In His Steps

Mar 25, 2012 Princesskelly rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Princesskelly by: Julie

I must confess that all of my life I have heard the phrase “What Would Jesus Do,” but was rather clueless about where it came from or what it meant. I’ve seen those words while stuck in traffic on quite possibly thousands of bumper stickers over my lifetime, but honestly never understood what the heck “WWJD?” actually meant. It never occurred to me that it stemmed from an amazingly popular book written in the 1800’s, or that it ignited a revolution in the way that people viewed Christianity and...more I must confess that all of my life I have heard the phrase “What Would Jesus Do,” but was rather clueless about where it came from or what it meant. I’ve seen those words while stuck in traffic on quite possibly thousands of bumper stickers over my lifetime, but honestly never understood what the heck “WWJD?” actually meant. It never occurred to me that it stemmed from an amazingly popular book written in the 1800’s, or that it ignited a revolution in the way that people viewed Christianity and society. Waves of embarrassment for my own ignorance washed over me when this book appeared on the syllabus for a graduate school course I am taking this semester as I thought to myself, “Wow, there’s a whole book about this?” Decades of self-inflicted naiveté were about to come to an end.

“In His Steps” was written in 1897 by Charles Sheldon, and quickly catapulted to the top of Bestseller Lists while simultaneously launching a cultural and religious phenomenon. The book examines what the world would be like if everyone paused to ask the question “What Would Jesus Do” before they went about their daily lives, with the goal of following the steps that Jesus might take if he were faced with the same issues and dilemmas. “In His Steps” is a story about the tiny American town of Raymond, where members of the posh First Church undertook a revolutionary pledge that transformed their understanding of Christianity, discipleship, and humanity. Under the leadership of their pastor, Henry Maxwell, the lives of some of the most prominent members of town are turned upside down in their quest to be better Disciples of Christ.

Sheldon craft fully weaves the stories of several compelling characters that grapple with their understanding of what it means to imitate Jesus. First, we meet the creator of the movement, Henry Maxwell, the pastor at First Church. At the beginning of the book, Maxwell emerges as a tightly wound snob who is only interested in his own agenda. After committing to ask the question “What Would Jesus Do,” and following the course of action, Maxwell undergoes what his friends and colleagues call “a crisis of character” that takes him on a spiritual journey to the poorest part of town where he tackles the ills of society: poverty, crime, and drunkenness. On his way, he counsels and guides his congregation as they embark on their own spiritual journey and struggle with the meaning of such a commitment.

With each character, Sheldon unveils a glimpse into how the movers and shakers of society would conduct their business or industry as Jesus might: the media, the artist, the heiress, the playboy, the merchant, the big businessman, the academic, and the wealthy clergy. Sheldon covers almost every facet of industry with intricate characters that are easy to understand. We meet Edward Norman, the wealthy editor of “the News” who tries to run his newspaper as he believes Jesus would. Norman takes some heat for getting rid of the smut and sensationalism in the media, while the reader worries for his suffering and cheers for his success at revolutionizing the media. Sheldon introduces two artists, Rachel Winslow the singer, and Jasper Chase the author. Each artist takes on their own understanding of what Jesus would do with an amazing talent; would he use the gift for monetary gain, or use it for the benefit of mankind? Sheldon shows us the elite of society in Virginia and Rollin Page. Virginia, the heiress, grapples with what Jesus would do with a million dollars, while Rollin, the playboy, questions how Jesus would spend his time if he never had to work.

As each character sets off on their own unique journey, the reader gets a sense of the personal and spiritual transformation that each character experiences. While these characters face minimal suffering as a result of their commitment to take the pledge, Sheldon unfolds an uglier side of the movement through other characters. Alexander Powers, the wealthy and powerful “Superintendent,” thinks his journey begins with the question of how Jesus would treat his employees, but quickly faces an even bigger question: what would Jesus do if he had evidence that illegal activity was going on in his own business? Sheldon shows the reader the amount of suffering Powers faces when he loses his job, his family, and his status in society in his effort to walk with Jesus. It is this kind of suffering that the characters in the book reveal to be the pinnacle of Christian discipleship.

It is truly Sheldon’s ability to create such wonderfully complex yet seemingly generic characters that make this book so fun to read. Sheldon masterfully weaves each character’s individual storyline back into the main plot of the story, reminding the reader that are own lives are often entangled with the people we see every day but never truly know well enough to form a bond or common identity with. Sheldon is a dynamic storyteller who doesn’t fail to spice the story up with romance, suspense, drama, crime, or emotion; traits you wouldn’t expect in a religious book written in the 1800’s. Sheldon entices the reader to keep turning the page with well-placed cliffhangers and vivid foreshadowing as to what might happen next.

