# Quote — G. Chesterton, Orthodoxy

> This odd effect of the great agnostics in arousing doubts deeper than their own might be illustrated in many ways. I take only one. As I read and re-read all the non-Christian or anti-Christian accounts of the faith, from Huxley to Bradlaugh, a slow and awful impression grew gradually but graphically upon my mind—the impression that Christianity must be a most extraordinary thing. For not only (as I understood) had Christianity the most flaming vices, but it had apparently a mystical talent for combining vices which seemed inconsistent with each other. It was attacked on all sides and for all contradictory reasons. No sooner had one rationalist demonstrated that it was too far to the east than another demonstrated with equal clearness that it was much too far to the west. No sooner had my indignation died down at its angular and aggressive squareness than I was called up again to notice and condemn its enervating and sensual roundness.

- Author: [G. Chesterton](https://www.leafyquotes.com/g-chesterton.md)
- Book: [Orthodoxy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/g-chesterton/orthodoxy.md)
- Source: [Wikiquote](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Orthodoxy_(book)#Chapter_VI._%22The_Paradoxes_of_Christianity%22) ([CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/))
- Quote page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/g-chesterton/orthodoxy/this-odd-effect

## More from this book

> In so far as we desire the definite reconstructions and the dangerous revolutions which have distinguished European civilisation, we shall not discourage the thought of possible ruin; we shall rather encourage it.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/g-chesterton/orthodoxy/in-so-far-as.md)

> Angels can fly because they can take themselves lightly.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/g-chesterton/orthodoxy/angels-can-fly.md)

> Alone of all creeds, Christianity has added courage to the virtues of the Creator. For the only courage worth calling courage must necessarily mean that the soul passes a breaking point—and does not break.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/g-chesterton/orthodoxy/alone-of-all.md)