"At issue was the question whether this man's faith could prevail against a man whose equal faith it was that this society is sick beyond saving, and that mercy itself pleads for its swift extinction and replacement by another"

In this quote by Whittaker Chambers, we exist with an extensive dichotomy that explores the nature of faith and social health. Chambers juxtaposes 2 opposing beliefs, each held with equivalent conviction, showing a fundamental argument about the state of society and its future.

On one side, we have a guy whose faith is imbued with optimism and resilience. This specific embodies a belief in the possibility of redemption and healing within the existing social structure. His faith recommends that, regardless of the obstacles and conditions society faces, it is possible to enact favorable change and revitalize the existing system. This point of view is often rooted in a wish for reform and the belief that individuals and communities can work jointly to resolve social ills.

Contrastingly, the opposing belief is held by a male who has concluded that society is irredeemably sick-- beyond saving. This person's faith is anchored in the conviction that the existing system is incurable and that even grace itself, which would traditionally look for to recover, now promotes for its swift end. This viewpoint favors the concept of social extinction and replacement, suggesting that the only course forward is through the complete dismantling and restoring of the existing order.

Chambers' exploration touches on existential concerns about hope, misery, and improvement. It raises concerns about how various point of views on societal malaise can lead to significantly different conclusions and actions. The "question" at problem is not merely about varying viewpoints however about basically divergent beliefs on the efficacy of faith versus the inevitability of destruction and renewal.

In essence, Chambers is probing the depth of human belief systems-- how faith connects with the understanding of societal decay, and whether one's belief in the possibility of redemption can really prevail over the conviction that radical change is essential for a more viable future.