05 September 2010

Father Brown on Christian Forgiveness

As many people know, I love mystery stories - especially stories that are part of a mystery series featuring a specific detective or detective group (e.g., Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Nero Wolf, Spenser, Ellery Queen, Miss Marple).

One mystery series was written by G. K. Chesterton. Often thought of as a writer on serious subjects (e.g.,philosophy and Christian apologetics), he also wrote a variety of other forms of literature, including mystery stories. Chesterton wrote 52 short stories featuring a Roman Catholic priest, Father J. Brown, as the detective called upon to solve a mystery. In the course of shedding light on the problem, Father Brown, often described as short and stumpy, with shapeless clothes and a large umbrella, would also bring forth some truths related to Catholicism in particular or to Christianity in general.

Today I read "The Chief Mourner of Marne," one of these Father Brown stories. In this story, Father Brown explains the difference between human charity and Christian charity when it comes to forgiveness, especially forgiveness of those persons who do things considered really indefensible, people who often really need consolation.

To read this story, please visit:

     G. K. Chesterton: The Chief Mourner of Marne

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