In His Steps eBook: Sheldon, Charles Monroe: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store
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In His Steps Kindle Edition
by Charles Monroe Sheldon (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 603 ratings
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Cristella
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderous Read and Eye OpenerReviewed in Australia on 17 January 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
This is an old story that will always fit appropriately in any stage of time. We who call ourselves Christian will be challenged to look at ourselves and wonder if we would have acted differently to the people in the story. In all honesty, probably not! As a result of people not wishing to put themselves out, a homeless man dies from starvation and sickness. This brings the whole township to shame and they decide to completely follow Jesus example for one year. Not to give the story away, I won't say anymore, accept to challenge you to read this book.
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Raewyn
4.0 out of 5 stars Great reading.Reviewed in Australia on 19 November 2016
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Whilst I enjoyed reading the well written novel. It also compelled me to reflect upon my own life and how I conducted my own affairs. It (Christianity) should infiltrate every aspect of life, at work & play. I agree WWJD. It may be in a high paid job or it may be a janitor, again to conduct your affairs in a manner fitting OUR King, work as if unto the Lord.
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kendokeny
5.0 out of 5 stars PonderingReviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 May 2019
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I read this book as a child and it led me to Christ. Re-reading it again, I still ask myself the same questions: in my present day and age, "Can I take up my cross and follow Christ?". Before I take any action, can I really do "What Christ would do" in my circumstance?.
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F. Moyo
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring & Challenging!!Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 November 2018
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One of the most inspiring & challenging books I've ever read. I read it 1st about 20yrs ago & I felt the need to read It again to renew my commitment to follow & live my life as Jesus would in every area of my life; knowing all the while that His grace would enable me in that endeavour.
The question is, how willing & obedient is one prepared to go in living life as Jesus would???
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Frozbie
5.0 out of 5 stars Challenging and inspiringReviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 September 2017
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Challenging and inspiring still, after a hundred years since first published.
I hadn't realised the What Would Jesus Do movement was based on this novel.
I recommend In His Steps to everyone
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johnhubert
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for ChristiansReviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 October 2013
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I could not stop reading this book. It challenges your comfortable lifestyle as a Christian and was the originator of the phrase "What would Jesus do." A must read book for any Christian deceived into thinking they can really be a one without caring about those who are suffering.
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jacob hodges
5.0 out of 5 stars If there is any book that will make one think ...Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 March 2016
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If there is any book that will make one think about "what they should be doing, or how they should respond to situations," this is the book. It moved me so much that I purchased one for a friend.
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Dec 21, 2010Stephen Escalera rated it liked it
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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Jun 10, 2009David rated it did not like it · review of another edition
Shelves: christianity, fiction
This book was given to me by a friend, and I think I told her I would read it. Otherwise, it probably would not have taken long for me to put it down. I found it badly written, and I disagree with its central message, namely that the Christian church would be revolutionized if it's members each made an honest pledge to do as Jesus would do. (I may be way off here, but I bet the WWJD movement started with this book.) The problem with this idea is that there is a real danger of subjectivism in doing what Jesus would do in any given situation. What ends up happening is people do what they THINK Jesus would do. If I remember correctly, at least one character says, "I don't think Jesus would do that." For instance, one of the things some of Sheldon's characters concentrate on is the "liquor interests." Besides the fact that alcohol per se is not sinful, the author is concentrating on the symptom, not the disease, which primarily lies within the alcoholic, not the industry. To be fair, the characters do get other things right, like ministering to the poor and outcasts.
The church doesn't need a call to make pledges. If we are Christians, we are already pledged to follow in the steps of Jesus. We need the truth of the gospel to be preached and taught in churches. Then Christians can ask themselves, "Based on what the Bible teaches, what would Jesus have me do?" (less)
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Feb 13, 2008Werner rated it liked it
Recommends it for: Christian fiction readers
Shelves: classics, books-i-own
If you've ever seen anyone wearing a WWJD? (standing for "What would Jesus do?") bracelet, this is the novella that first popularized that question in some Christian circles. First published in 1896, it still challenges readers to a more serious application of Jesus' principles in their daily lives. The idea of asking ourselves that question, when we make decisions about behavior, continues to strike even professed Christian readers as novel and revolutionary. (That this should be the case, of course, is itself a sad commentary on the state of the modern church, and on our general pigheadedness and egoism as a species.)
