The Everlasting Man

Chesterton claims that because the Christian church is unique in its claims, the practice of comparative religion is pointless. Do other faith traditions make claims that no other religion makes? Does this disprove Chesterton’s argument? Why or why not?

How does Chesterton make the case that belief in God is not purely theological, but that it is possible to argue for the existence of God on philosophical or cultural grounds?

Is Chesterton’s rhetoric persuasive and effective? Why or why not? Is there anything that he could have done differently to bolster his argument?

Chesterton states that pre-conceived notions and biases interfere with the ability to view the problem of history and religion objectively. Is objectivity desirable in the fields of philosophy and religion? Does Chesterton bring his own biases to his analysis of history?

What role does mythology play in the human pursuit of truth?

If religion claims to be the locus of ultimate truth, what role does philosophy play in the pursuit of religious truth?

Chesterton argues that faith and reason are ultimately compatible within Catholicism. Is this an accurate view of reason? Why or why not?

How does the study of history differ from the study of science? Do historical studies offer the same kind of truth as other fields of knowledge?