Chesterton on private religion

G. K. Chesterton (1874–1936), “Introduction to the Book of Job”:

The modern habit of saying “Every man has a different philosophy; this is my philosophy and it suits me”—the habit of saying this is mere weak-mindedness. A cosmic philosophy is not constructed to fit a man; a cosmic philosophy is constructed to fit a cosmos. A man can no more possess a private religion than he can possess a private sun and moon.

HT: Andy Naselli

2 thoughts on “Chesterton on private religion

  1. Excellent from G. K. Thanks!
    When trying to begin a discussion on faith years ago, the person said to me, “My religion is personal.” My response was “Good! Your religion should be personal, but does that mean it’s private?” Hum.

  2. Great job on the interview, Bob. You rrepesented yourself with grace and charity. I also thought you were very kind and fair in your assessment. Your sentiments reflect my experience in IFBism almost exactly. When I was IFB, I thought every church in my area was apostate at worst and compromised at best. The big name’ guy in my movement was the greatest man since the Apostle Paul and anyone who didn’t think so was not faithful to God. I’m thankful that I’ve been rescued from such carnal, man-centered religion.Thanks for your representation and for giving courage to people like me, who a few years ago felt as though I was on an island alone. Hopefully, IFB can once again be about Christ, the Gospel, and the Fundamentals of the Faith, and not about big names, big numbers, and the traditions of the fathers.

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