That points up the issue of the historical context of the novel, coming after a process of some two centuries of gradually increasing loss of interest on the part of many Christians in practical, Monday-through-Saturday applications of biblical principles to daily life, withdrawal from social interest or concern, and reduction of concrete Christian ethics to observation of a few man-made asceticisms and avoidance of a short list of obvious major sins. The book also comes from, or was readily associated with, the late 19th-century "Social Gospel" movement, which was complex and not monolithic, but which basically sought to buck the afore-mentioned trend. Professed Christians who were quite content with that trend found Sheldon's novella threatening; those who saw the whole Social Gospel movement as an embodiment of liberal apostasy instantly dismissed the book as Satan-inspired propaganda from the enemy. Those perceptions still shape some fundamentalist criticism of the book, such as that of Raymond St. John in American Literature For Christian Schools, which I personally find (based on actual reading of the book) to be unfair and unconvincing.
From a theological standpoint, a crucial consideration here is that the book is consciously written for Christian readers. It assumes the Christian gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Christ's redemption, and gratitude for this as the basis of obedience to God's wishes, and presupposes that the readers likewise assume it; so the focus isn't on convincing unbelievers of these points. Rather, the focus is on convincing professed believers to actually act in accord with their professed beliefs. That accounts for what some critics and reviewers regard (incorrectly, IMO) as a denial by implication of the need for initial Christian conversion, or a promotion of legalistic salvation by works. (This also, of course, tends to limit the book's appeal; a lot of fiction by Christians can engage both believers and nonbelievers, but it's hard to see many of the latter being much interested by the central question here, or feeling that they can relate.) If I would pose a theological criticism, it would be that the practical applications of Christian faith in the novel tend to be too tame, not radical enough. But in the context of 1896 evangelical Protestantism, they at least lay a basis to start with. Some might quibble about Sheldon's total-abstinence stand on alcohol (this was in the era that led up to the imposition of Prohibition); but where you're dealing, as some of his characters are here, in ministry to people who are basically alcoholics, total abstinence IS the only practical approach to advocate.
From a literary standpoint, this is very much a message-driven novel of ideas, and Sheldon succeeds somewhat better at articulating ideas than at creating involving fiction. While his characterizations aren't quite cardboard, I wouldn't call them sharp; dialogue is often devoted to delivering a message, and the book as a whole can have a tract-like quality. I think the author can be placed in the Realist tradition, but he's not one of its first-rank practitioners. That said, I found the message strong and vital enough to make the book worth a read. (Those with lower expectations for fictional quality might give it more stars.) (less)
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Dec 28, 2007Beth rated it it was amazing · 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 In His Steps but to change the setting to the present day, as some of the issues the characters faced in the 1890s are a bit hard to relate to. Nonetheless, Sheldon presented a lot of the timeless struggles of Christian living: How do you spend not just your money (which is relatively easy to give away), but also your time and your talent? How does your faith affect the way you do your tasks at work? How does it affect your relationships? I was especially provoked to thought by Sheldon's ideas on getting involved in politics...though I would do so--am doing so--to fight for peace, freedom, and the Constitution (yay Ron Paul!) instead of for getting rid of saloons, as Sheldon's characters did. : ) (less)
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Feb 20, 2012Princesskelly rated it liked it
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. Ive 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 1800s, or that it ignited a revolution in the way that people viewed Christianity and ...more
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Nov 25, 2019Angela R. Watts rated it really liked it
Shelves: christian-fiction, school-reading, christian-nonfiction
3.5 stars for how much I enjoyed it as a novel, 4 stars for the great lessons.
