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The Three Apologies of G.K. Chesterton: Heretics, Orthodoxy & The Everlasting Man
The three great apologies of G.K. Chesterton in one volume: Heretics, Orthodoxy & The Everlasting Man.
Gilbert Keith Chesterton has become synonymous with modern Christian apologetics. But his impact goes beyond just those interested in a defense of Christian thought. His writings have influenced such diverse authors as C.S. Lewis, Marshall McLuhan, and Jorge Luis Borges, and remains a subtle and unseen presence in contemporary Catholic thought. At his funeral, Ronald Knox said "All of this generation has grown up under Chesterton's influence so completely that we do not even know when we are thinking Chesterton." Before his conversion from atheism to knowing God, C.S. Lewis, the author of Mere Christianity & The Great Divorce, said "in reading Chesterton, as in reading MacDonald, I did not know what I was letting myself in for. A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. There are traps everywhere --"
Chesterton wrote in a time when materialism and new forms of political theory were soon to cause havoc in the western world. His was a voice calling for restraint - pointing back to the fundamentals of Christian doctrine, the purpose and value of which was being lost in the noise and commotion of the post industrial age. Describing the rush towards less familiar and attractive ideologies, Chesterton wrote: "In the matter of reforming things, as distinct from deforming them, there is one plain and simple principle; a principle which will probably be called a paradox. There exists in such a case a certain institution or law; let us say, for the sake of simplicity, a fence or gate erected across a road. The more modern type of reformer goes gaily up to it and says, 'I don't see the use of this; let us clear it away.' To which the more intelligent type of reformer will do well to answer: 'If you don't see the use of it, I certainly won't let you clear it away. Go away and think. Then, when you can come back and tell me that you do see the use of it, I may allow you to destroy it.'"
Chesterton was a man who continually showed us the use of orthodoxy in Christianity - most of all in his three great apologies: Heretics, Orthodoxy & The Everlasting Man.
In Heretics, he first points to the flaws in the beliefs of the moderns. In Orthodoxy, he defends the values handed down through millennium of Christian dogma. In The Everlasting Man, he tells the grand story of Christianity itself and the often ignored miracle of its appearance in the life of man.
Chesterton was a great debater, often trading blows with modern thinkers such as George Bernard Shaw, H.G. Wells, Bertrand Russell and Clarence Darrow. He became known as the "prince of paradox," He was also a prolific writer, producing biographies on St. Augustine and St. Francis, and touched on many of the varieties of religion in his writings. He wrote fiction as well, authoring the famous Father Brown books and the Man Who Was Thursday.
Chesterton was certainly not the imitation of Christ in his personal life. A large man fond of food and drink, he was almost childlike in wonder of the magic of the world, while expressing the wit of an ancient. He gave no secret doctrine or systematic theology, but his "goodness" and basic "common sense" led many to the Church. One commenter stated: first you read C.S. Lewis, then Chesterton, then you become Catholic. Despite his less than temperate life, he is now under investigation by the Church for Beatification: such was his impact.
Gilbert Keith Chesterton has become synonymous with modern Christian apologetics. But his impact goes beyond just those interested in a defense of Christian thought. His writings have influenced such diverse authors as C.S. Lewis, Marshall McLuhan, and Jorge Luis Borges, and remains a subtle and unseen presence in contemporary Catholic thought. At his funeral, Ronald Knox said "All of this generation has grown up under Chesterton's influence so completely that we do not even know when we are thinking Chesterton." Before his conversion from atheism to knowing God, C.S. Lewis, the author of Mere Christianity & The Great Divorce, said "in reading Chesterton, as in reading MacDonald, I did not know what I was letting myself in for. A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. There are traps everywhere --"
Chesterton wrote in a time when materialism and new forms of political theory were soon to cause havoc in the western world. His was a voice calling for restraint - pointing back to the fundamentals of Christian doctrine, the purpose and value of which was being lost in the noise and commotion of the post industrial age. Describing the rush towards less familiar and attractive ideologies, Chesterton wrote: "In the matter of reforming things, as distinct from deforming them, there is one plain and simple principle; a principle which will probably be called a paradox. There exists in such a case a certain institution or law; let us say, for the sake of simplicity, a fence or gate erected across a road. The more modern type of reformer goes gaily up to it and says, 'I don't see the use of this; let us clear it away.' To which the more intelligent type of reformer will do well to answer: 'If you don't see the use of it, I certainly won't let you clear it away. Go away and think. Then, when you can come back and tell me that you do see the use of it, I may allow you to destroy it.'"
