The Genius of G.K. Chesterton: The Life and Thought of the Prince of Paradox

TRAILER

The Genius of G.K. Chesterton: The Life and Thought of the Prince of Paradox

Join Professor Joseph Pearce as he examines The Genius of G.K. Chesterton, "The Prince of Paradox", through a look at the formative moments and remarkable works of his fascinating life. As Professor Pearce unfolds, G.K. Chesterton significantly influenced many illustrious and famous writers in their journey towards conversion to the Church. Chesterton was known as a "controversialist with no enemies"; this is one reason why he was so influential in growing others' love for the Church. He was capable of discussing the most politically and philosophically controversial topics, in light of the Catholic Church's teaching, without creating enemies - rather, he welcomed others into the Church with open arms and a sharp wit.

Born in 1874 and dying in 1936, Chesterton lived through one of the world's most trying times - the first World War. Many of Chesterton's economic and political opinions were built around his first-hand experience of the suffering the world endured at that time. He provided his readers with an elevated and transcendent sense of hope during a time of deep sorrow and terrible loss.

Chesterton was known for his love of the truth. In these eight fascinating lectures, your Professor Joseph Pearce will guide you through a study of Chesterton's greatest works, discussing topics such as:

• St. Thomas Aquinas' influence on Chesterton 
• The role of philosophy in conversion 
• Progress and progressivism
• The relationship between education and truth 
• Catholic doctrine and economics

Chesterton's works can rightly be studied as theological, philosophical, political, or just merely entertaining literature. They truly embodied all such disciplines. Chesterton was known in his time for his theological influence on Catholics and non-Catholics alike. He had a beautiful and profound way of calling his readers to holiness. Join Professor Joseph Pearce in this enchanting eight-part lecture series where he uncovers the beautiful Catholicity of the life, thought and works of G.K. Chesterton.

LECTURE SYNOPSES

1. Introducing G.K. Chesterton
   Begin to dive into the life and thought of G.K. Chesterton. Discover the illustrious and famous writers that have come to the Church largely because of Chesterton's works. Your professor, Joseph Pearce, discusses his influence on Catholics and non-Catholics alike and how though often perceived as a controversialist, Chesterton had no enemies.
   
   
2. Humor and Humility
   There is a vast similarity between the perception of the way to virtue held by Chesterton and St. Thomas Aquinas. Like Aquinas, Chesterton provides context and focus to our vision of the Church. The joy of paradox is found at the heart of Chesterton, where we gain a correct view of Christianity.
   
   
3. The Catholic Church and Conversion
   Discover how Chesterton's journey to Christian conversion was a journey home. Chesterton often alludes to and discusses the primary influences of such a conversion. Consider the role of philosophy, apart from theology, in Chesterton's journey to conversion.
   
   
4. Progress versus Progressivism
   Chesterton often insisted that progress was not merely a problem but was the 'mother of problems.' It is necessary to understand what progress is and is not. Chesterton's account of the biggest issue with progress is that progress has become an end in itself, which provides the world with a disordered view of what should be aimed at.
   
   
5. Education as if Truth Mattered
   Chesterton suggests that whether he realizes it or not, modern man is on a journey. Chesterton's engagement with the principles of education is nothing less than the effort for man to see the truth beyond himself. Discover Chesterton's account of a correct vision of this journey to truth sought through education.
   
   
6. What He Saw in America
   What did G.K. Chesterton see in America that other authors and philosophers didn't see? He has a uniquely European perspective of the United States; he considers the issue of America from an Englishman's impression during the years between the two World Wars.
   
   
7. Subsidiarity and Distributism
   Take a look at Chesterton's political and economic ideas. Consider his ideas on distributism and how it correlates to the Catholic Church's teachings, specifically on subsidiarity. Why does the Church teach economic and political ideologies?
   
   
8. All Things Considered
   Consider some of Chesterton's essays in light of their political, economic, philosophical, and theological implications. Were these intended to be left by Chesterton? Consider socialism, capitalism, feminism, and other contemporary political topics of the time, as presented in some of his works.
   
   

LECTURE SAMPLE