Overall, it was thought-provoking, moving (not in the ways it *should have been* moving, always? I probably should have *felt* more often than I did... but I didn't really connect with anyone, ever), and a great read for any Christian. Christians in America could really use the lessons and themes in this novel.
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Jan 21, 2008Aubrey rated it liked it
An interesting and thought provoking read, though I'm not sure I agree with its definition of Christian discipleship.
As a Latter-day Saint, I believe the family is central to the plan God has for us on earth. I believe we are expected to follow Christ, while raising our families as best we can. This means our day-to-day lives are filled with nurturing our children and providing for their physical and spiritual needs, rather than devoted to humanitarian aid. (Though, I'd argue that caring for children could certainly be characterized as "clothing the naked and feeding the hungry.") There really aren't any good examples of families, as a whole, following Christ in this book and I found that frustrating.
Another thread in the book is the necessity to "suffer" for Christ. I'm not certain that the suffering should be the focus. Sacrifice is certainly a part of discipleship, but so is happiness and joy. Adam fell that men might be and men are that they might have joy. (2 Nephi 2:25) (less)
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Feb 01, 2008Joshua M rated it it was amazing
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 happen to this country if all of us that claim to be christians, would start acting as Jesus would act? (less)
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Dec 17, 2014Madelyn rated it really liked it
Shelves: devotions
Wonderfully well written book. It changed my walk with the Lord, it made me question if I was doing enough, if I was actually walking in His steps like He would want me to. I also love the fact that it is partially a true story. The characters are also very well developed. Overall, it was an excellent book.
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Aug 10, 2019Marlene rated it really liked it
Shelves: own-kindle, christian, own-audible, 2019
"What Would Jesus Do?"
Yes, this book is where that phrase comes from. This book is a classic, and the Kindle version is available for free.
4.5 stars
8/10/19:
I read In His Steps as a teen. My father was an investor in a bargain bookstore, and I enjoyed purchasing books there. I delighted in the section of Christian fiction, which jived really well with my Grace Livingston Hill fixation. I found several pretty glossy hardcover GLH books. With that same glossy appearance was the book In His Steps, so I no doubt thought it was another Christian romance. It wasn't, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book regardless.
So here I am enjoying it again because my husband bought an Audible copy. Near the beginning, the congregation of a local church is asked what it means to follow the steps of Jesus. The pastor poses a challenge to anyone in his church willing to take it on: don't take any action until first considering what Jesus would do... and then do it. No matter what.
This is quite a challenge. What if God wants you to do more than (or differently than) you want to? The answer, of course, is to do it anyway. He's God, after all. But to commit to ALWAYS obeying Him takes guts.
8/11/09: If a person has a to-do or not-to-do decision to make, determining what Jesus would do is a challenge if both possible decisions are not sins. In that type of situation, one must consider Christ's character as revealed in the stories recounted in the gospels.
8/13/09: The story lines are entertaining enough to get me to keep reading, but is obviously a a moral tale. But I'm okay with that! I avoid nonfiction because I don't want to relax with "nothing but the facts." So if I can be encouraged and/or educated while reading a fiction story, all the better. In fact, my favorite books are Christian historical romances, which enrich me with a bit of history and a bit of Biblical food for thought.
Modern readers might not relate very well to some of choices the characters make based on their perception of what Jesus would do in their shoes. However, this was published in the late 1800s, so if the reader can keep this in mind, it will serve him well. Again, this didn't bother me, because in general, I'm pretty conservative.
8/16/19: I'm at chapter 27 out of 31 chapters. A couple of chapters ago, I thought the book was going to end, but instead it seemed to reboot in a new location with new people. Unless I missed something, (which is possible due to my deafness) I don't think the author transitioned very well. It's a minor complaint, though.
8/18/19: I finished this yesterday, and am really glad I re-read this classic. I'd like to try another by this author, perhaps Born to Serve.