Ironically, Sheldon’s biggest strength is also his biggest weakness. He takes such care in crafting such amazing characters in the first eight chapters of the book, only to completely abandon them for the last three. For the last few chapters of the book, Sheldon moves his story to the big city of Chicago where a new cast of characters emerge with the resolve to take the pledge. While these characters are certainly lovely and reveal compelling stories, they seem very rushed and lack the same attention to detail that the earlier characters have. It’s almost like Sheldon “got stuck” and didn’t know how to wrap up the book without completely changing things up and taking on “the big city” or “insider” perspective.

I really enjoyed “In His Steps,” and am so glad that I finally understand what all those bumper stickers mean! I am truly stunned at the worldwide audience that has embraced this book written over a century ago. It’s rare to find anything that people are still talking about a century later; much less one that still inspires people to put a sticker on their car or buy a t-shirt bearing the words. While this book does not provide the answers for living a better life, it does make you stop and think about how the world would look if everyone took a minute to live more morally and ethically. If you’re looking for the answers to deep Christian questions, you will not find them in this book. However, what you will find is a great little book with some really fun characters traveling on a spiritual transformation that causes them to open their eyes to society, which compels them to burst out of their bubbles and do something better for the world instead of themselves.
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Dec 28, 2007 Beth rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My favorite verse for several months now has been 1 John 2:6: "Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." Charles Sheldon shows in In His Steps what serious attempts to constantly "walk as Jesus did" might look like in real life. It was inspiring to read about what happened in the lives of the characters who agreed to do nothing for a whole year without first asking what Jesus would do in their situation, or how he would do it. I think it would be neat to write a book modeled after I...more

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Feb 01, 2008 Joshua M rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Any serious christian

I just reread this classic for the third time, and just as always it shook up my view of christianity. It is a novel about a pastor that challenges his church not to do anything without first asking "What would Jesus do?" As each of the doctors, buisnessman, authors, newspapaer editors, etc... do this very thing, it begins to shake up not only their lives but the enviroment of the town in which they live. Ultimately, the movement begins to spread to other cities and states. I wonder what would...more

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Apr 10, 2011 Shannon rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have actually read this before for a Christian Ethics class, but I am currently re-reading it.

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Jul 07, 2012 D.M. Dutcher rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian, classic

This is a badly written book that manages to become a classic through a powerful idea: that if people took a pledge to live like Jesus would if He lived their lives, everything would change.

Henry Maxwell is a well-to-do preacher who is accosted by a tramp looking for work as he composes his sermon. Soon it's Sunday, and he is preaching that sermon in front of his rich and successful congregation. But he is interrupted by that same tramp, who is determined to have his say before he dies.

That tr...more This is a badly written book that manages to become a classic through a powerful idea: that if people took a pledge to live like Jesus would if He lived their lives, everything would change.

Henry Maxwell is a well-to-do preacher who is accosted by a tramp looking for work as he composes his sermon. Soon it's Sunday, and he is preaching that sermon in front of his rich and successful congregation. But he is interrupted by that same tramp, who is determined to have his say before he dies.

That tramp punctures the balloon of their comfortable lives and forces Maxwell to evaluate his faith. After the tramp's death Maxwell challenges his congregation to take a one year vow to live like Jesus would in their lives, and many of them answer that call.

The book is preachy, hectoring, often shallow in it's character motivations, follows a dated idea of "demon rum" which seems absurd to modern people, and isn't structured well as a book. I'd give it one star if I weren't a Christian, and I think it would deserve it. It does have some flashes of skill: the character of Rollin Page is very well done, as is the reactions of Felicia's sister Rose. The prose can be clear, and doesn't read like a nineteenth century novel most of the time. But these flashes are few and far between.

However the idea shines through, and if you are a Christian, it forces you to be thoughtful and consider it closely. For a Christian, one of the great goals in life is to emulate Jesus and his submission to God's will. When this desire comes into contact with the desire to have a modern comfortable life, the latter is often the one that wins. Even our genuine submission isn't done to our discomfort. We are good to a limit.

This book reverses that and asks what would people do otherwise? Of course, this is being asked through the mindset of wealthy people who believe in a social gospel and changing the environment as well as ministering to people. The answers each character must face can seem silly: the editor of the local paper decides not to cover boxing or put out a Sunday edition, soul-crushing decisions indeed for a modern person. They may even be harmful. There's a bad undercurrent of loving suffering, and that is worrisome. You can't love suffering in itself; the point of Jesus's sacrifice on the cross is that because of love and duty, He suffered. He didn't go around hoping God would crucify Him early.

Still, the earnestness and often thoughtful nature of the idea shines through. Rollin Page was a dissolute young man who lost the love of his life only to regain her. He felt real, especially when he said that his cross was to stay in the same high society and minister to the fey, educated, debauched friends he used to have. Felicia's sister Rose is a cynical young woman, and her reactions are to the point. The questions have even more power now, when we live under the 1%. What would happen if that 1% found Jesus and tried to live as He commanded?

