The Genius of G.K. Chesterton's "Orthodoxy" (Pivotal Players)

A new behind-the-scenes video from the filming of "CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players" (PivotalPlayers.com).
Father Robert Barron has embarked on a new journey to unlock the truth behind the Catholic Church's most influential people. "CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players" is a documentary series that illumines a handful of saints, artists, mystics, and scholars who not only shaped the life of the Church but changed the course of civilization. Learn more at PivotalPlayers.com.

[@oogalook]

I read Orthodoxy only last month. It's a work not only of colossal genius, but also of beauty and love. Chesterton's intellect and natural tenderness combine to change the reader in mind and heart.

[@plethrin2560]

i am thinking about reading it myself, how difficult of a read would you say it is

[@Kralperri]

Your work is admirable! What you are doing is very important for the life of the Church in these days.

[@Catholicspeaker]

Keep up your wonderful work in the New Evangelization Father - thank you for your efforts.

[@DonalLeader]

Great to see this series. I grew up on the old Sheed and Ward versions. When are you filming at University Church in Dublin? Maybe I can stop by to say Hello,

[@russellobrien6441]

0:50: "St. Thomas Moore was executed right over there just behind the tower of London. I'm hoping to avoid that fate." Wow, I guess secularism in Europe is getting pretty bad.

[@oogalook]

That's what I hear, but its always the angriest people who are noisiest. Things are probably pretty Christian under the surface, but culture these days discourages any religious expression anywhere, even in less secularized areas.

[@JRLeeman]

Actually the seat of Catholicism here in the UK is in Westminster, which is where the government sits. The Anglicans are seated in Canterbury , but they get seats in the House of Lords because of their huge share of land ownership,me hitch afforded them positions of governance in Fuedal times. This country is technically a theocracy.

[@JRLeeman]

However, I think our secularist culture is much more preferable to the Bible-Belt culture and having religious statements printed on official documents and legal tender, as goes on in the US. Religion by habit is not preferable to secularism, it's just as bad. Since religion isn't afforded the same pass of respect in the UK and the rest of Europe(polls aren't affect by religion, here, as my right-wing muslim local MP would testify to), those that are religious can justify it in the same way Fr Barron can. That's a better start than Bible Belt, for me.

[@peterxp4274]

ThoseTolerableNoobs I have found even faithful Catholics in England are often poorly catechised as well, in The South at least.

[@JRLeeman]

Gregory Arblaster I know - but our culture is no longer conducive to habitual religion, so they will not be so numerous in the next few years. That's not to say Europe is a model of how to conduct faith - it isn't - I just think it's gaining ground on some areas of the US with exception of the older states.

[@fabricepoirette3328]

One cannot come up with a more appropriate word, namely "genius".

[@aniaania8181]

will there be an opportunity for us Londoners to meet you father? we are so thrilked to have completed tge catholicism course. Anna

[@michaelhogan6609]

Welcome to London!

[@annei4489]

prayers

[@kca1031]

For a first time Chesterton reader between 'Orthodoxy' or 'Everlasting Man' which do you recommend to read first?

[@isaacsim]

I read orthodoxy first then moved onto orthodoxy.... and after that I read orthodoxy. then heretics followed by the everlasting man. I wouldn't change my sequence at all... But there is no right answer... The important thing is to start and don't shy away from re-reading any of his books.

[@oogalook]

I also read orthodoxy twice before moving on- it's beautifully written and surprisingly tender. Heretics next, and soon enough Everlasting. I love Chesterton.

[@manuelbuenabadnajar6836]

Oogalook All of those are wonderful, wonderful books. You should also check his novel "The Ball and the Cross". It's so amazingly funny and deep!

[@dianaknapp1015]

Safe travels!

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

"St. Thomas Moore was executed right over there just behind the tower of London. I'm hoping to avoid that fate." In the Acts of Apostles, and in the Book of Revelation, Christ is compared to a sharp, double-edged sword. That means, his word is such a fundamental truth that it clearly cuts the tissue of the people in two groups; those who are thirsty for the truth, and those who cannot stand it but prefer shadow of lies. The history of Christianity and the world in the last 2 millennia is about setting the scene for the final harvest: one group to be invited to the Lamb’s wedding supper, the other to doom themselves. In times when those prophetic words are coming close to a climax, the social landscape cannot be pretty by any stretch of imagination: the sword uproots every single lie, untruth, scandal and perversion quite visibly to everybody. The rise of secularism and profanity, rotting of culture in Europe into a compost of neo-paganism, corruption of the politicians, media and the flamboyant social carelessness of the wealthy, happen not by chance. In times as such, those who stand for the truth are in danger, indeed.

[@BishopBarron]

Oh friend, please get a sense of humor!

[@faeqq]

It's not apologetic.

[@xxxmmm3812]

it IS APOLOGETIC