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“The greatest question in all of human life is summed up when we ask, 'What would Jesus do?' if, as we ask it, we also try to answer it from a growth in knowledge of Jesus himself. We must know Jesus before we can imitate Him.” (less)
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Apr 19, 2008Carrie rated it did not like it · review of another edition
it's about a pastor who challenges his congregation to take a pledge to ask "what would Jesus do?" before every decision they make, then follow through regardless of the consequences.
to me, the book was a little too preachy and unrealistic. i felt the choices the characters were making, for the most part, were extreme. there was also a lot of talk amongst the characters about suffering, and bearing the burden of the cross. almost like the author was telling us that unless we are suffering we are not being as christian as we should be, or aren't dedicated enough to emulating Christ.
i don't think Jesus has asked us to choose as if we were Him living in His circumstances. i do however know He has asked us to learn His gospel and the principles He taught, then make our choices applying those principles, striving to be like Him, and working towards aligning our will with our Heavenly Father's.
i also don't think suffering and following Jesus go hand in hand. i think we should be willing to sacrifice. sometimes sacrifice is necessary, and sometimes it's harder than others. but i think there is more joy, than suffering, in following the Savior and serving one another.
there were a couple things i did like about the book. through the course of the story you hear about four different church congregations who are affected by this proposition. at least three of them were of different religions, yet they worked together for a common goal. i think it's important for us to remember that we can interact and work together with others who may not believe everything we believe, and still accomplish a lot of great things.
one of the main characters was a girl who sang, very well. her story intertwined with almost every other character, even if it was just that someone heard her sing. during book club we discussed how powerful music is. it crosses boundaries, such as language barriers, economic classes, or cultural differences, and can influence us all.
overall, i didn't love the book. but i thought many times while reading that it would make for great discussion. and when we got together, it did just that. another great book club!
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Apr 14, 2012Dan Glover rated it did not like it
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, ...more
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May 09, 2013Elliott rated it did not like it
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 none can turn water into wine, or feed a thousand, but all the deeds are mere half examples-great stretches to those individuals perhaps, but they do not significantly impair their own economic status. No one forsakes a life of plenty to devote themselves completely to healing the sick, or alleviating the misery of the poor-as Jesus would do, and did for that matter. They involve themselves politically to destroy a saloon, and open a break room to give lectures to workers on how to better spend their free-time and money. Considering that Jesus was ambivalent to traditional and local politics, and did not engage in any capital investing, or factory labor it's hard to create a workable analogy from this novel. The dialogue itself is rather clunky and reads as a melodrama more than anything. A novel that urges its readers to do as Christ without making any real sacrifice. (less)
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Oct 13, 2015Jesseca Wheaton rated it really liked it
I had read the younger version of "In His Steps" when I was younger, but I had never read the adult version. Well, this year it was required for my English literature course, so of course I read it.
Wow.
I was not expecting to enjoy it half as much as I did. The story really brought the question "what would Jesus do" to life. It made me stop and think. What would I do differently, if, before I did anything, I asked "What would Jesus do?".
It was kinda hard to connect with the characters, primarily because they all seemed to have a lot of money they could pour into their work, but it was a book that made me stop and think none the less and definitely one I would recommend! (less)
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Aug 22, 2017Ivie rated it really liked it
I honestly didn't think I would like this book, but it turned out to be such a great read. The characters and their personalities were so well thought out, as well as the setting. The book shows people trying to be more like Jesus everyday for a year.
I don't like overly preachy books, but this didn't feel preachy at all. It actually showed people who make mistakes and mess up because we're human. It didn't have perfect people who never did wrong. It showed people who did wrong and either stuck ...more
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Oct 30, 2009Mike (the Paladin) rated it liked it
Again a famous read that many love. This is a pretty good book, I found it a little heavy on the legalism. I read many Christian books where in discussing Grace the writer seems to be afraid that the reader might take the proclaimation of complete grace (That we find in the Bible) for license so the "moderate" it. That happens a little here. Still, read, enjoy...understand the works we do don't earn us a place with Christ. They flow from that relationship.
