Our series in Orthodoxy continues as we look at Chesterton's interesting perspective on wealthy people, the aristocracy, and placing too much trust in the government. He also points out the fundamental flawed assumption of progressivism: that things left to themselves will progress rather than decay. "Open-mindedness" does not automatically lead to "progress" and neither does revolution lead to better outcomes. He expresses a great deal of distrust for government and extols democracy as the best way to keep human sinfulness in check. The Christian understanding of human sinfulness ought to keep any aspirations to man-made utopia in check.
"We have said we must be fond of this world, even in order to change it. We now add that we must be fond of another world (real or imaginary) in order to have something to change it to."
"The Evolutionist says, 'Where do you draw the line?' the Revolutionist answers, 'I draw it here: exactly between your head and body.'"
"But all conservatism is based upon the idea that if you leave things alone you leave them as they are. But you do not. If you leave a thing alone you leave it to a torrent of change."
"This eternal revolution, this suspicion sustained through centuries, you (being a vague modern) call the doctrine of progress. If you were a philosopher you would call it, as I do, the doctrine of original sin. You may call it the cosmic advance as much as you like; I call it what it is -- the Fall."
"I could never conceive or tolerate any Utopia which did not leave to me the liberty for which I chiefly care, the liberty to bind myself. Complete anarchy would not merely make it impossible to have any discipline or fidelity; it would also make it impossible to have any fun. The dissolution of all contracts would not only ruin morality but spoil sport."
A Brief Update
Unlocking the Mysteries of Acts with Dr. Robert Cara
Should We Baptize Babies? with Dr. Steve Wellum
Getting a Grip on Systematic Theology with Derek Rishmawy
Masculinity, Negative World, and the Future of Evangelicalism (Interview with Aaron Renn)
From Darkness to Sight: A Journey from Hardship to Healing (Interview with Dr. Ming Wang)
Jesus Wants You to Steal From the Rich
How Should Christians Think About Frozen Embryos?
Uncovering the Bible of the Apostles (Interview with Dr. Greg Lanier)
Understanding the Church Fathers for Protestants in Fifteen-ish Minutes (Podcast Recap)
How to Communicate the Cross to a Post-Christian World (Interview with Jeremy Treat)
Richard Hooker and the Solution to Radicalism (Interview with Dr. Brad Littlejohn)
Why God Is Not Angry (Interview with Ryan Hurd)
A Crash Course on John Calvin's Theology (Podcast Recap)
Practical Advice for Young Pastors with Charlie Wingard
What is a Classical Christian Education For? with Dale Stenberg
Uncovering the Real John Calvin with Dr. Peter Lillback (Reformation Series Ep.11)
Calvin on Contentment in Trials and Blessing (Reformation Series Ep.10)
Defending the Protestant Doctrine of Scripture with Sean Luke (Reformation Series Ep. 09)
Calvin on Suffering and Trials (Reformation Series Ep.08)
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