The Everlasting Man · Chapter
II: The Riddles of the Gospel explained
The author adopts a hypothetical rationalist perspective to read the Gospel story as if for the first time, arguing that a truly impartial reading leads to bewilderment that can only be resolved by belief.
What happens
The author adopts a hypothetical rationalist perspective to read the Gospel story as if for the first time, arguing that a truly impartial reading leads to bewilderment that can only be resolved by belief. He contends that the popular image of a mild and merciful Christ is largely a creation of the Church, while the Christ of the Gospels is far stranger and more terrifying. The chapter emphasizes that Christ's teachings, especially on marriage, were not conditioned by his time but are timeless and transcendent, challenging the notion that they are merely products of a bygone era.
Themes in this chapter
The Paradox of the Incarnation
The chapter explores the paradox that the Christ of the Gospels is both mild and terrifying, and that his teachings are both compassionate and demanding.
Historical Continuity and Renewal
The argument that Christ's teachings are not bound to his historical context but are timeless, challenging the idea of moral progress.
Critique of Rationalism and Materialism
The author critiques the rationalist assumption that Christ's ethics are outdated, showing that they are as challenging now as then.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Central figure of the Gospel story; portrayed as both merciful and terrifying, with teachings that transcend his historical context.
- Muhammad
Contrasted with Christ; his polygamous compromise is presented as conditioned by his society, unlike Christ's timeless teachings.
- Aristotle
Cited as a wise man who accepted slavery as natural, in contrast to Christ who spoke in a way that transcended social orders.
Key passages
“The figure in the Gospels does indeed utter in words of almost heartbreaking beauty his pity for our broken hearts. But they are very far from being the only sort of words that he utters.”
While Jesus speaks beautifully of compassion, he also says many other things that are not gentle.
Highlights the contrast between the popular image of a mild Jesus and the more complex, sometimes harsh figure in the Gospels.
“It is the historical religion that humanises it for us by experience of Franciscans or of Sisters of Mercy.”
The Church's tradition and saints make the strange sayings of Jesus more understandable and humane.
Emphasizes the role of the Church in interpreting and softening the radical teachings of Christ.
“Heaven and earth shall pass away; but my words shall not pass away.”
Jesus claimed that his teachings are eternal and will outlast the physical universe.
Illustrates the timeless and transcendent nature of Christ's words, central to the chapter's argument.