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May 27, 2016Courtney rated it liked it · review of another edition
I stumbled across this title while looking through my library's audiobook collection. Immediately it brought to mind the 1970s book cover my mom had on her shelf which, naturally, made me nostalgic. I decided to give it a listen and within moments it felt like a comfort read as you know I am fond of pointed tales of extreme 19th century morality and doctrine. I felt like Anne of Green Gables reading the stories from my Sunday school serial.
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May 20, 2015Charity rated it really liked it
Finished listening to this as a book on tape. Excellent story, curious narrative style, sometimes a bit formulaic and meandering in its thought threads, but the message is a good one intended to challenge readers to take up the mantle of responsibility for interacting with others in godly compassion. Worth reading.
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Mar 28, 2018Josie rated it did not like it
Shelves: fiction, clean, books-for-school, classic, christian, 2018-reading-challenge, skimmed
If I didn't have to read this for school, I wouldn't have finished. It was hard for me to even skim.
My main issue with this book is that as Christians, we pledge to follow Jesus's steps from the day we get saved. It's not just a year-long challenge. It's something we should be (and should have been doing) every day. I won't even touch on the writing issues.
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Dec 21, 2010Stephen Escalera rated it liked it
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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Jun 10, 2009David rated it did not like it · review of another edition
Shelves: christianity, fiction
This book was given to me by a friend, and I think I told her I would read it. Otherwise, it probably would not have taken long for me to put it down. I found it badly written, and I disagree with its central message, namely that the Christian church would be revolutionized if it's members each made an honest pledge to do as Jesus would do. (I may be way off here, but I bet the WWJD movement started with this book.) The problem with this idea is that there is a real danger of subjectivism in doing what Jesus would do in any given situation. What ends up happening is people do what they THINK Jesus would do. If I remember correctly, at least one character says, "I don't think Jesus would do that." For instance, one of the things some of Sheldon's characters concentrate on is the "liquor interests." Besides the fact that alcohol per se is not sinful, the author is concentrating on the symptom, not the disease, which primarily lies within the alcoholic, not the industry. To be fair, the characters do get other things right, like ministering to the poor and outcasts.
The church doesn't need a call to make pledges. If we are Christians, we are already pledged to follow in the steps of Jesus. We need the truth of the gospel to be preached and taught in churches. Then Christians can ask themselves, "Based on what the Bible teaches, what would Jesus have me do?" (less)
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Feb 13, 2008Werner rated it liked it
Recommends it for: Christian fiction readers
Shelves: classics, books-i-own
If you've ever seen anyone wearing a WWJD? (standing for "What would Jesus do?") bracelet, this is the novella that first popularized that question in some Christian circles. First published in 1896, it still challenges readers to a more serious application of Jesus' principles in their daily lives. The idea of asking ourselves that question, when we make decisions about behavior, continues to strike even professed Christian readers as novel and revolutionary. (That this should be the case, of course, is itself a sad commentary on the state of the modern church, and on our general pigheadedness and egoism as a species.)
That points up the issue of the historical context of the novel, coming after a process of some two centuries of gradually increasing loss of interest on the part of many Christians in practical, Monday-through-Saturday applications of biblical principles to daily life, withdrawal from social interest or concern, and reduction of concrete Christian ethics to observation of a few man-made asceticisms and avoidance of a short list of obvious major sins. The book also comes from, or was readily associated with, the late 19th-century "Social Gospel" movement, which was complex and not monolithic, but which basically sought to buck the afore-mentioned trend. Professed Christians who were quite content with that trend found Sheldon's novella threatening; those who saw the whole Social Gospel movement as an embodiment of liberal apostasy instantly dismissed the book as Satan-inspired propaganda from the enemy. Those perceptions still shape some fundamentalist criticism of the book, such as that of Raymond St. John in American Literature For Christian Schools, which I personally find (based on actual reading of the book) to be unfair and unconvincing.