You can see this same thoughtfulness in the reviews here. Whether they love or hate this book there are suprisingly thoughtful reviews and responses to it, and it's a credit to a book as bad as this that it forces people to look at it enough to do so. You might suffer through bad preaching and some dated ideas from pre-Prohibition life, but you might find little things in it to make you think. It's worth reading at least one or twice for a Christian.(less)

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Apr 14, 2012 Dan Glover rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a "classic" of Christian social gospel, Finneyesque, religion. From the pretty young woman in the dimly lit tent meetings whose beautiful haunting singing makes hardened alcoholics break down weeping and come forward for an altar call to the crusading church folk whose efforts get local saloons shut down, this is the original WWJD - What Would Jesus Do? But that is the wrong question to ask. The questions disciples of Christ ought to ask are What Did Jesus Do? (in his life, death, resurr...more This is a "classic" of Christian social gospel, Finneyesque, religion. From the pretty young woman in the dimly lit tent meetings whose beautiful haunting singing makes hardened alcoholics break down weeping and come forward for an altar call to the crusading church folk whose efforts get local saloons shut down, this is the original WWJD - What Would Jesus Do? But that is the wrong question to ask. The questions disciples of Christ ought to ask are What Did Jesus Do? (in his life, death, resurrection and ascension and ongoing reign) and then What Would Jesus Have Me Do? It is not a legitimate question for a 32 year old house wife and mother of 3 or a 81 year old retired business man or a 7 year old to ask them selves that, if Jesus were in their shoes at this particular moment and faced with their particular circumstance, what he would do. He never was and never will be in their shoes and they never are and never will be in his. He is God's own Son, the Messiah set apart for the mission of the redemption of the world from before the foundation of the earth, the second person of the Trinity, the one who bore the sins of all his people in his body on the cross and then rose again so that the power of sin, death and hell could be broken and the curse ultimately undone as he works through the Church, his Bride, to make all things new. He is, in a word, rather unique. So the proper question to ask is what the Lord of the universe would have us do as his followers, his disciples, his ambassadors and preachers. We are to be imitators of Christ, yes, but that is not truly what the characters in this book are doing. They are turning an immoral town into a moralistic town largely through "seeker" manipulation techniques invented by Charles Finney and other worksy evangelists rather than preaching the gospel and letting the Holy Spirit use the Word of God to convict and regenerate sinners and turn them into disciples. The gospel of Sheldon was too much of the "don't drink, don't chew and don't go with the girls who do".(less)

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Mar 24, 2012 NebraskaIcebergs rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In His Steps has long been one of my favorite Christian novels. Upon reading it for the first time in my teens, I tried for a long time to live by the question asked of its characters: “What would Jesus do?” While I don’t remember the results of my attempts, I do recall having long conversations with my dad about how as a Christian I should approach writing fiction. Thus, I felt both apprehensive and excited at the chance to read In His Steps again for our family book discussion. Anytime I rerea...more In His Steps has long been one of my favorite Christian novels. Upon reading it for the first time in my teens, I tried for a long time to live by the question asked of its characters: “What would Jesus do?” While I don’t remember the results of my attempts, I do recall having long conversations with my dad about how as a Christian I should approach writing fiction. Thus, I felt both apprehensive and excited at the chance to read In His Steps again for our family book discussion. Anytime I reread a novel that I’ve first encountered years ago, I worry that it won’t hold the same appeal. Yet remembering how much In His Steps had impacted me as a Christian, I really wanted to still love it. For the most part, I do.

A lot of interesting stuff happens in the all-important first chapter. For example, the first scene always grabs me. It’s Friday morning and the Reverend Henry Maxwell is trying to prepare his Sunday morning sermon. He’s been interrupted several times and thus is growing nervous. It’s such a tiny incident, yet one to which I fully relate because of how frustrated I feel when my work is interrupted. Next comes an ironic moment. The Reverend is writing about how Christians should follow in Jesus’s steps, when a shabbily dressed man knocks on his door. Although the Reverend is polite about it, he basically tells him he doesn’t have time to deal with his needs and so loses the chance to minister as Jesus might. Moving quickly forward, it’s now Sunday morning and the Reverend is standing in his pulpit and feeling proud of his church, congregation, and sermon. However, his comfortable and orderly world is about to be turned upside down by the presence again of the tramp. One week later, the Reverend challenges his congregation to pledge to do everything after asking: “What would Jesus do?”

As for the subsequent chapters, I appreciate how real the church members are who accept the pledge. These aren’t your average stereotypical Christians for whom following Jesus is the easiest thing in the world. For example, there is Edward Norman, editor of the Raymond Daily News. Anyone who has responded to a call for repentance or renewal at a religious service will relate to how hard it is to keep these promises when living in the “real” world again. Similarly, as the regular life of the paper starts on another week’s whirl of activity, Edward wavers in his resolve and so must turn to God for strength. And before the morning is even half over, he’s already facing decisions about what kind of stories to run. Will he cave? And if he doesn’t, will his paper survive?

