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Books Quote by G.K. Chesterton

“And as I close this chaotic volume I open again the strange small book from which all Christianity came; and I am again haunted by a kind of confirmation. The tremendous figure which fills the Gospels towers in this respect, as in every other, above all the thinkers who ever thought themselves…” quote by G.K. Chesterton
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““And as I close this chaotic volume I open again the strange small book from which all Christianity came; and I am again haunted by a kind of confirmation. The tremendous figure which fills the Gospels towers in this respect, as in every other, above all the thinkers who ever thought themselves tall. His pathos was natural, almost casual. The Stoics, ancient and modern, were proud of concealing their tears. He never concealed His tears; He showed them plainly on His open face at any daily sight, such as the far sight of His native city. Yet He concealed something. Solemn supermen and imperial diplomatists are proud of restraining their anger. He never restrained His anger. He flung furniture down the front steps of the Temple, and asked men how they expected to escape the damnation of Hell. Yet He restrained something. I say it with reverence; there was in that shattering personality a thread that must be called shyness. There was something that He hid from all men when He went up a mountain to pray. There was something that He covered constantly by abrupt silence or impetuous isolation. There was some one thing that was too great for God to show us when He walked upon our earth; and I have sometimes fancied that it was His mirth.””

G.K. Chesterton

About This Quote

Source Essay: Orthodoxy, 1908

Christ’s humanity displayed both divine power and vulnerable emotions, suggesting a complex, relatable figure beyond idealized stoicism.

In simple terms: Jesus showed both strength and feeling.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge the full humanity of spiritual leaders.

Themes

theology humanity emotion

Mood

contemplative reverent

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • religious study
  • personal reflection
  • ethical teaching

Key Concepts

Divine paradox vulnerability mystery

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does emotional openness affect faith?
  • What does hidden shyness reveal?
A Different Perspective

Emphasizing emotion may conflict with traditional reverence.

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