From a theological standpoint, a crucial consideration here is that the book is consciously written for Christian readers. It assumes the Christian gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Christ's redemption, and gratitude for this as the basis of obedience to God's wishes, and presupposes that the readers likewise assume it; so the focus isn't on convincing unbelievers of these points. Rather, the focus is on convincing professed believers to actually act in accord with their professed beliefs. That accounts for what some critics and reviewers regard (incorrectly, IMO) as a denial by implication of the need for initial Christian conversion, or a promotion of legalistic salvation by works. (This also, of course, tends to limit the book's appeal; a lot of fiction by Christians can engage both believers and nonbelievers, but it's hard to see many of the latter being much interested by the central question here, or feeling that they can relate.) If I would pose a theological criticism, it would be that the practical applications of Christian faith in the novel tend to be too tame, not radical enough. But in the context of 1896 evangelical Protestantism, they at least lay a basis to start with. Some might quibble about Sheldon's total-abstinence stand on alcohol (this was in the era that led up to the imposition of Prohibition); but where you're dealing, as some of his characters are here, in ministry to people who are basically alcoholics, total abstinence IS the only practical approach to advocate.
From a literary standpoint, this is very much a message-driven novel of ideas, and Sheldon succeeds somewhat better at articulating ideas than at creating involving fiction. While his characterizations aren't quite cardboard, I wouldn't call them sharp; dialogue is often devoted to delivering a message, and the book as a whole can have a tract-like quality. I think the author can be placed in the Realist tradition, but he's not one of its first-rank practitioners. That said, I found the message strong and vital enough to make the book worth a read. (Those with lower expectations for fictional quality might give it more stars.) (less)
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Dec 28, 2007Beth rated it it was amazing · 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 In His Steps but to change the setting to the present day, as some of the issues the characters faced in the 1890s are a bit hard to relate to. Nonetheless, Sheldon presented a lot of the timeless struggles of Christian living: How do you spend not just your money (which is relatively easy to give away), but also your time and your talent? How does your faith affect the way you do your tasks at work? How does it affect your relationships? I was especially provoked to thought by Sheldon's ideas on getting involved in politics...though I would do so--am doing so--to fight for peace, freedom, and the Constitution (yay Ron Paul!) instead of for getting rid of saloons, as Sheldon's characters did. : ) (less)
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Feb 20, 2012Princesskelly rated it liked it
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. Ive 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 1800s, or that it ignited a revolution in the way that people viewed Christianity and ...more
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Nov 25, 2019Angela R. Watts rated it really liked it
Shelves: christian-fiction, school-reading, christian-nonfiction
3.5 stars for how much I enjoyed it as a novel, 4 stars for the great lessons.
Overall, it was thought-provoking, moving (not in the ways it *should have been* moving, always? I probably should have *felt* more often than I did... but I didn't really connect with anyone, ever), and a great read for any Christian. Christians in America could really use the lessons and themes in this novel.
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Jan 21, 2008Aubrey rated it liked it
An interesting and thought provoking read, though I'm not sure I agree with its definition of Christian discipleship.
As a Latter-day Saint, I believe the family is central to the plan God has for us on earth. I believe we are expected to follow Christ, while raising our families as best we can. This means our day-to-day lives are filled with nurturing our children and providing for their physical and spiritual needs, rather than devoted to humanitarian aid. (Though, I'd argue that caring for children could certainly be characterized as "clothing the naked and feeding the hungry.") There really aren't any good examples of families, as a whole, following Christ in this book and I found that frustrating.
Another thread in the book is the necessity to "suffer" for Christ. I'm not certain that the suffering should be the focus. Sacrifice is certainly a part of discipleship, but so is happiness and joy. Adam fell that men might be and men are that they might have joy. (2 Nephi 2:25) (less)
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Feb 01, 2008Joshua M rated it it was amazing
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 happen to this country if all of us that claim to be christians, would start acting as Jesus would act? (less)
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Dec 17, 2014Madelyn rated it really liked it
Shelves: devotions
Wonderfully well written book. It changed my walk with the Lord, it made me question if I was doing enough, if I was actually walking in His steps like He would want me to. I also love the fact that it is partially a true story. The characters are also very well developed. Overall, it was an excellent book.
