June 13, 2008 9:44 AM
Why the Saints? - Part 2
In response to my musings on Why the Saints, Julana - who writes at Life in the Slow Lane - sent this as a comment, but it deserves an entry of its own:
G. K. Chesterton on the Saints-"Tradition means giving a vote to most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about. All democrats object to men being disqualified by the accident of birth; tradition objects to their being disqualified by the accident of death. Democracy tells us not to neglect a good man's opinion, even if he is our groom; tradition asks us not to neglect a good man's opinion, even if he is our father."
From Orthodoxy, Chapter 4
Love that man's way with words - as well as the clarity of the thoughts that spur them.
Thanks, Julana.
Posted in Catholicism | Permalink
Comments
I love this passage. I'm quite fond of Chesterton myself and he has played a big part in the growth of my own spiritual life and respect for tradition. :)
Posted by: Lucy | June 13, 2008 6:10 PM
That is SUCH a good quote. I'm studying early church history (from a non-protestant perspective) right now and really getting blown away. My little protestant world is getting more and more uncomfortable.
Posted by: Molly | June 15, 2008 12:04 AM
Thanks for the attribution. I wish I had more time to read those "old" guys.
Posted by: Julana | June 15, 2008 10:09 PM
