Book Review: Defiant Joy - The Remarkable Life & Impact of G.K. Chesterton

Without any sense of hyperbole, I think it is fair to say it is an absolute tragedy that most Christians don’t know much about G.K. Chesterton. Chesterton was considered one of the leading literary figures of his age, the man who re-popularised Charles Dickens with his landmark book on him, the man C.S Lewis credits as having a huge impact on his own journey to faith, and a man described by fierce opponent George Bernard Shaw as a “towering genius.”

Chesterton was a leading authority in the literary world, writing breathtaking poetry and prose with ridiculous ease, and was also a leading Christian apologist in the early part of the 20th century - he provided an intelligent Christian response to an age dominated by pessimism and nihilism. Kevin Belmonte’s biography on Chesterton entitled: “Defiant Joy: The Remarkable Life & Impact of G.K. Chesterton” seeks to introduce readers to a man that history seems to have tragically sidelined.

Chesterton, like many geniuses, did not really bother with formal education but wrote himself at a prodigious rate, at one stage releasing almost two books a year. He also wrote constantly for newspapers and magazines in his role as a journalist. In between all of this Chesterton saw it as his mission to fight against the prevailing philosophy of the age which was dominated by an overwhelming sense of meaninglessness - which Chesterton termed 'thought suicide'.

After enduring a very dark period of his own in his youth, Chesterton embarked on a spiritual journey that gradually brought him into Christianity. After that Chesterton lived his life with the most remarkable joy and zest, and became famous for the religious debates he engaged in with other leading literary philosophers such as George Bernard Shaw. Chesterton was a physically big and overweight man, and became a loved figure in London, renowned for his ‘large’ and joyful presence. Even during debates he would greet any personal jibes by his competitors with an infectious laughter that won him many friends. Chesterton also sought never to allow personal animosity to build up between his opponents and himself, and became close friends with figures such as Shaw and H.G. Wells, even if their worldviews differed sharply.

I would recommend Belmonte’s book to you, just because I think it is so important the world rediscovers Chesterton, but sadly, I don’t think this is a particularly good biography. After covering Chesterton’s fascinating early life, Belmonte shifts his focus to Chesterton’s books and we learn almost nothing about him personally from then on. While this was wonderful in terms of opening doors for me into Chesterton’s writings (and definitely made me want to read even more of him), I would have loved to find out more what made the great man tick. Belmonte uses a lot of quotes, including many from Chesterton himself, which enables you to see just why his writing gained so much fame, but also results in the book losing flow. At the end of the day, I would have greatly appreciated hearing more of the stories behind the man who was Chesterton.

Chesterton was (and through his writings still is) a tremendous gift to the Christianity, and I would highly, highly recommend getting to know him better. Belmonte’s book is a good place to start, but unfortunately won’t give you the kind of comprehensive introduction that is so important. For an even briefer, yet excellent introduction to Chesterton, try Phillip Yancey’s ‘Soul Survivor,’ which includes a whole chapter on the man.

Book Review: Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places

Eugene Peterson is most famous for his Message translation, but it would be truly sad if that was the only ‘book’ of his you ever read. Peterson's remarkable insights into life and Scripture, and his combination of poetry, prose, passion and personal honesty shines through every single one of the numerous books he has authored, from his very first way back in 1980 (A Long History of Obedience). Furthermore, Peterson’s books are set to the background of an extensive pastoral and academic experience. Now that he is finally retired from the pastorate and from academic life, Peterson is able to focus on his ‘Opus’ - a collection of five books that deal with different aspects of spiritual theology. The first of these five is the book under review today, ‘Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places: A Conversation in Spiritual Theology.’

In this particular book we see the very best of Eugene Peterson as he incisively analyses culture - both within and without the church - and relates this as only he can to the larger Biblical story. Peterson protests with his unique eloquence the fact that theology is so often little more than "depersonalized information about God, " while Christian spirituality is "impersonally functional," served up with cliches, slogans, and programs. Peterson believes that spiritual theology should offer far more than these pious cliches as it "represents the attention that the church community gives to keeping what we think about God (theology) in organic connection with the way we live with God (spirituality)."

Peterson shapes his thinking in this book along Trinitarian lines, as in between an introductory chapter and a concluding epilogue, he uses just three long chapters in which he explores the role of Christ in creation, history, and community. Peterson uses his considerable gifts as a scholar to draw our attention to the sensual, concrete realities behind biblical texts from Genesis to Revelation. Peterson uses these nuanced and clever readings to frame the three areas where he sees Christ at 'play': the beauty of creation, the tragedy of history and the beloved, bewildering community of the church. "The single most important thing to understand in spiritual theology is that it is not about theology... it is a cultivated disposition to live theology," Peterson convincingly argues.

Don’t make the mistake of being intimidated by this book because it seems complex. Yes, you will have to concentrate more than in your average novel, but at the same time Peterson’s soulful yet earthy narrative style will keep your attention, in fact, he might just make your soul sing. You are sure to benefit greatly from the rich, generous and wise “conversation” Peterson offers in this book. Highly recommended.

