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This Week in Christian History: GK Chesterton, a Jesuit Death, Beatles Controversy

G.K. Chesterton Converts to Catholicism - July 30, 1922

Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874—1936), notable prolific writer and lay theologian.
Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874—1936), notable prolific writer and lay theologian. | (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

This week marks the anniversary of when prolific British writer G. K. Chesterton converted to Roman Catholicism at age 48.

"Chesterton's wife, Frances, was a devout adherent of the Anglo-Catholic wing of Anglicanism, and their marriage in 1901 drew him into the fold," noted the Catholic publication Our Sunday Visitor in a 2011 piece.

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"But not, at least not quickly, into the Catholic Church. Although Chesterton was a resolutely orthodox Christian, he journeyed to Rome slowly — apparently for fear of upsetting his wife — and did not become a Catholic until July 30, 1922. Frances Chesterton soon converted, too."

The American Chesterton Society estimates that in his life, G. K. wrote hundreds of poems, approximately 200 short stories, over 4,000 news articles, and about 100 books, one of which, titled The Everlasting Man, is credited with influencing a young C.S. Lewis to become a Christian.

"Chesterton argued eloquently against all the trends that eventually took over the 20th century: materialism, scientific determinism, moral relativism, and spineless agnosticism," noted the Society.

"He defended 'the common man' and common sense. He defended the poor. He defended the family. He defended beauty. And he defended Christianity and the Catholic Faith."

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