The Sword
Orthodoxy exists primarily for one purpose. And that is to offer evidence (of a sort) that proves (in a way) that Christianity is viable and vital for discovering meaning in life. Thus, it should come as little surprise that the religion is often expressed in metaphorical terms with a heavy dose of similes to ease the comparison:
“Christianity is a sword which separates and sets free.”
The Paradox
Religion as a sword is an easy enough comparison to understand; it is concrete and relative to figurative language also more literal-minded than many. When the author examines faith in Christianity as a kind of madness, however, the metaphorical range becomes a bit more poetic and philosophical. The last half of this sentence could be applied to a number of delusional disorders and that is the entire point:
“Christianity is a superhuman paradox whereby two opposite passions may blaze beside each other.”
The Walls
On the subject of specific Christian denominations and creeds of faith and expression of belief, Chesterton is often unusually blunt as well as surprisingly inventive in his use of metaphor:
“Catholic doctrine and discipline may be walls; but they are the walls of a playground.”
The Battle-Ax
On the nature of the relationship between political ideologies, social constructs and religion, Chesterton makes a very interesting point. He looks around and sees a history of attempts at providing for the social good through implementation of ideological measures and finds them all failing, leaving Christianity in a truly unique position:
“I have spoken of orthodoxy coming in like a sword; here I confess it came in like a battle-axe [because] Christianity is the only thing left that has any real right to question the power of the well-nurtured or the well-bred.”
The Competition
Chesterton isn’t specific on what kind of weapon Christianity wields to destroy the competition, but make no mistake: there is competition and he does set out to refute it. While the language is logical and benevolent, the result is still destructive. There are other systems of faith. And then there is the right one.
“Buddhism is centripetal, but Christianity is centrifugal: it breaks out. For the circle is perfect and infinite in its nature; but it is fixed for ever in its size; it can never be larger or smaller.”
