I am firmly convinced that the Reformation of the sixteenth century was as near as any mortal thing can come to unmixed evil.
Even the parts of the Reformation that might appear plausible and enlightened from a purely secular standpoint have turned out rotten and reactionary, also from a purely secular standpoint.
By substituting the Bible for the sacrament, the Reformation created a pedantic caste of those who could read, superstitiously identified with those who could think.
By destroying the monks, the Reformation took social work from the poor philanthropists who chose to deny themselves, and gave it to the rich philanthropists who chose to assert themselves.
By preaching individualism while preserving inequality, the Reformation produced modern capitalism.
The Reformation destroyed the only league of nations that ever had a chance. It produced the worst wars of nations that ever existed. It produced the most efficient form of Protestantism, which [was] Prussia. And it is producing the worst part of paganism, which is slavery.
It's important to understand that Chesterton is here describing the EFFECTS of the Reformation; not necessarily its causes, let alone its intentions.
—Editor
—Editor
