The Everlasting Man · Chapter
III: The Strangest Story in the World explained
This chapter emphasizes the unique and original nature of the Gospel story, arguing that Christianity introduced revolutionary ideas such as the exaltation of childhood and the paradoxical humanity and divinity of Christ.
What happens
This chapter emphasizes the unique and original nature of the Gospel story, arguing that Christianity introduced revolutionary ideas such as the exaltation of childhood and the paradoxical humanity and divinity of Christ. It contrasts the wandering life of Jesus with that of pagan sages, highlighting the purposeful, dramatic journey toward sacrifice and the climactic events of his passion.
Themes in this chapter
Uniqueness of Christianity
The chapter argues that the Gospel introduced original ideas like the exaltation of childhood and the paradoxical nature of Christ.
The Paradox of the Incarnation
Explores how Christ is both human and divine, and how his humanity is 'more than human.'
The Fall and Redemption of Man
The narrative of Christ's journey and sacrifice is framed as a redemptive quest, culminating in his death.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Central figure; his teachings, miracles, and sacrificial journey are examined as unique and superhuman.
- Socrates
Mentioned as a contrast to Christ; Socrates' death is seen as a muddle, while Christ's death is a purposeful sacrifice.
- St. Francis of Assisi
Referenced in the analogy that Death was the bride of Christ as Poverty was the bride of St. Francis.
- Apollonius
Contrasted with Christ; Apollonius vanishes by magic, whereas Christ faces his judgment without vanishing.
Key passages
“That Christ was and is the most merciful of judges and the most sympathetic of friends is a fact of considerably more importance in our own private lives than in anybody’s historical speculations.”
Christ's mercy and friendship matter more personally than any historical theories.
Highlights the personal relevance of Christ's character over academic debate.
“The exaltation of childhood is something which we do really understand; but it was by no means a thing that was then in that sense understood.”
We now value childhood, but this was not appreciated in ancient times.
Emphasizes the originality of the Gospel's view of children.
“It is fitting that the New Man or the Second Adam should repeat in so ringing a voice and with so arresting a gesture the great fact which came first in the original story: that man differs from the brutes by everything, even by deficiency; that he is in a sense less normal and even less native; a stranger upon the earth.”
Christ, as the Second Adam, declares that humanity is fundamentally different from animals, even in its weaknesses, and is a stranger on earth.
Connects Christ's teaching to the idea of human uniqueness and alienation.
“We are meant to feel that Death was the bride of Christ as Poverty was the bride of St. Francis.”
Christ's relationship with death is like St. Francis's embrace of poverty.
Illustrates the purposeful and romantic view of Christ's sacrifice.