The Ball and the Cross

 

There are a number of Chesterton groups around the world. They engage in various activities.

Here in Rochester, N.Y., the local Chesterton Society used to sponsor one of the best annual regional  conferences in the nation. Not as great as the National Conference, certainly, but still very good, drawing all sorts of national speakers, including, of course, Dale Ahlquist and Joseph Pearce. 

Alas, the pool of money that had been set aside for the conferences ran out, so they are no more. 

But the society continues to meet.on a monthly basis most of the year. The members spend those meetings reading and discussing works by Chesterton.

For the past few months we have been reading The Ball and the Cross. We each take parts (including narrator) as we read. Tonight we read Chapters X and XI. 

I've read the book before, but there's something different about hearing it and sharing insights.

Much of he book involves an atheist and a devoutly religious man trying to have a duel - science vs. religion - but facing constant interference from the world. 

Of course it's full of silliness, social commentary, and plenty of vivid descriptions and wordplay.

Chesterton's novels are not his greatest works, but they are still well worth reading. My personal favorite is The Napoleon of Notting Hill.