Then there’s Rachel Winslow, a beautiful and talented singer. Rachel has received an offer of a place with a large traveling company. Moreover, the salary is large. All of her high society associates keep telling her a voice like hers belongs to a larger audience than First Church. I like the description Sheldon provides of her uncharacteristically outspoken reaction to one of those associates: “But with all her repression there was possible in her an occasional sudden breaking out that was simply an impulsive, thoroughly frank, truthful expression of her utmost inner personal feeling.” Rachel might be popular and pretty, but she’s also complex. As a Christian himself, Sheldon knows that Christians aren’t all cut from the same cloth.

There are several other engaging stories, but I’ll note just that of Jasper Chase. The heroine of his first novel had been his own ideal of Rachel Winslow, with whom Jasper is in love. One night as he walks Rachel home, he openly reveals his love. When Rachel rejects him, Jasper throws himself into his next novel. As he writes, he continually struggles with the question: “What would Jesus do?” Naturally, he served as the inspiration so many years ago when I asked my dad about how as a Christian I should approach writing fiction.

In His Steps is full of interesting situations and unique characters. It also contains a thought-provoking theme. Yet it’s not without flaws. Sheldon’s writing style sometimes feels overwrought: “What were the flippant, perfumed, critical audiences in concert halls compared with this dirty, drunken, impure, besotted mass of humanity that trembled and wept and great strangely, sadly thoughtful under the touch of this divine ministry of this beautiful woman.” There are also some redundant moments such as the inclusion of a letter by the Reverend Calvin Bruce, wherein readers essentially receive a summary of the events which have transpired to date at the Raymond Church. What caused me most to skip paragraphs however was the prohibitionist agenda that it’s clear Sheldon wanted to push. The increasing number of tirades for prohibition especially in the latter part of In His Steps grew wearisome.

Despite these few criticisms, In His Steps remains one of my favorite Christian novels. I’m also thinking again about how to answer the question: “What would Jesus do?” And so, in a highly entertaining form, Sheldon has successfully gotten across an important message.(less)

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Mar 19, 2012 Jason rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012

Charles Sheldon wrote In His Steps in 1897 during the Social Gospel movement. He began writing stories as sermons for his church, which led to a published book and widespread success. His book begins in an upscale church when a homeless man walks in during a service and confronts the church’s hypocrisy. He dies later that week in the pastor’s house, and the pastor vows for change. The pastor then asks any members of his church who would be willing to pledge to change their life and live as Jesu...more Charles Sheldon wrote In His Steps in 1897 during the Social Gospel movement. He began writing stories as sermons for his church, which led to a published book and widespread success. His book begins in an upscale church when a homeless man walks in during a service and confronts the church’s hypocrisy. He dies later that week in the pastor’s house, and the pastor vows for change. The pastor then asks any members of his church who would be willing to pledge to change their life and live as Jesus would asking the question, “What would Jesus do?” A group of members come forward to live as Jesus would. One is a newspaperman. Another is a lady millionaire. Another is a talented female singer. And there are other leading successful citizens who come forward.

The book then tells each of their stories and how they sought to live as Jesus would. They make sacrifices and suffer the consequences of their decisions, but they remain steadfast to their vow. They eventually go to a poor and downtrodden part of town and try to make a difference in that community. Amidst drunkenness and violence, they sing and sacrifice to help to solve social problems.

The book is more of a challenge to Christians to get them out of their comfortable ways of living than it is a solution to the social problems of the 19th and 20th centuries. This book should have an impact on Christian readers to reevaluate their own life to see how closely his or her way of living resembles the life and teachings of Christ.

The strengths of the book are that it has a modern feel to it as Christians of the 21st century can well relate to the themes and issues written in this late 19th century novel. The opening of the book is the strongest part of the book when the homeless man walks in and prompts change.

The main weakness of the novel is the fact that the main story with the main characters ends about two-thirds through the book. At this point new storylines emerge in Chicago, which is outside of the book’s central city. The news of the church has spread to other cities and another pastor asks his church to follow the lead of the main church where the movement started. This is good that the church’s task spreads, but as a novel, the book becomes redundant and the main characters fade off with new characters emerging.

The other weaknesses of the novel are problems with the literary craft. Since the book was written over a hundred years ago, the author’s approach to the craft of writing fiction is different than today’s standards. He uses an omniscient point-of-view going from character to character to display each life. This gives a broader view covering many characters, but it does not allow for one main viewpoint character to emerge for the reader to follow through the story.

I believe that this is a book every Christian should read as it challenges Christians of any era to reevaluate their lives as Christians. Arguments have been made for and against both the Social Gospel and also the slogan, “What would Jesus do,” but in the end how a Christian lives his or her life is a matter of individual conscience and the person’s relationship with God.
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Dec 21, 2010 Stephen Escalera rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Rarely have I come across a book that I am so torn over as to how to rate it. Usually a book will be obviously good or bad, making the ultimate conclusion in rating it a fairly easy process. While a good book may have some detractors, overall the good outweighs the bad, with the reverse also being true of bad books. However, I'm having a hard time making such a distinction in reviewing Charles Sheldon's classic, In His Steps. There are many good things about the book, but there are also many not...more Rarely have I come across a book that I am so torn over as to how to rate it. Usually a book will be obviously good or bad, making the ultimate conclusion in rating it a fairly easy process. While a good book may have some detractors, overall the good outweighs the bad, with the reverse also being true of bad books. However, I'm having a hard time making such a distinction in reviewing Charles Sheldon's classic, In His Steps. There are many good things about the book, but there are also many not-so-good things.

