A nice, introductory collection to G.K. Chesterton.

ABC’s of the Christian Life – The Ultimate Anthology of the Prince of Paradox, published in the US by Ave Maria Press, is an anthology on an unmatched author, whose piercing, yet at the same time enthralling style, captivates readers looking for works that challenge their rational comfort.

Right in his introduction, Peter Kreeft points out three people who were absolutely unique and distinctive by their personalities and intellect: Jesus Christ, Socrates, and G. K. Chesterton. It’s an enlightening statement, when it comes to Chesterton, yet what may to the average reader as a paradoxical presumption is nothing but the cold, hard truth, and what may seem unquestionable is indeed a paradox. That is the true paradox.

This work features twenty-six handpicked texts from Chesterton, one for each letter of the alphabet, which makes it a remarkable book to fans of this author just as it is to readers unfamiliar with his style. The compilation, not yet available in Portuguese, deserves a translation, as it would allow people unacquainted with Chesterton’s work to experience it in several contexts and in an accessible way.

His interpretations of current and historical themes are straightforward and promote reflection: from Jesus’ birth and the contrasts between those who follow Him and those who do not believe His deeds, to the influences that humanize Christianity, when paradoxical and controversial decisions are made concerning the faith. “Omnipotence and impotence, or divinity and infancy, do definitely make a sort of epigram which a million repetitions cannot turn into a platitude,” he states.

The chapter dedicated to religious comparison is a fascinating one, where Chesterton, after suggesting Confucianism is a civilization, advocates there should be an alternative classification for different religions. Chesterton maintains that these should be divided psychologically in order to better identify the spiritual experiences over the inconsequential comparisons.

He ends, much in the role of a chaperone, in a quite personal visit to Jerusalem, using the steep paths and narrow streets to once again make known his characteristic perspective on the Holy Land. He narrates the guided visit from the Zion Gate and a key center of history, where nations and religion coexist, with all its identity, architecture and prophecies. The Temple Square and Omar’s Mosque, as he likes to name it (and there’s a lengthy explanation on why he names it so!), the Mount of Olives and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre are all included in the tour described by our illustrious guide. Bon voyage!

The ABCs of the Christian Life by G.K. Chesterton --- The Ultimate Anthology of the Price of Paradox (Ave Maria Press) Published August, 2017
Despite the somewhat unfortunate selection of the main title of Ave Maria Press, a read of this volume is certainly a worthwhile endeavor. A great Christian thinker and writer (but avowedly a staunch Catholic) his writiings and influence on a wide variety of people --- both believers and non-believers, both in his time up to the present day for the last 100 years, is unequalled by any other writer --- with the possible exception of C.S. Lewis (who, in turn, was heavily influenced by Chesterton). I call the main title misleading (and possibly disappointing), because might expect to find a handbook from CJK on how to live an authentically Christian life The subtitle (“Ultimate Anthology … “) is much more accurate in what this volume actually contains: A selection of excerpts from all of Chesterton’s writings using both biblical (and some non-biblical, but important terms nonetheless) from “A” to “Z” that illustrate the topics that were of prime importance to CKG, as he battled the times of Europe in the very late 19th to very early 20th Centuries, and the social and philosophical upheavals as modernism , hedonism and nihilism were in the forefront, while pushing emphatically to drive serious Christian thinking and philosophy from writings and public discourse. In his uniquely inimical style these short writings (rarely more than 3 -5 pages on topics like “Asceticism,” “Heretics,” and “Upon This Rock”), expounds on the Christian defense of the prevailing skepticism and hostility to religion of his day. Thus, this book serves both as a serviceable and inspiring introduction and guidebook on the writings of this unique churchman, thinker and writer to those familiar, and especially to those who want a good overview about what all the fuss with Chesterton is about. This compilation is well-worth a read to this very important thinker and writer.

G.K. Chesterton is one of those authors I always thought I should read but never really have. So I was delighted when I saw that Peter Kreeft had collected some selections from Chesterton in ABCs of the Christian Life: The Ultimate Anthology of the Prince of Paradox. As promising as the title was, I didn't love it, and didn't fall in love with Chesterton's writing.

He's supposed to be a great writer, and I'm sure he is, but I was thinking this book was like taking the crown jewels, taking all the precious stones from their settings, arranging them by size, and calling the new arrangement "the ultimate display of the crown jewels." Kreeft has pulled selections from a variety of Chesterton's work and arranged them in A to Z fashion. (Asceticism, Bethlehem, Catholicism, Charles Dickens, etc.) The result is twenty-six unsatisfying chapters, arranged arbitrarily. Sure, there are some gems there, of varying brilliance, but apart from the settings of the craftsman, they lose their luster.

