[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”1621380270″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41v7LLVuR7L._SL160_.jpg” width=”102″]Page 2: Robert Wild – The Tumbler of God
In the final chapters of this book, Wild utilizes still more evidence from Chesterton’s writings to perhaps explain exactly when Chesterton was “rescued by a mystical grace” (177). Chesterton’s writings on Job show great similarities between the Old Testament character and this prolific writer of the early 20th century. Wild proposes that Job’s questioning of God represents a time in Chesterton’s life where he experienced God’s grace and mystical beauty that changed his outlook on life.
This book provides more than adequate evidence to convince me of Chesterton’s mysticism; I would have been convinced with half the evidence he gave. It’s filled with varied academic sources that directly correlate to the subject. While there is something beneficial about having a lot of evidence to prove a point, I felt that the book was long-winded and repetitive. Also, the language was quite specific, and for someone unfamiliar with mysticism it will take some time before the reader understands the concept of mysticism. Chesterton scholars or those who have studied mysticism may like it, but if you’re looking for a little light reading, this book isn’t the one for you. That being said, in his purpose of proving Chesterton a mystic, Wild has surely succeeded.
While this book is quite repetitive and lengthy, it does introduce a daily appreciation for God’s physical creation. Wild explains Chesterton’s mysticism as one concerned with aesthetics. He saw God in worldly creation and beauty. Wild quotes Chesterton saying, “wooden posts…do startle me like miracles” (46). Something as simple as a wooden post fully captured Chesterton’s attention. This comes as a welcome reminder to praise God constantly for all He has blessed us with. Everything Chesterton saw led him back to God and His magnificent and constant creation. Every day is a new expression of God’s artistic and creative prowess. Robert Wild’s reminder to appreciate life given to us every day was encouraging and refreshing. May we all “tumble” into the Lord’s transformative grace and see the beauty of what He has given us.
C. Christopher Smith is the founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books. He is also author of a number of books, including most recently How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church (Brazos Press, 2019). Connect with him online at: C-Christopher-Smith.com
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