Science - “A Discussion Somewhat In The Air”
Chesterton writes, “The flying ship of Professor Lucifer sang through the skies like a silver arrow; the bleak white steel of it, gleaming in the bleak blue emptiness of the evening. That it was far above the earth was no expression for it; to the two men in it, it seemed to be far above the stars. The professor had himself invented the flying machine, and had also invented nearly everything in it.” The ship is emblematic of scientific discoveries which are deemed miraculous. Ingenious people have contributed to the inventions which have bolstered the role of science in human lives. Crediting Professor Lucifer, who is representative of inventors, which the creation of the ‘flying ship’ depicts science as an opposition to God or Christianity for it is a direct allusion to the Biblical Lucifer. Professor Lucifer invents a machine which is antithetical to God’s creation.
Religion - “A Discussion Somewhat In the Air”
Chesterton writes, “A monk of immense learning and acute intellect he had made himself happy in a little stone hut and a little stony garden in the Balkans, chiefly by writing the most crushing refutations of exposures of certain heresies... They were really very plausible and thoughtful heresies, and it was really a creditable or even glorious circumstance, that the old monk had been intellectual enough to detect their fallacy.” Monk, who is symbolic of religion, accompanies Professor Lucifer in the 'flying ship.' He is emblematic of orthodox religion which has not been diluted by civilization. The monk's viewpoints are contradictory to Professor Lucifer's since the monk refutes the heresies which are propagated by the scientific community resulting in the religion versus science binary.
Fanaticism - “The Religion of the Stipendiary Magistrate”
Chesterton explains, “With a smart journalistic instinct characteristic of all his school, the editor of The Atheist had put first in his paper and most prominently in his window an article called “The Mesopotamian Mythology and its Effects on Syriac Folk Lore.” Evidently, Mr. Turnbull the editor is enthusiastic about mythologies. His publications regarding the mythologies include covert allusions to the Biblical stories. Evan attacks Turnbull for the publications because he deems them blasphemous and atheistic. Evan asserts, "He (Turnbull) is the enemy of God.” Evan’s interpretation of Turnbull’s publications renders him an archetypal religious enthusiast. Evan’s fanaticism hinders him from appreciating the mythologies which are divergent from the Biblical accounts.
Intolerance - “Some Old Curiosities”
The duel between Evan and Turnball is due to religious intolerance. Evan affirms, “We quarrelled…about religion.” They are conscious that their duel could culminate in either of them dying because it is violent. However, they insist on going on with it because each is steadfast in their stands. Turnbull asserts, “I do believe in liberty. My father died for it under the swords of the Yeomanry. I am going to die for it, if need be, under that sword on your counter.” Turnbull’s assertion expressed his determination to die for his beliefs regarding liberty. His father’s case impairs him to remain steadfast when defending his liberty even if it leads to his death. For Turnbull, liberty is his religion and he is ready to guard it no matter the price.
Journalism - “Some Old Curiosities”
Chesterton remarks, But journalism cannot reasonably be expected thus to insist upon the permanent miracles. Busy editors cannot be expected to put on their posters, “Mr. Wilkinson Still Safe,” or “Mr. Jones, of Worthing, Not Dead Yet.” They cannot announce the happiness of mankind at all. They cannot describe all the forks that are not stolen, or all the marriages that are not judiciously dissolved. Hence the complete picture they give of life is of necessity fallacious; they can only represent what is unusual.” The duellists overlooked that journalism had the capacity of revealing and exaggerating their story. According to Chesterton, journalism is flawed because it focuses more on the minor and exceptional issues. It disregards ordinary issues which are omnipresent in life. Journalism exploits sensationalism to increase its coverage and sales. Accordingly, not all the journalistic stories are utterly objective. Journalism offers misleading views concerning life because it only dwells on unusual happenings.
