Belloc, Baring And My Introduction

In my Introductory blog post, my 7th post chronologically speaking, it may seem to some that Belloc was a bit harsh to Maurice Baring at their first meeting in what he said. Belloc told Maurice Baring (a non-Catholic son of one of Europe's most celebrated banking houses) that he would certainly go to hell. What Baring wrote to Belloc many years later, in 1934 needs to be remembered if we are to engage in fruitful ecumenical dialogue.

“I realise and give thanks for the privilege of having known you; and be sure of this, but for you I should never have come into the Church: you were the lighthouse that showed me the way, the beacon; and once I was there you remained a tower of strength in times or moments of difficulty, and we both agree that that is the only thing that matters.”

An Introduction

I have just noticed that new bloggers seem to start with their reasons for blogging. I did not: Firstly, GK Chesterton once said something about every man needing his own newspaper, like every man needs a swimming pool; both for swimming about in no doubt, so I have a blog!

And secondly, I have a blog so that I can engage in ecumenical dialogue a la Belloc, who, at their first meeting told Maurice Baring (a non-Catholic son of one of Europe's most celebrated banking houses) that he would certainly go to hell. Twelve years later and Maurice entered the One True Church. Success!