orthodoxy, Chapter 5
Please remember that tonight we will be gathering to discuss Chapter 5 of Orthodoxy, “The Flag of the World” and what it means to love the world – neither optimistically nor pessimistically but truly.
Orthodoxy, Chapter 6
As you read through this chapter, think about the contradictory criticisms of the Church today, and think about the seemingly contradictory positions to which the Church holds fast (such as God’s justice and mercy).
Orthodoxy, Chapter 8(b)
Chesterton introduces the theme of this chapter by observing that modern intellectuals prefer to use long words and convoluted sentence structures because they are lazy and wish to avoid real thought.
Orthodoxy, Chapter 9
Beginning with his discussion of wonderment in the “Ethics of Elfland” through last week’s discussion on the “Romance of Orthodoxy,” Chesterton rebels against the doctrine of the rationalist-materialist that miracles do not happen, and therefore, God too is bound by the laws of nature.