The book centers primarily on a few members of the affluent First Church of Raymond in the late 19th century who have been faced with the question of how Jesus would act if He were in their place. (In His Steps can be credited with the origin of the popularized question of "What would Jesus do?" or WWJD). A call is made for volunteers to ask the question, "What would Jesus do?" before making any decisions for one whole year. Among those who volunteer are the pastor, the local newspaper owner/editor, a gifted singer, a wealthy young woman, a writer, and an employee of the local railroad. The book follows their efforts during the course of the year as they attempt to live out their pledge of asking, "What would Jesus do?" This leads them to make decisions that aren't the most popular or even understood by some family members and the general public. It also leads them to undertake a greater involvement in their city, both in evangelical outreaches and for the good of society in general.

For a book that was written over 100 years ago, it cuts to the heart of our current culture in the majority of the Western world of materialism and even more so among Christians. Perhaps the hardest hitting teaching comes towards the end of the book when the pastor asks a congregation, "How much is the Christianity of the age suffering for Him? Is it denying itself at the cost of ease, comfort, luxury, elegance of living? What does the age need more than personal sacrifice?....The Christianity that attempts to suffer by proxy is not the Christianity of Christ." Here is found perhaps the main and best thrust of the entire book. The call to Christianity is a call to suffer for Christ. "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it." (Mark 8:34-35) The decision to follow Jesus, to do what He would do, is not played out in the characters' lives as something that turns out rosy. One man loses his job and as a result, his wife becomes bitter toward him. The newspaper owner/editor watches his subscribers and advertisers leave in droves because of his decision not to allow certain kinds of content. Yet another turns down what some may consider the "opportunity of a lifetime" to serve in a more humble ministry. This is no health, wealth and prosperity gospel. Wearing a bracelet that says "WWJD?" simply won't cut it. All through the book, the element of personal suffering and sacrifice is continually presented as the ultimate test of following Christ.

In His Steps gives an example of Christianity in action - how Christianity looks in the nitty-gritty, everyday stuff of life. The characters realize that Christianity is not simply an abstract idea, full of wise sayings and doctrines designed only to stimulate the intellect. Christianity is lived out Monday through Sunday. It's not only making decisions based on what Jesus might do, but telling people the reasoning behind the decision. It's getting involved in the community, reaching out to those in need, using the resources that we've been blessed with to help change a life. This is Christianity in action.

This brings me to the issues that have given me pause and not just a little concern. First, a few minor points. The writing style is very poor. Superlatives abound in the descriptions of the effects of various decisions. "For the first time ever..." or "he had never..." or "Nothing had ever..." or "Such a thing had never..." - these overused phrases become old and trite in their use. Additionally, the plot becomes rather predictable. However, that being said, this book is perhaps rarely read for its fictional and linguistic prowess.

While the characters in the narrative are seeking to follow Christ's example, much of the decisions are based very much on personal interpretation with little to no Biblical basis for their reasoning. In one sense, the subjective nature of the question at hand makes the decision one that should be and can only be decided by the person ultimately responsible. In this, the author rightly puts great emphasis on prayer and the personal nature of the pledge. However, this lends somewhat of a relativistic mindset if the decision is not based on what Scripture says. For example, the newspaper editor decides that printing a Sunday edition is not what Jesus would do since Jesus would not publish something that caused a reader to read anything else but the Bible on Sunday. While to be commended for making such a difficult decision and following his conscious, this makes me wonder what in Scripture teaches such a notion that reading anything else but the Bible on Sunday is contrary to Christ's teachings.

The biggest issue I have with the book is why the Christians go about seeking to follow Christ's steps or do what Jesus would do. Set during the heyday of the Temperance Movement, much emphasis is placed on the poorer citizens of the city and the effect that alcohol played in many of the problems that class of society faced. Further, while there seems to be much emphasis on evangelization, the improvement of life in general for the class is seen as the ultimate end of this evangelization. Oddly enough, this message of "accept Christ and everything well get better" goes against the message for the upper class citizens that Christians must suffer. The gospel that is proclaimed in In His Steps is not a gospel that comes by means of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Instead, it is a gospel that points to Christ as the ultimate example of how to live and reform society, but not the source of the strength to bring about that reform. And Christ's example in this case is to help the poor. Where a conflict arises is in dealing with the question, If helping the poor in bettering their society is what the gospel offers, how does this affect how the poor themselves live? This question is asked point blank of several of the pastors by a man out of work for many days and not one of them can provide an answer. One pastor ponders the question in his heart as "a question that brings up the entire social problem in all its perplexing entanglement of human wrongs and its present condition contrary to every desire of God for a human being's welfare. Is there any condition more awful than for a man in good health, able and eager to work, with no means of honest livelihood unless he does work, actually unable to get anything to do, and driven to one of three things: begging or charity at the hands of friends or strangers, suicide or starvation?"

