37 pages • 1 hour read
Bruce BartonThe Man Nobody Knows
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1924A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Summary
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Key Figures
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Tools
BetaEssay Topics
Was the primary purpose of the author of The Man Nobody Knows to convert American businessmen to Christianity or to justify American business practices by linking them to Jesus’ principles? Provide textual support for your conclusion.
Compare and contrast Barton’s characterizations of Jesus and President Abraham Lincoln. How are they similar and how do they differ?
Do you think that Barton’s revisionist portrayal of Jesus as “the founder of modern business” is as false as the earlier depictions of Jesus as a pale, flabby, and weak man? Why or why not?
What aspects of the modern world of business does Barton critique with his characterization of Judas in the book? Strengthen your argument with textual support.
According to Barton, what principles does Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well exemplify? Support your answer with evidence from the text.
Why is the assumption that Jesus did not know everything that was going to happen in his life from the beginning significant for Barton’s narrative?
Barton asserts that “the spirit of modern business” (165-166) is the same principle of service that Jesus preached hundreds of years ago. Do you agree with that linkage? Why or why not?
Explain Barton’s statements that Jesus’ idea is “the basis of all revolt, all democracy” (96) and “theology has reared a graven image” (58) of Jesus.
Why does Barton compare Jesus’ ambitious program to preach the Gospel around the world to Elias Howe’s attempt to market a new product? Is this a fair comparison? Why or why not?
Why does Barton argue that Jesus has a “right to be the silent partner in every modern business; to sit at the head of every director’s table” (188)? Do you agree with him? Why or why not? Develop your response with textual references.
