Christian Book Notes

Chesterton, G.K.  Orthodoxy.  Ignatius Press, originally published in 1909.  168 pp.  $11.95.  Purchase the book at Westminster for $8.36.

Audiobook

Chesterton, G.K. narrated by Simon Vance.  Esconido: christianaudio Classics,  2006.  6 1/2 hours.  Download – $14.98, MP3 CD – $19.98, CD – $24.98.

Book Review

This was my first introduction to G.K. Chesterton other than through many quotes and allusions to his writings I have come across in many different areas of reading and learning. He writes this book almost as an autobiography where he details how he went from a state of unbelief to complete faith and trust in the one true God and His son Jesus Christ. I was very intrigued by his overt philosophical approach to destroying non-belief in the first four chapters. His talk of Elfland and the thinking maniac kept me very much wondering where this was going (and I knew the whole time!).

The final five chapters set up the Christian faith as the only set of beliefs that does not fail the test of real life. He spends much time discussing the paradoxes of the Christian faith and how they alone make sense of the world around us. His ability to reach into our minds with the nonsensical fantasy illustrations reminded me of C.S. Lewis. Even though he writes from a Roman Catholic background, there is much about Chesterton that Protestant Christians can and should admire.

Audio Review

christianaudio does a wonderful job of choosing the right narrator for a book. In this case, Simon Vance seemingly takes on the persona of G.K. Chesterton. His British accent makes you feel as though you are in a lecture hall listening to Chesterton present his apologetic for the Christian faith. He reads at a conversational level which works best with this particular book because Chesterton wrote it as a conversation piece.

Recommendation

I would recommend picking up the book before listening to the audio if this will be your introduction to G.K. Chesterton. His language is quirky given that he is from early 20th century London. If you own the book and have read it, then the audio will be a welcomed edition to your library as there is much to digest from the pen of G.K. Chesterton.