Nowhere in the book is a person's sinful condition addressed, but only the social condition. When reform comes, it should not, it cannot come through the betterment of a person's economic wellbeing. I'm not denying that we have a responsibility to minister to others, especially those in need. I think even my own tendency is to try to ignore others' condition, like the condition of the man on the corner holding the sign. But in helping those in need, we should not do it simply for the sake of our own suffering nor in trying to help them make a better life for themselves. We should be pointing them to Christ, not as the example of who we are following, but as the source of the strength to do what we do, the source of the righteousness to overcome sin. Without Christ, without repentance, we can improve society to the last person but will not change the root of the problem and will find them just as bad as before. As John Owen so aptly puts it in The Mortification of Sin: "Poor soul! It is not thy sore finger but thy hectic fever that thou art to apply thyself to the consideration of. Thou settest thyself against a particular sin, and dost not consider that thou art nothing but sin."

In His Steps is certainly a step in the right direction of encouraging believers to challenge the way we live and think and interact with the world around us. But the reader should always keep in mind that the gospel of Christ is not an example simply to be followed in order to better society, but rather the gospel is solely and completely about Christ Himself and the righteousness we have in Him. In following Him, a person's social standing may not improve in the slightest, but his eternal standing in the sight of God will. And that's what matters.(less)

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Sep 12, 2011 Dare Johnson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I first read this book when I was 13 or 14 and it came to define Christianity for me: following Jesus wherever He might lead me, either by command, direct example or inference; following him courageously despite any risk or loss or suffering that might result from this high calling. The book is written in an old fashioned, almost maudlin style - very late 1800s/ early 1900s - and it dates itself a bit when a major showdown between good and evil comes to be all about The Saloon and That Demon Dri...more

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May 26, 2012 Sheri rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A real soul searcher. This book begins with Rev. Henry Maxwell giving a weekly well polished sermon to his well-to-do parishioners on a typical Sunday morning. In walks a man, dusty, shabby and in need of a job. He walks up the aisle of the church, interrupting the sermon and asks a question. "What do you call following Jesus? Do you mean that you are suffering and denying yourselves and trying to save lost suffering humanity just as I understand Jesus did?" The man, starving and obviously near...more

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Aug 04, 2010 Pamela Tucker rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The first time I read this was after it was published 1982. I call this another classic. Of course I had to replace it from traveling here and there, and so the one I have now was published in 1982 Paul C. Brownlow. I enjoyed the entire story it has been awhile since I read this amazing challenge but as a young lady and in my quest for a deeper meaning with God at this time I never forget the part in chapter 26.

"Meanwhile, Nazareth Avenue Church was experiencing something never known before in a...more

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May 13, 2013 Elliott rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book's message is far more important than the work itself. It is the latter then that I am critiquing, not the former. As a piece of fiction, it is disillusioning to read. 'What Would Jesus do?" is the central question that all the characters have tasked themselves to asking and to make a comparison to their own actions-inspired by their pastor's words, and the words of a wandering tramp. Why this is disillusioning is that none of the characters really ever act as Jesus would act. Obviously...more

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May 01, 2013 Tessa rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this book for my English course, and really I have nothing I like about it. The whole time Maxwell and the people who have taken the WWJD challenge with him are nothing like I believe Jesus was like. They go into the slums, but never really level with the people there, it's like they still believe they are above them in some holy way. Instead of going in and hanging out with the people there, they go and preach at them, but never really listen to themselves. I believe that Jesus was what...more

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Jul 27, 2011 Apryl Anderson rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It’s unfortunate that a Christian classic should be so poorly written. If not for the challenging message, this book would be forgotten in the attic.
“Take up your cross and follow Me.”
Each person is challenged to imitate Christ in every situation by asking, “what would Christ do?” I believe that the Holy Spirit would guide and direct. I know that I could benefit in my spiritual growth by doing this.
Would a modern version of this message be needed? The melodramatic tone of Sheldon’s novel made...more

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Oct 10, 2009 Lauren Cam rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-semester

Book Review: In His Steps (242 pages)

Define Christianity. Right now. What would you say? Most people when asked that question would talk about Jesus dying on the cross to save the people of the world from their sins or God creating the world and people to live in the world, with harmony, peace, and love in mind. The truth is, no matter how people may define what it means to be a 'christian', actions always speak louder than words. In His Steps was a captivating read from start to finish; it cha...more Book Review: In His Steps (242 pages)

Define Christianity. Right now. What would you say? Most people when asked that question would talk about Jesus dying on the cross to save the people of the world from their sins or God creating the world and people to live in the world, with harmony, peace, and love in mind. The truth is, no matter how people may define what it means to be a 'christian', actions always speak louder than words. In His Steps was a captivating read from start to finish; it changed me and the way I think, and I hope I stay that way.

