In His Steps Study Guide			Study Guide #1 - Ch. 1-4 Study Guide #2 - Ch. 5-8 Study Guide #3 - Ch. 9-12 Study Guide #4 - Ch. 13-17 Study Guide #5 - Ch. 18-22 Study Guide #6 - Ch. 23-27 Study Guide #7 - Ch. 28-31 Business Ethics Homepage Mark Peacock's Homepage
Milligan College Business Ethics BADM 421			Copyright Gospel Films, Inc - www.reverendfun.com

Chapter 1 - The Tramp

In what ways was the "tramp" a Christ-like figure?

What’s ironic about Rev. Maxwell’s first meeting with the tramp?

Is First Church typical of most churches in America today? Explain.

It has been suggested that all of Jesus’ teachings can be neatly summarized in the following words, "follow me." What do you think Jesus meant when He said that? What is the tramp’s definition of following Jesus?

If you saw someone in the same state as the tramp was when he fell down, would you ever dream of taking him into your house to care for him? Do you believe that Jesus comes to us in forms we don’t expect? (See Mt. 25:31-40)

If your minister were to give the same challenge to your church as Rev. Maxwell’s, how would you respond? Explain.

Rev. Maxwell said that he would not dare to undertake such a pledge on his own. Why is community so vital in such an undertaking?

On what basis does Rev. Maxwell say they will be able to determine what Jesus would do?

Little is said about the individual motives of the volunteers. Does motive matter in deciding to follow Jesus? What were the original disciples’ motives? Discuss.

Why do you think Clark feels that Norman’s decision to follow Christ will ruin the newspaper?

Clark says that "to succeed in the newspaper business we have got to conform to custom and the recognized methods of society." Do you agree? Explain.

Norman felt the inclusion of tobacco and liquor ads contrary to his pledge and phased them out of his publication. Suppose you own a grocery store. Would you carry such products on your shelves? Discuss.

Norman is a sole proprietor (one without partners’ or shareholders’ interests to consider), does this make following Jesus easier or more difficult? Why?

STUDY GUIDE #2 – CH. 5-8

Mr. Norman decides to forego publication of a Sunday paper. Similarly, the local restaurant "Chick-fil-a" is closed on Sunday, missing out on the after-church crowd. Do you agree with this policy? As Christians, should we be eating out and shopping on Sundays? Discuss.

What does Alexander Powers, the railroad superintendent, endeavor to provide his workers? What is his attitude toward his employees?

Mr. Powers comes into possession of clear and convincing evidence of antitrust violations by his employer. He feels the tug of various loyalties – employer, family, society, and Christ. What would you do in his position? Why?

Rachel decides not to accept the lucrative professional singing offers because she feels that "Jesus would never use any talent like a good voice just to make money." You, too, have been gifted with special talents and abilities, and a college education. Is the best use of these blessings to make money? Explain.

Madam and Rollin Page make the argument that Rachel’s voice belongs to a larger audience than that of Raymond and First church – Rachel bristles at such a notion, why?

Virginia’s grandmother, Madam Page, characterizes Rev. Maxwell’s proposition as "implacable," "absurd" and "foolish". Why do think that it is often our families that hinder our own Christian action and growth? If you took the pledge, what would be your families’ response?

What is Rachel’s main reason for rejecting Rollin’s advances?

Rachel, accustomed to a life of ease, comfort and pleasure, is herself convicted by her judgment of Rollin. She cries out, "I want to do something that will cost me in the way of sacrifice. . . . I am hungry to suffer for something." Do you have a desire to experience a personal sacrifice, to suffer for Christ? Explain.

Where is the Rectangle in your world? Where does Jesus call you to follow despite the cost?

In what ways is Rev. Maxwell becoming more and more like the "shabby tramp" of Chapter 1?

Mr. Norman’s actions are taken without regard to the effects on the bottom line. Instead, he considers only his obedience to Christ. Is this any way to run a business? Discuss.

In Mr. Norman’s praise of Mr. Power’s resignation and whistle blowing he says there are times when an employee’s responsibility to society comes before loyalty to his employer. Do you agree? Discuss.

Albert Carr stated, "A sudden submission to Christian ethics by businessmen would bring about the greatest economic upheaval in history." In light of our reading, was he right? Discuss.

Mr. Powers finds a contradiction in the railroad business. What is it?

Milton Wright’s idea to personalize and deepen his relations with his employees may not seem so revolutionary today as it was in the 1890's. Is the best rationale for this type of participative management higher profits? Explain.

In what ways have you suffered for Christ?

What responsibilities or duties does a Christian, specifically a Christian businessperson, owe to his community? Why do "good" people avoid politics?

President Marsh said that one’s education must include some element of suffering and sacrifice. Are you being taught these principles? How?

The saloon and political corruption are viewed as the main threats to the city. What would you say are the main agents of social corruption and individual ruin today? How would Jesus have you respond?

In what ways where the ‘slumming’ ladies, including Virginia, the real outcasts?

Who or what did Madam Page value more than Loreen?

Norman says, "A great many men would lose vast sums of money under the present system of business if this rule of Jesus was honestly applied." Do you agree? Why?

