Barton interprets Jesus' life and message as if he lived in early 20 th century America. This results in a constant stream of strained anachronistic exegesis. Although Barton's imbalanced interpretation of Jesus may appear like an innocent oversight, his message ends up flawed because of it. Anything in the Christian life that demands careful, faithful, long-term devotion is open to the accusation of being an unnecessary encumbrance to the Gospel message. But this is misleading in relation to the nature of discipleship.
Relationships are difficult and demand time, patience, and sustained interest.
A relationship with the Lord is not exempt from the need for these qualities. Furthermore, a relationship with God's people and a commitment to God's gospel will call for even more sustained determination and long-suffering. These are hardly commendable elements of the gospel message when the focus is on marketability, simplicity, and brevity. It is hardly stretching matters to suggest that Bruce Barton and one of the most popular voices in American Evangelicalism, George Barna, are similar in perspective, message, and model. According to Barna the church is not only in a market but is itself a business.