” Schall is inconceivable without Chesterton. In GKC Schall found a model for most of his writings.” Thus says Prof. Ralph McInerny in the Inaugral Schall Lecture at Georgetown University titled “There Was a Man! On Learning to be Free”.
McInerny on Schall
August 18, 2008Welcome to the Naptown Chesterton Society
June 17, 2008Welcome to G. K. Chesterton in Indianapolis!
I first read G.K. Chesterton in high school, probably the earlier years of high school. The earliest book I remember reading is Manalive. At that point of my life I was usually trying to be free of my two younger sisters so that I could read without interruption; and that was accomplished by climbing high up a chikoo tree where I could be left alone. There I was able to read undisturbed for several hours. So I developed an instant connection with Innocent Smith since he fell out of a tree. Much to my sisters indignation I never fell out of that tree.
Why Chesterton? In the mid-1990’s I was in a Bible study group that was mainly made up of Evangelicals, a couple of other Protestants and two of us who were (and still are) Catholic. I found myself having to defend my faith and started reading up on apologetics. I had also recently purchased my first computer and was frequently surfing the web. Soon I ended up at the web-site of the American Chesterton Society and the soon to be published Gilbert Magazine. I have subscribed to this illustrious publication since the 1st issue; I have spent too much on books by Chesterton and his friends; and I have found that Chesterton makes sense. He says it in plain language; he says it clearer than anyone else – unless they happen to be quoting Chesterton; and what he said is still applicable today.
Why now? For many years I have wanted to start a local Chesterton Society. And for many years I have fallen into long, refreshing naps contemplating the future Indianapolis Chesterton Society. After attending the 2008 Chesterton Conference I decided that it was now time to wake up. So here it is: The Indianapolis Chesterton Society.
Why “Naptown”? Because Chesterton enjoyed naps. If he enjoyed drawing in bed with chalk he certainly must have enjoyed napping. Chesterton would pick “Naptown”, celebrating that wonderful benefit that can be enjoyed by every man, over “Circle City”. I struggled with the latter. Chesterton vilified circles in his metaphors of the ball or circle (signifying eastern religions) under the cross (signifying Christianity). But if you call one point on the circle “home” you always keep returning home; and the flag of the City of Indianapolis symbolizes crossroads that meet at a circle. “Naptown”, to me, is also much more romantic than any of the other Indianapolis nicknames. And, because I decided to start this society, I get to choose and “Naptown Chesterton Society” it is. So there!
When do we meet? I don’t know yet. But if you let me know your interest we can figure out where and when. I expect our meetings would be at a local bookstore around Indianapolis (I do have some Chestertonian ideas as to where). I like Monday or Tuesday evenings and I think that a cadence of once a month would be best.
What should you do? Besides reading Chesterton (and his friends) you should e-mail me (naptowngkc@gmail.com) to let me know of your interest in this worthy endeavor.
John