Chesterton was a man who continually showed us the use of orthodoxy in Christianity - most of all in his three great apologies: Heretics, Orthodoxy & The Everlasting Man.
In Heretics, he first points to the flaws in the beliefs of the moderns. In Orthodoxy, he defends the values handed down through millennium of Christian dogma. In The Everlasting Man, he tells the grand story of Christianity itself and the often ignored miracle of its appearance in the life of man.
Chesterton was a great debater, often trading blows with modern thinkers such as George Bernard Shaw, H.G. Wells, Bertrand Russell and Clarence Darrow. He became known as the "prince of paradox," He was also a prolific writer, producing biographies on St. Augustine and St. Francis, and touched on many of the varieties of religion in his writings. He wrote fiction as well, authoring the famous Father Brown books and the Man Who Was Thursday.
Chesterton was certainly not the imitation of Christ in his personal life. A large man fond of food and drink, he was almost childlike in wonder of the magic of the world, while expressing the wit of an ancient. He gave no secret doctrine or systematic theology, but his "goodness" and basic "common sense" led many to the Church. One commenter stated: first you read C.S. Lewis, then Chesterton, then you become Catholic. Despite his less than temperate life, he is now under investigation by the Church for Beatification: such was his impact.
412 pages, Hardcover
Published March 30, 2018
309 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
G.K. Chesterton
4,683 books5,823 followersGilbert Keith Chesterton was an English writer, philosopher, lay theologian, and literary and art critic.
He was educated at St. Paul’s, and went to art school at University College London. In 1900, he was asked to contribute a few magazine articles on art criticism, and went on to become one of the most prolific writers of all time. He wrote a hundred books, contributions to 200 more, hundreds of poems, including the epic Ballad of the White Horse, five plays, five novels, and some two hundred short stories, including a popular series featuring the priest-detective, Father Brown. In spite of his literary accomplishments, he considered himself primarily a journalist. He wrote over 4000 newspaper essays, including 30 years worth of weekly columns for the Illustrated London News, and 13 years of weekly columns for the Daily News. He also edited his own newspaper, G.K.’s Weekly.
Chesterton was equally at ease with literary and social criticism, history, politics, economics, philosophy, and theology.
He was educated at St. Paul’s, and went to art school at University College London. In 1900, he was asked to contribute a few magazine articles on art criticism, and went on to become one of the most prolific writers of all time. He wrote a hundred books, contributions to 200 more, hundreds of poems, including the epic Ballad of the White Horse, five plays, five novels, and some two hundred short stories, including a popular series featuring the priest-detective, Father Brown. In spite of his literary accomplishments, he considered himself primarily a journalist. He wrote over 4000 newspaper essays, including 30 years worth of weekly columns for the Illustrated London News, and 13 years of weekly columns for the Daily News. He also edited his own newspaper, G.K.’s Weekly.
Chesterton was equally at ease with literary and social criticism, history, politics, economics, philosophy, and theology.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 19, 2020
Well, I finally did it. I finally read some Chesterton. As my love of Tolkien and Lewis continue to grow, I felt like I wanted to better understand the man who influenced them. They both talk highly of Chesterton and I've heard him referenced all my life. So, now I've read him.
And I get it.
What a delight. He's a joy to read even though he was a little over my head. I don't know if I could explain his arguments to anyone, but I think I got the gist. There were so many beautiful lines. Paragraphs that brought me tears or made me laugh. It was from him that I learned that I'm a romantic writer. Not a romance writer, but a romantic: someone who loves the magic of the ordinary. And that that romantic view is uniquely Christian.