Are Christians reliable supporters of other Christians in business when they are trying to do the right thing? (Or are they likely to go past their business to save an extra penny on a gallon of gas?) Discuss.

Does the definition of stewardship we see in this chapter differ from that found (or taught) in most churches today? Explain.

The small cadre of Christians at the tent were accused by the Rectangle of being "Aristocrats". What is an aristocrat? Is this label deserved when Christians take a stand in society? Discuss.

Who is guilty of murder, in the author’s opinion? Do you agree? What responsibility does "Christian America" have for the despair and death which occurs in our community?

The Saloon’s victory over the election and Loreen is mourned. But is stopping the saloon the real problem? What are the causes that drive people to the Saloon? How can we, as a church, impact them?

Much was made of the outward show of emotion during church and at the funeral. Why is this significant? What keeps people from showing such emotion?

Rachel, encouraged by Virginia, feels called to organize a "Musical Institute". This will be her "life’s work". Is it possible for people to be called to enter business? Can business be considered a ministry? Discuss fully.

In what way did Rev. Maxwell lay down his life for his fellow man?

Jasper Chase, who was one of the original members to take the pledge, fails to do as Jesus would do. Contrast him to the others who took the pledge. Is there anything that led to his failure to do as Jesus would do? Explain.

How has Rollin’s life been affected by taking the pledge?

Do you agree with the author that young professionals are forgotten by our churches? Explain.

This chapter (and the next) retells the story up to this point. How long has it been since the pledge was first taken?

What has happened to those at First Church who did not take the pledge? Why has this happened?

What one piece of surprising news is found toward the end of this chapter?

Has anyone totally abandoned all possessions? Why or why not?

What keeps us from holding "all things in common" like the early disciples? Is this a goal we should have for the church today? Why or why not?

How are the sisters, Felicia and Rose, different?

What bit of irony does Felicia point out to her sister who is eager to see the drama, Shadows of London?

Rose seems to allude to (and hide behind) Jesus’ comment, "The poor you will always have with you." (Mt. 26:11) Is this a valid defense for not getting involved with the poor? Explain.

What impact did Shadows of London have on its audience?

How is Mr. Sterling portrayed in Chapters 21 and 22?

Dr. Bruce warns his congregation that following Jesus will mean complete change, social loss, loss of money and suffering. Is this the message we give visitors to our churches? Should we?

Rose is angry because Dr. Bruce has provoked a disturbance and that Felicia has responded to his "absurd," "fanatical" request. She said the pledge will split the church, why? What reason does she give for not taking the pledge?

What was the "triple blow" the Sterling’s suffered? Why did Mr. Sterling do what he did? What is the author’s explanation?

How do Rose and Felicia react to the news and to the changes which later occur? Put yourself in their shoes, would your own reaction to such a tremendous tragedy be more like Rose’s or Felicia’s? How would Christ react?

The Bishop says that the misery, sin and selfishness of the city "appalled" his heart. Are you appalled by the sin in our city and in our world? If so, what appalls you?

Both Dr. Bruce and the Bishop feel they are not following Jesus in their current positions. How is it possible to be in full-time ministry and not be following Jesus?

The author rebukes Christians, noting the exhibition of actual suffering for Jesus provokes astonishment among Christians as being something unusual and fanatical. Should Christians really be fanatics? Discuss.

What is Felicia, a child of privilege, doing now?

What is the gospel or "Good News" that the Bishop shares with Burns and his companion in this chapter?

Do you think we miss opportunities to follow Jesus because we listen to common sense too much? (For example, most sensible people wouldn’t hang around after being mugged to talk about ‘the new life in Christ’ with the muggers.) Does ‘following Jesus’ require that we put aside our common sense and rationality? Explain.

In what ways can you relate to Burns sweeping the steps?

Dr. Bruce asked Clayton if he thought it was okay for a Christian to rent his property for a saloon. This raises the question, is it okay for a Christian to invest his money in companies which sell tobacco and alcohol (ex. RJR Nabisco, Anheiser-Busch)? In the realm of investments are we quick to let "a little earthly gain tempt [us] into a denial [of Christ]"? Discuss.

Do you think people continue to give what hurts them least? Is charity the giving of worn out garments and toys?

Chapter 29 - Contradictions

Mr. Penrose, a church member, owned the house the dead man lived in. They were noted to be the worst kind. Penrose’s daughter asked him, "Do you own any houses the poor live in? Are they warm like ours?" What was his immediate and ultimate response?

During the meeting, a carpenter stood up and asked what the author said was a terrible question. What was the question and what made it so terrible? How would you respond if asked such a question?

The crowd listed a number of specific causes for societies’ ills. List three of them.

Various accusations were made at the meeting, such as, "Don’t expect sacrifice from church people. They are just as selfish, greedy for money and success as anybody." Is this true in your experience? Give examples either way.

It is clear the author strongly feels that Christian business men owe a great duty to society. What does this duty mean for you specifically as you prepare to enter business? Discuss.

Describe what the author calls "nominal Christianity."

Out of all the characters in the book, who did you most relate to? Why?

What would Jesus do differently in your life than you do?

 

Acknowledgement:
My thanks to Richard L. Kuhn of the Langdale United Methodist Church in Valley, Alabama for his encouragement and contributions to this study guide.

05.14.05