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Aug 10, 2019Marlene rated it really liked it
Shelves: own-kindle, christian, own-audible, 2019
"What Would Jesus Do?"
Yes, this book is where that phrase comes from. This book is a classic, and the Kindle version is available for free.
4.5 stars
8/10/19:
I read In His Steps as a teen. My father was an investor in a bargain bookstore, and I enjoyed purchasing books there. I delighted in the section of Christian fiction, which jived really well with my Grace Livingston Hill fixation. I found several pretty glossy hardcover GLH books. With that same glossy appearance was the book In His Steps, so I no doubt thought it was another Christian romance. It wasn't, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book regardless.
So here I am enjoying it again because my husband bought an Audible copy. Near the beginning, the congregation of a local church is asked what it means to follow the steps of Jesus. The pastor poses a challenge to anyone in his church willing to take it on: don't take any action until first considering what Jesus would do... and then do it. No matter what.
This is quite a challenge. What if God wants you to do more than (or differently than) you want to? The answer, of course, is to do it anyway. He's God, after all. But to commit to ALWAYS obeying Him takes guts.
8/11/09: If a person has a to-do or not-to-do decision to make, determining what Jesus would do is a challenge if both possible decisions are not sins. In that type of situation, one must consider Christ's character as revealed in the stories recounted in the gospels.
8/13/09: The story lines are entertaining enough to get me to keep reading, but is obviously a a moral tale. But I'm okay with that! I avoid nonfiction because I don't want to relax with "nothing but the facts." So if I can be encouraged and/or educated while reading a fiction story, all the better. In fact, my favorite books are Christian historical romances, which enrich me with a bit of history and a bit of Biblical food for thought.
Modern readers might not relate very well to some of choices the characters make based on their perception of what Jesus would do in their shoes. However, this was published in the late 1800s, so if the reader can keep this in mind, it will serve him well. Again, this didn't bother me, because in general, I'm pretty conservative.
8/16/19: I'm at chapter 27 out of 31 chapters. A couple of chapters ago, I thought the book was going to end, but instead it seemed to reboot in a new location with new people. Unless I missed something, (which is possible due to my deafness) I don't think the author transitioned very well. It's a minor complaint, though.
8/18/19: I finished this yesterday, and am really glad I re-read this classic. I'd like to try another by this author, perhaps Born to Serve.
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“The greatest question in all of human life is summed up when we ask, 'What would Jesus do?' if, as we ask it, we also try to answer it from a growth in knowledge of Jesus himself. We must know Jesus before we can imitate Him.” (less)
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Apr 19, 2008Carrie rated it did not like it · review of another edition
it's about a pastor who challenges his congregation to take a pledge to ask "what would Jesus do?" before every decision they make, then follow through regardless of the consequences.
to me, the book was a little too preachy and unrealistic. i felt the choices the characters were making, for the most part, were extreme. there was also a lot of talk amongst the characters about suffering, and bearing the burden of the cross. almost like the author was telling us that unless we are suffering we are not being as christian as we should be, or aren't dedicated enough to emulating Christ.
i don't think Jesus has asked us to choose as if we were Him living in His circumstances. i do however know He has asked us to learn His gospel and the principles He taught, then make our choices applying those principles, striving to be like Him, and working towards aligning our will with our Heavenly Father's.
i also don't think suffering and following Jesus go hand in hand. i think we should be willing to sacrifice. sometimes sacrifice is necessary, and sometimes it's harder than others. but i think there is more joy, than suffering, in following the Savior and serving one another.
there were a couple things i did like about the book. through the course of the story you hear about four different church congregations who are affected by this proposition. at least three of them were of different religions, yet they worked together for a common goal. i think it's important for us to remember that we can interact and work together with others who may not believe everything we believe, and still accomplish a lot of great things.
one of the main characters was a girl who sang, very well. her story intertwined with almost every other character, even if it was just that someone heard her sing. during book club we discussed how powerful music is. it crosses boundaries, such as language barriers, economic classes, or cultural differences, and can influence us all.
overall, i didn't love the book. but i thought many times while reading that it would make for great discussion. and when we got together, it did just that. another great book club!