I was never offended by his hatred of Calvinist. It was kinda funny. There are areas where his Roman Catholicism stands out starkly, but none of that ruined the pleasure of this reading.
My forays into philosophy are still very child-like, but I had enjoyed reading Lewis and Chesterton this year.
FYI, this version has a fair amount of typos. Missing punctuation and a few mistyped words. Not sure what's going on there.
And I get it.
What a delight. He's a joy to read even though he was a little over my head. I don't know if I could explain his arguments to anyone, but I think I got the gist. There were so many beautiful lines. Paragraphs that brought me tears or made me laugh. It was from him that I learned that I'm a romantic writer. Not a romance writer, but a romantic: someone who loves the magic of the ordinary. And that that romantic view is uniquely Christian.
I was never offended by his hatred of Calvinist. It was kinda funny. There are areas where his Roman Catholicism stands out starkly, but none of that ruined the pleasure of this reading.
My forays into philosophy are still very child-like, but I had enjoyed reading Lewis and Chesterton this year.
FYI, this version has a fair amount of typos. Missing punctuation and a few mistyped words. Not sure what's going on there.
December 29, 2023
Insightful, illuminating, and witty the Three Apologies of GK Chesterton will make you do what books seldom do these days: think. In these pages one is not only shown with perfect reasonableness the inadequacy of modern philosophies, but their danger and hopelessness. GK Chesterton offers the reader a breath of fresh air by exposing us to an ancient air— Christianity and its Orthodoxy.
I have seldom read anything so weighty treated in such a weightless manner, nor encountered such a somber topic more joyfully.
I have seldom read anything so weighty treated in such a weightless manner, nor encountered such a somber topic more joyfully.
September 24, 2022
Chesteron's Heretics is absolutely superb! Heretics is a collection of mini-essays, each addressing a specific topic of Chesterton's day, but those topics are still very relevant today. Many address the viewpoints of other authors, and others on societal issues and modern thought. Chesterton's arguments seem to meander a little bit, but there's always a point to where he's taking you, and it is always made clear in the end. Along with that, his arguments are witty and laced with a wonderful humor. Not to mention, his writing style and thoughts are absolutely refreshing, like a clear stream dancing with fractals of light upon its waters.
Orthodoxy is a wonderful collection of essays from Chesterton exploring how he came to faith, but he approaches it from an angle of how he came to that belief in regards to finding the logic of other arguments of the day lacking. In each essay, he addresses different arguments of that day of 'modern logic' and then tackles how the logic doesn't hold up and how Christianity answers each of the questions he had. Chesterton's writing is like a breath of fresh air in a day of convoluted arguments and a lack of common sense. And with it all is the humor that is woven into his very arguments themselves that will keep you smiling as you read.
In Chesterton's The Everlasting Man, he tackles the evolutionary materialistic view of H. G. Wells. Chesterton points out the error within the scientific community of making deductions beyond their knowledge of prehistorical man, such as drawing big conclusions about religion, clothing, and behavior, over finds like a cave painting or a fragment of skull. From his argument on prehistorical man in regards to origins and what we can know, Chesterton moves on to discuss the various ancient pagan societies and then goes on to show how Jesus Christ was nothing like any figure of these various ancient religions. He points, also, how the church has withstood the many confusing arguments of the centuries and still stands today. The Everlasting Man is a spectacular read that offers much food for thought. Chesterton has fast become a favorite of mine, and I look forward to reading more from him!
Orthodoxy is a wonderful collection of essays from Chesterton exploring how he came to faith, but he approaches it from an angle of how he came to that belief in regards to finding the logic of other arguments of the day lacking. In each essay, he addresses different arguments of that day of 'modern logic' and then tackles how the logic doesn't hold up and how Christianity answers each of the questions he had. Chesterton's writing is like a breath of fresh air in a day of convoluted arguments and a lack of common sense. And with it all is the humor that is woven into his very arguments themselves that will keep you smiling as you read.
