Orthodoxy

One of the ways that the modern world is distinct from the ancient one is that the modern world no longer considers it good to possess the virtues—core tenets of Christianity and its followers—as part of a set meant to be held in its entirety. The modern world is full of virtues described in the Bible, but they are often separated and viewed for their individual value as opposed to their significance to a person of faith. Chesterton writes, “The modern world is full of the old Christian virtues gone mad. The virtues have gone mad because they have been isolated from each other and are wandering alone” (47). He argues that the virtue of humility, for instance, has been taken out of context and has changed totally from its original meaning and purpose.

In previous days, humility was a means by which a person would remain free from pride. In the modern world, however, he says humility is adopted by those who don’t want to appear too confident in their own opinion. It is now joined to skepticism, the act of doubting everything, including one’s own common knowledge: “The new sceptic is so humble that he doubts if he can even learn” (49).