Jul 16, 2009
Part 1, "Introductory Remarks on the Importance of Orthodoxy"
"Heretics," a series of essays by Gilbert Keith Chesterton.
Book Theme: "Thaxted," written by Gustav Holst, arranged by Kevin MacLeod
Series Theme: Pachelbel's "Canon in D," performed by Owen Poteat
Chesterton had a sense of humor, had a sense of drama, and had sense. He was a man of strong opinions, and quite willing to argue vehemently for his own opinions, even with his friends -- and they remained his friends. Seems to me that's hard to find anymore.
He wrote prolifically. He wrote humor. He wrote mystery novels, the Father Brown mysteries in particular. But he also wrote his opinions, his religious opinions and his opinions about religion. "Heretics" is a book about religion and politics, theory and fact, morals and efficiency.
What I most admire about "Heretics," written a bit over a century ago, is that his arguments are exceptional, and that so many of them are still quite recognizably true. He argues that the weakening and devaluing of religion has also weakened and devalued heresy. He argues that people should be able to speak freely -- but that freedom of speech has actually decreased people's willingness to speak about important issues. And so much more.
This isn't the book you might expect it to be. I think you'll enjoy it, and maybe even learn something. Even if you disagree with it.
"Heretics," a series of essays by Gilbert Keith Chesterton.
Book Theme: "Thaxted," written by Gustav Holst, arranged by Kevin MacLeod
Series Theme: Pachelbel's "Canon in D," performed by Owen Poteat
Chesterton had a sense of humor, had a sense of drama, and had sense. He was a man of strong opinions, and quite willing to argue vehemently for his own opinions, even with his friends -- and they remained his friends. Seems to me that's hard to find anymore.
He wrote prolifically. He wrote humor. He wrote mystery novels, the Father Brown mysteries in particular. But he also wrote his opinions, his religious opinions and his opinions about religion. "Heretics" is a book about religion and politics, theory and fact, morals and efficiency.
What I most admire about "Heretics," written a bit over a century ago, is that his arguments are exceptional, and that so many of them are still quite recognizably true. He argues that the weakening and devaluing of religion has also weakened and devalued heresy. He argues that people should be able to speak freely -- but that freedom of speech has actually decreased people's willingness to speak about important issues. And so much more.
This isn't the book you might expect it to be. I think you'll enjoy it, and maybe even learn something. Even if you disagree with it.