In Chesterton's The Everlasting Man, he tackles the evolutionary materialistic view of H. G. Wells. Chesterton points out the error within the scientific community of making deductions beyond their knowledge of prehistorical man, such as drawing big conclusions about religion, clothing, and behavior, over finds like a cave painting or a fragment of skull. From his argument on prehistorical man in regards to origins and what we can know, Chesterton moves on to discuss the various ancient pagan societies and then goes on to show how Jesus Christ was nothing like any figure of these various ancient religions. He points, also, how the church has withstood the many confusing arguments of the centuries and still stands today. The Everlasting Man is a spectacular read that offers much food for thought. Chesterton has fast become a favorite of mine, and I look forward to reading more from him!
September 5, 2021
Reading this book was somewhat like going on a long train journey and sitting by the window; at first you enjoy the picturesque views of the countryside, but as time goes on you just sit there wishing it was over. In many ways this book's strength is also its weakness: Chesterton's style of writing, and the particular way in which he builds an argument.
To put it simply, Chesterton's command of the English language is marvellous, and at times I got blissfully lost among his words, much like a man gets lost in the forest and forgets himself, lost in a seemingly eternal moment of synergy with the world that surrounds him. However, that same man must be careful to leave the woods before it gets dark, or else all is lost, and this is precisely Chesterton's vice: too often he excessively adorns a point he's trying to make, causing the reader to lose sight of the main thesis of the essay.
It must be said, however, that the book in particular (The Three Apologies) is three books in one, and not all of them suffer to the same degree from the aforementioned vice. The Everlasting Man was absolutely delightful to read, and Heretics was engaging for the most part, too. It is mainly Orthodoxy that felt almost like a chore to get through.
If I had to describe Chesterton's writing in one words, I'd say 'unexpected'. He is a master at combining nouns and adjectives that one would not normally associate, thereby greatly enriching the text. It is almost like poetry at times, for these combinations do not fail to produce vivid images in one's head that definitely drive his point home.
The content of the book was also extremely surprising. If the truth be told, this is the first Chesterton book that I read. His aura of a great Catholic writer precedes him, and since he is an Englishman, I would have thought that he would dedicate significant portions of the book to analyzing Protestantism. Yet he doesn't. He doesn't, but what he does do is analyze paganism. This seemingly useless enterprise (for paganism is long dead) actually bears tremendous intellectual fruit, for by analyzing paganism he enlightens the reader as to the radical break with the rest of society that Christianity signified, thereby showcasing its uniqueness. Furthermore, he offers some really thought-provoking ruminations about the theory of evolution, especially regarding the 'development' of human conscience.
All in all, this is a book I'd recommend to Catholics looking for an intellectual challenge. Much can be learned from this book, but you have to work for it. It is not easy to read.
To put it simply, Chesterton's command of the English language is marvellous, and at times I got blissfully lost among his words, much like a man gets lost in the forest and forgets himself, lost in a seemingly eternal moment of synergy with the world that surrounds him. However, that same man must be careful to leave the woods before it gets dark, or else all is lost, and this is precisely Chesterton's vice: too often he excessively adorns a point he's trying to make, causing the reader to lose sight of the main thesis of the essay.
It must be said, however, that the book in particular (The Three Apologies) is three books in one, and not all of them suffer to the same degree from the aforementioned vice. The Everlasting Man was absolutely delightful to read, and Heretics was engaging for the most part, too. It is mainly Orthodoxy that felt almost like a chore to get through.
If I had to describe Chesterton's writing in one words, I'd say 'unexpected'. He is a master at combining nouns and adjectives that one would not normally associate, thereby greatly enriching the text. It is almost like poetry at times, for these combinations do not fail to produce vivid images in one's head that definitely drive his point home.
The content of the book was also extremely surprising. If the truth be told, this is the first Chesterton book that I read. His aura of a great Catholic writer precedes him, and since he is an Englishman, I would have thought that he would dedicate significant portions of the book to analyzing Protestantism. Yet he doesn't. He doesn't, but what he does do is analyze paganism. This seemingly useless enterprise (for paganism is long dead) actually bears tremendous intellectual fruit, for by analyzing paganism he enlightens the reader as to the radical break with the rest of society that Christianity signified, thereby showcasing its uniqueness. Furthermore, he offers some really thought-provoking ruminations about the theory of evolution, especially regarding the 'development' of human conscience.