In His Steps ,by the author Charles M. Sheldon, is a book describing the life of a christian church that undergoes a change so huge, it can hardly be contained in the church itself; it soon spreads to the town, and finally to other churches in other towns. This major "change" as I'm calling is the result of one man. Early Sunday morning, Rev. Maxwell and his wife are getting ready for church. A knock raps at the door and he answers it to find an unexpected beggar. The sad man asks if Rev. Maxwell knows of a place where he could find work or a shelter where he could stay in the meanwhile. Annoyed and uncomfortable, the Rev. tells him to check downtown for a shelter and hurries him off his front steps without an offer of food or money.

About an hour later, the Rev. is preaching his sermon; it seems like the same old routine, until the man who showed up on his doorstep walks in through the church doors. He paces straight up through the center aisle, not minding the stares and looks of shock that reflect back at him from the congregation. The man stands underneath the pulpit and speaks to fill the silence that had overcome the room. He tells the church his name and apologizes for his interruption; he continues to speak and says how he feels what he has to say is of importance. His sad story told of how he lost his job, could no longer feed and support his wife and baby, and began tramping around the streets looking for work of any kind. He had been looking for five months, with no luck. The season was currently winter, and he spoke through tears as he revealed that his child had withered away and died from sickness due to poor nutrition; his wife weeks after from grief. The church was silent. The church was awestruck. The man continued speaking. He had knocked on many doors, all with the same result--being treated like the plague. He said he couldn't understand how christian people could go to church and sing songs about "carrying their cross with Jesus" or "following him all the way" since they couldn't even follow God out of their front doors to help a person in serious need. How could they go to church and sing like hypocrites? Wouldn't Jesus help him? Wouldn't Jesus give him the money in his pocket and the shirt off his own back? What would Jesus do?
The beggars message was engraved in Rev. Maxwell's mind. He couldn't believe how he had failed; he had failed not only in his job to be an example for the church, but also to be a christian. Not anymore. With a prayer, he asks God to help him to work to be a true christian. He asks to help him to work to do what Jesus would do. His life is transformed, and slowly, other people see his change, and allow a transformation to occur in their life. It isn't easy for any one of them, but the sacrifices they make aren't overlooked.

The setting of In His Steps is in the town of Raymond, Illinois. The story moves with the people of the book. It follows them in their individual lives throughout the city, whether that's in the lowest, dirtiest part of the city, or the fanciest gated communities located in the suburbs. For example, the main girl character (Virginia Page) lives in a mansion owned by her grandmother; another character (Burns) is a street thug who wanders the streets with no house (the streets are his "home").

This book is a fictional story, not a true account, but it is so realistic, I began to imagine the characters as real people living out their lives. They way the author presents the story, it is easy to forget that it is not based on true events. This touched me deeply while reading. I realized I have friends, acquaintances, and family members, that remind me so much of Sheldon's Characters; A teenage girl in the story, who is well off and accustomed to going out to parties and having fun with her friends, skips a concert in the park to go listen to her friend sing at a volunteer program in the lower-class side of the city. She tells her friends what she wants to do instead of going to the concert, and they joke with her saying things similar to "you've lost your mind" and "you've got to be kidding, right?" and "gross! that's where all the (gasp) poor people live!" The girl's friends remind me of girls (and boys) outside of the story. I can honestly say that they remind me a little of myself. How many people, after all, would rather go sit through a christian service in the slums of a big city over a quaint evening concert in a picturesque park? The answer in my mind is 'not many'. It is truly inspiring that the girl would make such a personal sacrifice to help support local mission work.

In His Steps is a great book. I know that is a poor description of a book, but I can't think of better words to do so. The third meaning of "great" defined by Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/brows...) is as follows: unusual or considerable in degree, power, or intensity. That IS the novel. Great. The intensity and rawness of pure christian love and devotion should hit any reader hard. If someone is looking for a book with so much more to offer than catty drama or fantasy, In His Steps is that book. (less)

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Dec 10, 2012 Lindsey rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have one of the early copies of this book and it is literally falling apart at the seams...I read it several years ago and was not immediatly drawn into it. However, at some point I found myself hanging on to each word with a strong feeling of conviction. I had recently become a Christian and I think I fell victim to what happens to a lot of us. We think that being a christian is a bubble that sets us a part from others...at times we feel threatened by others lifestyles and appearences because...more

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Feb 24, 2012 Hannah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

From a theme/message standpoint, this book is phenomenal and adds huge depth and meaning to the all too-lightly used phrase, "What would Jesus do?"/WWJD?

For this I love the book. It made me think. Hard.

From an author's standpoint, some of it didn't end up very...satisfying. While all the central characters were mentioned at the end, I didn't like how the book would follow a character for a few chapters and then drop their part of the story seemingly without warning and only make reference to t...more

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Mar 17, 2008 Samantha rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-in-2007

March 31st
What if we weighed everything we did in light of "what would Jesus do?"- in every situation? That's exactly the challenge of this book and what a group of people decided to do. I highly recommend this book, it totally changed my perspective on life!

