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Available
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Description
Classic Literature. Fiction. Humor (Fiction.) HTML: Only G.K. Chesterton could tackle some of the most persistent and complex questions about the Christian faith in such an engaging format. The Ball and the Cross presents a surprisingly good-humored take on timeless debates about faith, pairing plenty of witty repartee with deep and penetrating philosophical insights..
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Publication
Independently published (2020), 148 pages
User reviews
LibraryThing member the_awesome_opossum
The Ball and the Cross begins with a challenge of faith and honor - the pious Catholic Evan MacIan is so incensed by James Turnbull's skepticism about the origins of Christianity that he smashes one of his windows and they agree to settle the matter with a duel. The conflict gets thwarted at every
So, in a peculiar way, the two become comrades, united by passion in an anti-septic and passionless world. Chesterton never spoonfeeds the reader a conclusion, much less a Moral, but he does open up avenues of religious dialogue.
Plus, the book is terribly funny, with satire enough for everyone to appreciate. It has such a surprisingly modern feel to it, impressive since it was written a century ago. The issues touched upon are still discussed and relevant, and the religious versus the non-religious are (perhaps sadly) still treading the same ground today.
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turn though; the entire country becomes embroiled, if a little bit baffledly, in the duel - nobody has witnessed such sincere fervor about personal beliefs as MacIan and Turnbull both possess.So, in a peculiar way, the two become comrades, united by passion in an anti-septic and passionless world. Chesterton never spoonfeeds the reader a conclusion, much less a Moral, but he does open up avenues of religious dialogue.
Plus, the book is terribly funny, with satire enough for everyone to appreciate. It has such a surprisingly modern feel to it, impressive since it was written a century ago. The issues touched upon are still discussed and relevant, and the religious versus the non-religious are (perhaps sadly) still treading the same ground today.
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LibraryThing member Zathras86
Chesterton gives us the archetypal Christian and the archetypal atheist, embroiled in a series of exciting and often hilarious adventures throughout England as they try to find somewhere to duel in peace.
Chesterton's characters are so passionate and full of joy in life that while they are not
I was struck by the subtler point made throughout the novel that the sincerity of one's belief is much more important than holding the "correct" belief. This is an idea that also crops up in C. S. Lewis's work (unsurprising, since Lewis was heavily influenced by Chesterton) and which would serve us well in today's world where arguments over whose religion is the "correct" one are the source of so much division, anger, and violence.
Chesterton's characters are so passionate and full of joy in life that while they are not
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particularly realistic, I always get the sense that they are what people should be if they would only be true to themselves and to what is really important. For the most part I think Chesterton fairly presents both sides of the theism/atheism argument; the book's ending, while a bit over-the-top in full Chestertonian style (don't worry, I won't give it away), satisfyingly suggests that the question is one that must be solved through personal experience rather than debate - although as the book shows, both sides have a lot to learn through such debate as well.I was struck by the subtler point made throughout the novel that the sincerity of one's belief is much more important than holding the "correct" belief. This is an idea that also crops up in C. S. Lewis's work (unsurprising, since Lewis was heavily influenced by Chesterton) and which would serve us well in today's world where arguments over whose religion is the "correct" one are the source of so much division, anger, and violence.
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LibraryThing member michigantrumpet
The Ball and the Cross follows Evan MacIan, a devout Catholic, and James Turnbull, an ardent atheist, on an engaging romp throughout England as they attempt to find a quiet spot to fight to the death over the supremacy of their respective ideologies. Satire, humor and solid writing follow as
Published in
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various adventures and assorted characters interrupt their immolatory efforts. Despite, or even because of, their differences, they come to like and respect the other, even as they vow to run him through with a sword. Published in
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LibraryThing member la2bkk
I was disappointed in this work on many levels. On a positive note, the general story line is an interesting concept. However, Chesterton's writing style is dated and sometimes tedious, and many of his attempts at witty dialogue and/or compelling debate over religion versus atheism fall short. His
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preposterous ending did not help either. Show Less
LibraryThing member ben_a
Chesteron's virtues, as always, swamp his vices. With Chesterton you always get fair play to the enemy when you don't expect it, and vivid, unforgettable moments: the sunlight shining into the back lot behind the shop, the doomed duel in the canyon filled by the tide, the repulsive Magdalen fellow
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with the south sea idol in his garden. Not ultimately, as successful as his other great, strange dreams (Thursday, Napoleon of Notting Hill), but that's a high standard. Show Less
LibraryThing member OLibrary
MacIan, a fiery Catholic, breaks the windows of the Ludgate Hill offices of The Atheist, incensed by one of its editorials, and determined to challenge its editor, Turnbull, to a duel. Thwarted at every turn in their attempts to fight, they continue their mad journey in search of solitude to the
Introduction by Paul Jennings
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accompanimnet of continual debate, from which they come to recognise the validity of each other's position. Only an apocalyptic ending resolves the tensions of their relationship, in one of Chesterton's most individual novels, where passionate religious debate is combined with adventures in the high picaresque tradition.Introduction by Paul Jennings
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Subjects
Original publication date
1909
Copyright 1906
Physical description
148 p.; 9 inches