Is Christianity Too Hard For Us? Chesterton thought it was
Posted: Sunday, April 19, 2009
by Joel Kontinen
http://joelkontinen.blogspot.com/
Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936) was a famous English writer and Christian thinker. He is remembered for his outspoken views and is the source of countless remarkable quotes.
He had much to say about true Christianity. "The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult, and left untried", he wrote in What's Wrong with the World (1910).
Jesus Himself described Christianity as the narrow way:
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13-14).
Some of Jesus' followers found the way too narrow. John writes:
From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. (John 6:66.)
Please do not misunderstand me. I do believe that Christianity is a message of victory and hope. But we must have some balance. For many early followers of Christ, the "way", as they called it, meant sufferings, persecutions and perhaps even a cruel death at the hands of Roman rulers.
It is interesting that the apostle Paul, in the midst of suffering, still wrote:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:12).
And John wished his readers prosperity:
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (3 John 2).
However, these admonitions are not meant to be mantras to be used out of context. Christianity has to do with both the cross and the glory. But the way to glory goes through the cross. Jesus told His disciples to take up the cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23).
Yes, as Chesterton said, the Christian ideal is difficult. That should not be an excuse for not trying it, however.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)An excellent article Mr. Joel. I understnad what you mean and fully agree with you. No glory without a cross. we are also clled to suffer. I wish many people to read this and be challanged to follow Christ. Unfortunately, many find Christianity too narrow as you wrote. But I am glad you wrote this article.regards,SwapnaThanks. I appreciate your feedback.God bless,Joel
Wonderful piece. Somewhat reminiscent of Bonhoeffer's "cheap grace" paradigm. Thank you for reminding us that we must bear the cross, if we are to wear a crown.Thank you for reading.God bless.
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