I don't like Chesterton less than I did before reading ABCs of the Christian Life. But as an introduction and homage to Chesterton's brilliance and insight, I was rather disappointed in it.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!

Gilbert Keith Chesterton, otherwise known as G.K. Chesterton is perhaps one of the wittiest and insightful authors I have ever known. Immensely quotable, he is a master with words. He uses ordinary words that can nuance the different meanings in a sentence. With theological insight and literary prowess, Chesterton's gift of writing is showcased in this book of selected 26 words that describe the Christian life. Using the number of English alphabets as a guide, each letter or phrase corresponds to a key Chesterton wit; a historical thought; a teaching moment; a recollection; or simply a random thought. Some of the language used have also been updated for modern readers. Gleaned from his books, articles, and many published materials, the words are very much Chesterton's, the selection the publisher's. The interests are wide-ranging. There are topics on spirituality such as Asceticism; Apologetics as in Orthodoxy; historical figures in St Thomas and St Joan; reflections on literature by Charles Dickens; comparative religions; and matters for daily living. Bethlehem is a reflection on Christmas. The chapter on "Suicidal Living" is an interesting one. Instead of some predictable essay about some problem-solving approach to the issue of suicide, Chesterton pokes deep into the human psyche, wasted virtues, loose vices gone mad, and surprisingly, humility. It is humility in the wrong place. Whether it is wrong ambition or misguided thinking that leads one toward suicide. There is that chapter on Queen Victoria, the model of "political unselfishness" who shows us that restraint is power in action. The letter X is represented strangely by the word "Sex." Chesterton reminds us that it must not be allowed to be a tyrant. On his own faith, "Catholicism," he insists that it is not a Church sect but a "ecclesia," a way of thinking. A nice thing about Chesterton's writings is that even as he dives deep into some philosophical thought, he would come up with a summary statement like a swimmer coming up for breath in a long distance swim.


Behind it all, one soon realizes how much his own faith influences his writings. If you do not have time to read any of Chesterton's books, this anthology may very well push you to do that.

GK Chesterton is an English writer, poet, novelist, journalist, orator, and also a literary and art critic. He adheres to the Roman Catholic faith and has valiantly defended the Christian faith through one of his most popular books, Orthodoxy. Immensely quotable, his works are still widely admired and shared among social media and many literature communities. This anthology is simply a collection of Chesterton's works.

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Ave Maria Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

I have wanted to read Father Brown for a while but for one reason or another not done so. When I noticed that this book was by the same author- Chesterton I was very interested to see what his writing was like and how readable. I am delighted to report that much of it was very interesting and informative. The only place where I felt it was difficult was in the mentioning of Saint Thomas and sadly as there are roughly a dozen further investigation on my part did not make things any clearer.

Aside from this i have been encouraged to read more works by Chesterton and have bought one or two of those mentioned in this book which I especially enjoyed.

A selection of readings from various writings by Chesterton on various topics relating to Catholic Christian life from A to Z.

I knew prior to reading this book that Chesterton was a Catholic Christian, but I did not realize that this book was primarily directed at readers who are also Catholic. I just saw Chesterton’s name and pounced on the title. (Now that I know this and see the name of the publisher, I realize I should have possibly realized my mistake earlier.) Many of the topics reflect this, such as A being a writing on Asceticism and C for Catholic, F for Saint Francis, J for Saint Joan, and U for Upon This Rock (a defense for the Catholic church being the one true church). As a Protestant Christian, I didn’t always see eye to eye with Chesterton on some of these readings. Of course, others of his writings I completely love and agree with, like the selections from his Orthodoxy and his Heretics which are featured in several letters. So for me this collection of writings was hit or miss, but I can see Catholic Christians at whom this is aimed enjoying it much more. (I kinda wish Catholic was in the title to avoid this confusion and better ensuring it got into the right hands.) I broke down the reading to two letters a day, which usually worked out to about 10 or so pages of reading, and for Chesterton, that’s plenty to chew on for one day. Some of the selections are a bit longer and a few are just two pages long, but all take concentration to read. On average, just reading one a day would turn this into a nice almost month long daily read for those who want some more brain stimulation than the average devotional writing provides.

This collection of short readings from the whole range of Chesterton's work is a good introduction to his ideas and style. There's plenty of things to think about here.

Unhappily for the modern reader though, his style is difficult and his paragraphs very long. Those who are used to shorter paragraphs and a more concise style will find this heavy going.

My advice, be selective. Go through the book reading an essay of two at a time, beginning with those of most interest to you.