Orthodoxy Themes

Orthodoxy Themes

Christianity: A Liberal Religion

Chesterton's primary aim in this book is to prove to English liberals that Christianity is compatible with the primary tenets of liberalism. However, in order to do this, Chesterton must also show that many ideas which pass as liberal are not really so. Thus, for example, Chesterton argues against those "liberal" theologians who think that it is necessary to be a materialist in order to be liberal. If liberty is the driving force behind liberalism, then materialism, which negates the freedom of the will, is truly contrary to it. Since materialism is incompatible with the belief that miracles happen—because God, being immaterial, cannot exist for a materialist—Chesterton is also rebuking those liberal forms of Christianity which argue for a more "natural" and less supernatural religion.

Another important feature of liberalism is its dedication to democracy. Liberals believe that men, by nature, should have equal authority...
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