In this grand intricate argument, Chesterton shines a light on a way to live that brings us into balance with our individual and collective self through the image of Christ and the Universal Church; a paradigm and argument, which in my humble opinion, validates an ecumenical road to God and the grand desires of humankind.
This is a read for the thinking person who wants to frame an understanding of life based on the stories we tell, the assumptions we don’t make regarding those stories, and the possibility of an examined life. A taxing, but worthy book.
“I propose to maintain that whether or no it is the twilight of gods, it is not the daylight of men,” writes Chesterton in the Everlasting Man. One of my favorite lines from that book. Without naming Nietzsche, it immediately puts his entire philosophy in proper perspective.
I am not quite sure how Chesterton is ecumenical, but he is certainly big on grand desires of mankind, and I love him for that (well, that and his priceless syntax).
The Everlasting Man is one of my all time favorite books. Every time I read it I gain something new.
I’m currently reading Chesterton’s ” What’s Wrong With The World.” I guess what I like most about him is his ability to connect philosophical language and concepts to everyday language and practicality. He can speak on the metaphysical question of first causes and immediately convey the materialist position, (in the old chicken/egg argument,) as that of “all things coming from the egg.” This uncanny ability to speak from both worlds appeals very much to me.
D.