The Christian Imagination
author Thomas C. Peters
160 pages
The Art of G. K. Chesterton
Here is a new look at imagination and the arts from the point of view of one of Western civilization's most insightful observers - G. K. Chesterton. Gilbert Chesterton had the rare gift of being able to understand situations from the "inside" - that is, to see through the hidden assumptions, lapses in logic, and other follies of even his own social and occupational situations. He was a journalist, and yet an unsparing critic of journalism. He was a poet, a story-teller, a novelist, a playwright, and an illustrator. Among the most imaginative of men who ever lived, Chesterton had much of value to say about the arts, imagination, and the Christian faith.
Thomas Peters takes the reader on a guided tour of Chesterton's observations and opinions regarding human imagination and its various manifestations in the arts. Using ample quotations in order to let Chesterton speak for himself, Peters explores the master's views on imagination, culture, and the faith, as well as his fascinating opinions on everything from styles of painting to meter in poetry, from bohemian lifestyles to materialist philosophy, from singing at the bank to waiting for the train. Chesterton's views are sometimes sensitive and careful, sometimes raucous and brawling, sometimes predictable, sometimes surprising, but always enjoyable and thought-provoking.
The Christian Imagination explores the meaning of imagination and its origin in the greatest Creator of all. Chesterton has much to say about the sources of artistic genius and the way to keep those sources alive and vital.
Thomas Peters has been involved in public education for virually all his life. Dr. Peter's publications include Battling for the Modern Mind: A Beginner's Chesterton and Simply C.S. Lewis: A Beginner's Guide to His Life and Works.
"Like C.S. Lewis, Chesterton was always being surprised by joy. Yet, as this study shows, he also delighted in the joy of surprise, the recurrent 'wonder at not wondering'. Thomas C. Peters takes the reader on a tour of Chesterton's wonder-filled imagination, offering many examples of 'Topsy-turvy Giant's' jocualr genius. The Christian Imagination is sub-titled 'G.K. Chesterton on the Arts' but it is of equal value as an exposition of the Art of G.K. Chesterton." - Joseph Pearce
