STEUBENVILLE, OH—The life and philosophy of G.K. Chesterton, one of the greatest Catholic writers of the past century, will come to life at Franciscan University of Steubenville during a symposium championing Chesterton’s thought, held March 20-21, 2020.

“Who Is Chesterton?: A Symposium on the Chestertonian Way of Life” will examine Chesterton’s writings and beliefs on literature, politics, theology, social issues, and more to give Catholics a strong example to turn to in troubled times.

Chesterton (1874-1936) wrote over 100 books and 5,000 essays on social injustice, assaults on religion, attacks on the family, the decline of virtues, and other topics. Known for his sense of whimsy and wonder, Chesterton remains a beloved humorist for his quips, such as “Fallacies do not cease to be fallacies because they become fashions.”

“Chesterton can help Catholics understand that the problems we face today are not new, and that the answers to those problems are not new either,” says Franciscan University catechetics and theology major Joe Cherney, president of University’s Chesterton Society. Cherney is organizing the event as his senior capstone project for the University’s Center for Leadership Program.

The symposium will feature several breakout sessions on Chesterton’s public life, private life, and his skills in politics, mathematics, and other subjects. Keynote speakers will be Dale Ahlquist, president of the American Chesterton Society; Nancy Brown, the foremost expert on Chesterton’s wife, Frances; and Dr. Kirk Kanzelberger, Franciscan University philosophy professor and former president of the Seattle Chesterton Society.

Additionally, the symposium will show the premiere of “The Golden Key,” the first two episodes of a new EWTN miniseries on Chesterton, who is played by Professor John Walker of Franciscan University’s Theatre Department.

The symposium is sponsored by Franciscan University’s Chesterton Society. Registration is $50 and includes the keynotes, breakout sessions, and refreshments. Meals are not included. To register, visit the symposium registration page.