All in all, this is a book I'd recommend to Catholics looking for an intellectual challenge. Much can be learned from this book, but you have to work for it. It is not easy to read.
August 28, 2020
This was my first "Audible" experience. I enjoyed the book-on-tape format, if for no other reason than that it filled my weekly commuting hours with something useful. Had I read this book (three books, actually) in print, I would have marked all over them. There was so much I wanted to underline, comment on, think about. It's really a deep (yet common-sensical) look at the hard questions. Chesterton accomplishes one primary thing above all else: he reminds the cold intellect that we are humans. The philosophies of blood and soil, genetic prisoners, slowly-formed accidents, all fall to Chesterton's simple reminders about our humanity. About what matters. (A quick aside: as a huge C. S. Lewis fan, I was immensely gratified to hear so much of Lewis's theology expressed by Chesterton, his predecessor. I've often worried in my own writing that I've never had an original thought, but that all I say or do, Lewis has already done, and done so much better. Reading Chesterton showed me that Lewis himself was drawing from a genius who went before, and Chesterton, no doubt, from a Genius before that. "There is nothing new under the sun.")
February 21, 2022
Not only did GK Chesterton use logic, history and common sense to show the superiority of the orthodox Christian faith, he did it in a way which was entertaining and enjoyable. In “Heretics” he takes on the modern thinkers of his day and exposes their shortcomings and prophetically speaks of what would be the result of adopting their ideas into our western culture.
In “Orthodoxy”, he shows the superiority of the Christian faith in a subtle but transparent way. Taking into account our human weaknesses and blind spots he leaves you with just one conclusion: Orthodoxy is the best we can hope for in this life.
In “The Everlasting Man” he looks at the history of Christianity, and how unlikely anyone who made the claims that Christ did, could have had the impact he did, unless he really was who he claimed to be. He goes into an in-depth analysis of other claims over against the claims of Christianity, and shows them to be lacking in the historical, psychological and cultural power of Christianity. I urge anyone interested in seeing the truth of our world to read these volumes.
In “Orthodoxy”, he shows the superiority of the Christian faith in a subtle but transparent way. Taking into account our human weaknesses and blind spots he leaves you with just one conclusion: Orthodoxy is the best we can hope for in this life.
In “The Everlasting Man” he looks at the history of Christianity, and how unlikely anyone who made the claims that Christ did, could have had the impact he did, unless he really was who he claimed to be. He goes into an in-depth analysis of other claims over against the claims of Christianity, and shows them to be lacking in the historical, psychological and cultural power of Christianity. I urge anyone interested in seeing the truth of our world to read these volumes.
June 30, 2022
This review is mostly on "The Everlasting Man". This is a fascinating overview of history and a compelling argument concerning the singular place of Christianity as religion compared to the mythologies and philosophies that have come before and after. Chesterton's wit and conviction make this thorough book enjoyable. As a Lutheran I havesome issues with the identification of the Roman Catholic Church as true Christendom, but still learned a great deal from this book. I highly recommend the book. Beware that this particular volume is riddled with typos. Usually, one can still easily figure out the intended text.
June 3, 2020
There are some typographical errors in this edition that can be very confusing.
This was a very challenging read, though that isn’t Chesterton’s fault, but my lack of familiarity with his style and my lacking sophistication.
This was a very challenging read, though that isn’t Chesterton’s fault, but my lack of familiarity with his style and my lacking sophistication.
May 21, 2021
Honestly kind of boring, but I suppose that's because I like my philosophic treatises dense and focused...didn't exactly get that here.
April 21, 2022
Bundle
This bundle has 5 books by the author, including the autobiography of the author. Its good to have this bundle.
This bundle has 5 books by the author, including the autobiography of the author. Its good to have this bundle.
January 23, 2023
I'm new to Chesterton outside of Father Brown, but I enjoy his train of thought and no holds barred expression of it.
September 12, 2023
only read 2/3 (1st two books). this guy has some good stuff to say but he says it so pompously that i don’t want to listen
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews