G.K. Chesterton was an English writer, philosopher, cultural commentator, and Christian apologist. Writing from a Catholic perspective from within the Anglican communion and (later in life) the Roman Catholic Church, Chesterton critiqued modern assumptions about progress, reason, and culture. His books “Heretics” and “Orthodoxy” are collections of essays that seek to refute secularist thought. Chesterton was characterized by his cutting wit and ability to turn common phrases inside-out in his analysis. His Father Brown detective novels also challenge secularism from the perspective of a humble Catholic priest who solves crimes by applying a keen grasp of human nature, informed by the great tradition of Christian wisdom. Despite making a name for himself by critiquing modernist secularism, Chesterton developed long-lasting friendships with many of the leaders of secularist thought, most famously with George Bernard Shaw. In response to the secularist re-casting of history in H.G. Wells’ “The Outline of History,” Chesterton wrote his own work of history, “The Everlasting Man,” which places Jesus Christ as the focal point and pinnacle of history. This work has been credited by C.S. Lewis and many others as a pivotal book leading to conversion to Christianity.
Almighty God, you gave your servant Gilbert Keith Chesterton special gifts of grace to understand and teach the truth revealed in Christ Jesus: Grant that by this teaching we may know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.