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Apr 14, 2012Dan Glover rated it did not like it
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, ...more
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May 09, 2013Elliott rated it did not like it
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 none can turn water into wine, or feed a thousand, but all the deeds are mere half examples-great stretches to those individuals perhaps, but they do not significantly impair their own economic status. No one forsakes a life of plenty to devote themselves completely to healing the sick, or alleviating the misery of the poor-as Jesus would do, and did for that matter. They involve themselves politically to destroy a saloon, and open a break room to give lectures to workers on how to better spend their free-time and money. Considering that Jesus was ambivalent to traditional and local politics, and did not engage in any capital investing, or factory labor it's hard to create a workable analogy from this novel. The dialogue itself is rather clunky and reads as a melodrama more than anything. A novel that urges its readers to do as Christ without making any real sacrifice. (less)
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Oct 13, 2015Jesseca Wheaton rated it really liked it
I had read the younger version of "In His Steps" when I was younger, but I had never read the adult version. Well, this year it was required for my English literature course, so of course I read it.
Wow.
I was not expecting to enjoy it half as much as I did. The story really brought the question "what would Jesus do" to life. It made me stop and think. What would I do differently, if, before I did anything, I asked "What would Jesus do?".
It was kinda hard to connect with the characters, primarily because they all seemed to have a lot of money they could pour into their work, but it was a book that made me stop and think none the less and definitely one I would recommend! (less)
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Aug 22, 2017Ivie rated it really liked it
I honestly didn't think I would like this book, but it turned out to be such a great read. The characters and their personalities were so well thought out, as well as the setting. The book shows people trying to be more like Jesus everyday for a year.
I don't like overly preachy books, but this didn't feel preachy at all. It actually showed people who make mistakes and mess up because we're human. It didn't have perfect people who never did wrong. It showed people who did wrong and either stuck ...more
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Oct 30, 2009Mike (the Paladin) rated it liked it
Again a famous read that many love. This is a pretty good book, I found it a little heavy on the legalism. I read many Christian books where in discussing Grace the writer seems to be afraid that the reader might take the proclaimation of complete grace (That we find in the Bible) for license so the "moderate" it. That happens a little here. Still, read, enjoy...understand the works we do don't earn us a place with Christ. They flow from that relationship.
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May 27, 2016Courtney rated it liked it · review of another edition
I stumbled across this title while looking through my library's audiobook collection. Immediately it brought to mind the 1970s book cover my mom had on her shelf which, naturally, made me nostalgic. I decided to give it a listen and within moments it felt like a comfort read as you know I am fond of pointed tales of extreme 19th century morality and doctrine. I felt like Anne of Green Gables reading the stories from my Sunday school serial.
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May 20, 2015Charity rated it really liked it
Finished listening to this as a book on tape. Excellent story, curious narrative style, sometimes a bit formulaic and meandering in its thought threads, but the message is a good one intended to challenge readers to take up the mantle of responsibility for interacting with others in godly compassion. Worth reading.
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Mar 28, 2018Josie rated it did not like it
Shelves: fiction, clean, books-for-school, classic, christian, 2018-reading-challenge, skimmed
If I didn't have to read this for school, I wouldn't have finished. It was hard for me to even skim.
My main issue with this book is that as Christians, we pledge to follow Jesus's steps from the day we get saved. It's not just a year-long challenge. It's something we should be (and should have been doing) every day. I won't even touch on the writing issues.
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