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Jun 13, 2011 Jackie Paulson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: done-reading-2011

I picked this book up cheap at a resale shop. It is really a wonderful story. This author keeps me interested and has a Christian Message.
In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon

I have the Complete and Unabridged copy – (It means that the story is as it was originally written – nothing has been cut. It’s not a condensed version).

Over 15 Million copies sold!

PUBLISHER:

Barbour Publishing, Inc.

CATEGORY:

Christian Classics

ISBN:978-1-60260-854-2

BINDING: Paper

PAGE COUNT:192 pages

AVAILABILITY:

Available- In St...more

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Dec 02, 2010 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: book-club, religious

I'm having a hard time deciding what I thought about this book. I liked it and I didn't. I think the concept is excellent- we should all try to emulate Christ's example. But should we try to do what He would do or what He would want us to do? Maybe that's not much of a distinction, hmmm. The characters, when faced with a decision, try to decide for themselves what Jesus would do in those circumstances, no matter what it might mean for them personally.

I really enjoyed the beginning but about 2/3...more

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Nov 27, 2012 Emily added it · review of another edition

This book is the worst! Charles Sheldon was a "Christian Socialist" which is clearly reflected in the message of his book. The ultimate example of people taking God out of every aspect of life besides church and saving themselves through works. Dishonoring authority, rebellion, shirking responsibility, and retreating from the world are all portrayed as honorable, and "being led by the spirit" without reading the Bible is shown as the right way to have a proper relationship with God. This is not...more

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Sep 18, 2012 Kathryn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, dr-joe-s-book-of-the-month-club, spirituality

What a fascinating book. This book was written in the 1890s by Charles Sheldon from his sermons. From the editor's note at the beginning of the book "He simply wanted to demonstrate in fictionalized form what might happen to a church and community if people began to walk in a way that would reflect what they felt Jesus would do if He were in their place." Hence, What Would Jesus do began. Each chapter was a part of Charles sermon each week which kept the parishioners coming back each week. It wa...more

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Nov 28, 2011 Mike Edwards rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: religion, literature

It's a little hard to believe how old this book is; given the tone, tenor, and topic it could have been written 5 years ago, not 115 years ago. In many ways, this book is the inspiration for the "What Would Jesus Do" movement; the book tells a fictional story of a pastor and group of parishioners who begin to take that dictum quite seriously as the one truth to live their daily lives by. While you can disagree with Sheldon's particular interpretation of what that might mean, the basic notion is...more

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Nov 11, 2012 Edmond Porter rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have heard many times the question, "What would Jesus do?", but was unaware of this book until just a few days ago. This book, written int he late 1890's, presents a challenge to any one who would try to pattern their life after Jesus Christ. I wondered as I read if this book could be written today. Are there enough people totally devoted to the teachings of Jesus Christ that a book of this tone would be accepted by a publisher? If it were it would probably be some small publishing company and...more

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Dec 31, 2012 Barbara rated it 4 of 5 stars

I recently admired a WWJD necklace worn by a clerk at Toys R US while shopping for gifts for grandkids. Puzzled over what this stood for, I inquired and learned that it was "What Would Jesus Do?" My reaction was. . .what a great thing to clutch and be reminded of while helping a rude, impatient, difficult shopper. Weeks later, my daughter surprised me with this book for Christmas, not knowing I had already had an introduction to the question. Loved the book - a quick read - that gave me the hist...more

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Feb 07, 2011 Pete rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Writing would be considered over the top today, but the underlying concepts and challenges are deeply worthy of reflection.

This book is the origin of WWJD... the core concept (which is summarized in the last few pages): "the Christianity that attempts to suffer by proxy is not the Christianity of Christ."

The one drawback: what is presented here is a social gospel full of the wealthy who repent of the selfishness of their wealth, but little of the power of God or repentance of sin for others. Ye...more

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Dec 27, 2012 Carolyn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the book where the phrase "What Would Jesus Do?" finds its origin. Having studied the Progressive Era gives this book more meaning also. This is the time when people reached out to the poor through Settlement houses, Saloons and drinking were viewed as a great evil in Society, tenements sprung up in big cities, working conditions for the poor we're in need of change, there was great corruption in big business, and the newspapers reported sensationalism. This book has it all. But, the ove...more

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Sep 16, 2008 Ron rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: general-fiction, religion-philosophy, christian-fiction, christian_life

Classic tale of Christians actually trying to follow Christ. What a concept.

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Nov 23, 2010 Taylene rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really like the IDEA of this book - a pastor challenges his congregation to not do anything for a whole year without first asking, "What would Jesus do?" and then committing themselves to do that very thing. Half-way through the book, though, I had to force myself to keep going. The author beats you over the head with his agenda so many times that you get sick of it. It also bothered me that he never included a character with kids in the book. What? Only non-parents can become Christ-like? Tha...more

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