Book Review: A Short History of Christianity

Over the 2,000 years since his death, Jesus’ followers have carved a significant space for themselves into human history, but many of us are quite unaware of the real details of this story beyond a rather vague awareness of events like the Crusades, or the Spanish Inquisition. And quite often our knowledge is actually misinformation, formed as it is from references in movies, books or conversations, and not any detailed study of our own.

The journalist and scholar Stephen Tomkins is determined to change this with his ‘A Short History of Christianity.’ This book takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the history of Jesus’ followers. Tomkins follows the key stages of Christian history as it developed, describing the events, people, movements and controversies behind it all. For those who find history boring, know that Tomkins writes with wit and humour, and his style will certain help you engage with the topic, while at the same time educating you with many fascinating facts and details.

We are told that we should learn from our history so as not to repeat mistakes, which is why every Jesus follower should seek to learn as much as possible from those who have gone before. We should embrace and learn from their victories and good moments, as well as seeking to avoid the pitfalls of their mistakes. And mistakes there are aplenty - as Tomkins makes clear in his introduction, he is not going to sugarcoat the past for our benefit, so many of the stories he tells you about Jesus’ followers will sadden and even disgust you. If you don’t know much about the darker side of the history of Christians, then prepare to be shocked! Yet, whatever you do, don’t hide your head in the sand - rather chose to learn from these mistakes, and be grateful to the God of Grace who chooses to continue to work through us no matter what.

Tomkins arranges his material chronologically in roughly 100-year increments, and succeeds in giving his readers an excellent overall survey. However, it is inevitable that such a fast-paced breathless excursion through history’s corridors leaves some events feeling a little a sketchy, while others are completely ignored. Tomkins cannot detail every major character or issue, and other historians would probably argue with some of those he does choose to highlight. Nevertheless, the point of this book is not to provide an exhaustive history, but rather a broad overview for those who have hardly encountered any Christian history at all, and in this respect Tomkins does a fine job.

This penetrating, energetic ‘Short History of Christianity’ will delight and entertain you, while also broadening your understanding and perspective. Highly recommended.

Bucket List Book: Reason for Hope

Jane Goodall is preeminent scientist, hard-working conservationist, and animal rights activist, but is perhaps best known as the “chimpanzee lady”. As a young woman who had no scientific training whatsoever, Dr. Goodall followed her life-long dream to Africa and by a stroke of fortune (or divine guidance), ended up working for the renowned Louis Leakey. Recognising her potential, Leakey offered Goodall the challenge of a fascinating, new work - to set up a study of the chimpanzees of Gombe. Goodall, along with her mother Danne, spent months alone in the dangerous forests of Gombe as she began this study. Gradually she became world-famous for her truly groundbreaking discoveries about this species. Gombe has since became a research station of the highest calibre populated by students from all over the world.

‘Reason for Hope’ is a bucket-list book in that although it was published over a decade ago, it is wonderfully inspirational as Goodall remembers her fascinating life and freely shares about the faith that allows her to believe and hope in a better future for all. Goodall was always prepared to break the ‘social norms’ of scientists, and the arena of faith is just such a ‘breaking’ since many scientists frown upon and even ostracise other scientists who acknowledge a belief in God. Goodall’s faith is rooted in Christianity, although it might be a little eclectic for the taste of many. Nevertheless Goodall has plenty to teach us as she powerfully and passionately seeks to break the age-old and false dichotomy between science and faith.

Goodall is an evolutionist who believes in God and believes that God actively works in the world around us and desires humanity to grow (or evolve) ethically, morally and socially to live in a way that is far wiser and more respectful of creation. Goodall’s writing about her faith sometimes tends to be overly sentimental but never fails to acknowledge the realities of pain and disappointment in the world and to simultaneously point toward hope in God to redeem and restore.

As mentioned, Goodall does not shy from life’s tougher experiences, for example in chapters like "The Roots of Evil" where she describes her shocking discovery of chimps' capacity for cannibalistic attacks on members of their own community; and "Death" which details her despair at the suffering and demise from cancer of her husband, Derek. Goodall outlines how her thinking developed out of experiences such as these, sometimes struggling with doubt and temptations towards atheism, but ultimately testifying to the goodness and grace of God even in suffering. She often quotes her grandmothers favourite verse, "as thy days, so shall thy strength be," as being a source of great personal comfort and encouragement.

Yet, ultimately, it is Goodall’s intelligent and sensitive blend of faith and science that is most compelling and perhaps is the reason this book became a New York Times bestseller. You may not agree with all her conclusions but can certainly respect the journey she has undergone. Goodall addresses the ethical and spiritual dimensions of science and conservation, and this perspective alone is invaluable. Her tireless fight for the environment and against animal abuses was never rabid, but compassionate, reasoned and respectful of all - and again, we have much to learn from her here. 'Reason for Hope' is a moving and compelling book - even if it is a little dated now - that should be valued by all concerned about the fate of the planet and its inhabitants, and all who are interested in a more constructive working relationship between science and faith.

'Reason for Hope' was co-authored with Phillip Berman.