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Robert Garon
5.0 out of 5 stars Jesus Would Read This
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2022
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What a reflection. Why a wake up call! Where are we in our relationship with Christ? Would we actually do what he would? Are we bold enough or are we too comfortable and set in our own life? Are we a modern version of “the rich young ruler”? I don’t want to be. I need to begin this change within me— now. Father God use the words from this book to inspire me to live the truth of your Word every day and impact others to live the same— for your Kingdom— in Jesus name Amen!
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R. Christian Bohlen
5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional in wisdom and vision
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2022
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No wonder this book is so widely read. Besides the spiritual content, the writing is captivating. It’s the older style of the 1800s, which I enjoy, and still highly readable today.
The author was full of the Holy Spirit, that’s obvious. Impossible to read without being deeply affected and inspired to become a more committed disciple and seek to bring about change within our spheres of influence.
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Mindo'ermatter
4.0 out of 5 stars For Its Time, An Influential Novel!
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2020
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Written in 1896, this fictional work is based on Congregational minister's, Charles Sheldon's weekly church discussion groups, where one of the 31 chapters was read each week and then discussed. The focus was participants to ask themselves, "What would Jesus Do?" and then explore what changes that decision might require and then how to choose the best way to follow that self-imposed guidance.
When these chapters were published in serialized form and then as a completed novel, the copyright was mishandled, putting it into the public domain with many publishers creating their own versions. Millions of copies were sold or distributed, so in 1935, the author published his own "authorized" version that added short supplemental material at the end of each chapter, summarizing the chapter's final implications. This book version does not include these additional comments, although the accompanying Audible narration does. I enjoyed comparing the two different endings, noting how the author's added comments changed the ambiguity of the original chapter ending to one with more defined somewhat preachy content. As a reader, I found the original text more interesting because I was included in the experience of deciding how I might have reacted. Unfortunately for me, the supplemental endings took away a personal interpretation by narrowing the story with a more moralizing tone. I preferred the original uncertain chapter endings.
More recent versions available have revised wording and dated elements, with several including introductory comments with many consolidating the original 31 chapters to 24, while some editions added to, revised, or deleted minor sections, without substantially changing the story.
This specific version I found the most compelling of the many I've read.
Although the story has a timeless value for Christian adherents or scholars, the pre-prohabition anti-alcohol beverage movements of the late 1800s and early 1900s are most obvious to conditions of that time. Additionally, the author's well-known Christian Socialism of collectivism beliefs are clearly evident in storyline advocacy.
This work has value as a creative and nostalgic work about first century Christianity as perceived in the early 20th century. It also suggests how institutionalizing personal religious beliefs and interpretations might be misunderstood and misapplied when taken to unsustainable limits.
Although the book is worthy of discussion and review by interested groups of faith or study, the novel's greatest value is likely best appreciated by individuals of faith. To the nonreligious, the book will likely be seen as naive, unrealistic, and outdated. However, to sincere Christians, the book's simple charm and fictional examples of devotion will be seen as both inspiring and compelling.
The book's primary message challenges "comfortable Christian" whose complacent faith does not translate into meaningful and effective Christian benevolence outside small family or congregational circles. As such, the author's intentions are clearly directed to the hypocrisy in all of us. The book is meant to be provocative and unsettling to readers. For some, it will be annoying, for many a passing read, for others a potentially life changing experience.
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TJW 1949
5.0 out of 5 stars Re-read, Still an Awesome Book
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2022
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I first read this book over 50 years ago and have re-read it several times. Although fiction, it deals with the very real possibilities of what can happen when Christians decide to live as Jesus wants us to. Do nothing without first asking, what would Jesus do? And after getting an answer, do exactly that regardless of the consequences or outcome. Not feasible in today's world? Many in the book felt that way too but it didn't stop the ones who pledged to do just that for one year. I challenge you to read this book and decide for yourself.
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Diane Mc
5.0 out of 5 stars inspirational
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2022
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This is a very old book, with a timely question for Christians to consider “what would Jesus do?” It demonstrates how God works through those willing to follow and serveHim.
2 people found this helpful
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Arthur Kaliisa
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2021
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I was anxious from the moment I started reading the book wondering how a novel written from a Christian perspective would be like - I was not disappointed. Although, the people in the book are fictitious the message is practical all the way.
It is very easy to get bogged down by life's challenges and lose sight of the bigger picture of the one who died that we might be set free. As practitioners in the marketplace, we must not lose sight of His standard and resign to standards that invite us to look the other way when others are in a difficult place.
Indeed, faith through actions is not about how well we articulate the mission and vision of the organizations we serve. It is about how well we live each day with integrity knowing that no action is small in the eyes of the vision bearer.
It is about putting the light out there and letting the world know through action and deed that we subscribe to a higher standard. It is about knowing that it will be difficult to live this standard but living it anyway. As Henry Ford put it " You have got to keep doing and going"
Ours is "a duty to pursue a higher calling of business as an instrument of healing and redemption that looks beyond the simplistic measures of profit to a more holistic view of business" Bauber & Borchers (2020).
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve the way they view life and business in general - a great read and will be for centuries to come!
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KenT
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book.
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2022
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Excellent book and wonderfully written.
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J. Allan-Baker
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2022
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Really enjoyed reading this book.
Lovely little novel about a group of people who attend church on Sunday being challenged to think about whether or not their own day to day life is being lived according to Jesus’ teachings in all areas of their lives. There is no ‘one size fits all’ answer and each character has to make decisions based on the unique circumstances of their lives.
This book started the ‘What would Jesus do?’ movement, which has become rather cliché.
The book brings out the true essence of that question.
The outcomes are different in each character’s life and can’t help but make the reader think about their own life and the impact he or she is making in the world around them
A very gentle read but quite profound.
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avid reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Challenging novel
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 26, 2013
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Had read this many years ago but re-reading still made an impact today. A novel set in the last century with a theme of choosing to do what Jesus would do,this challenged to move from comfortable Christianity to living by the standards of Christ in relation to others in terms of integrity,compassion, motivation and sacrifice. Although the era has altered the challenges presented to deny oneself and take up the cross are still the same.The novel follows the lives of several who took up the challenge and the impact that their lives made upon the communities around them.
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S.Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars Challenge accepted
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 20, 2014
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Having been through a spiritual rough patch recently, I felt compelled by The Spirit to read this. And throughout He has spoken clearly to me urging me to live my life as laid out in the book. And it's already beginning to take effect, areas of my life where I put myself first rather than God, whenever I've done things He has asked me do you think I would have done it that way or could you have done it this way. So after eating several portions of humble pie I am now trying to live my life doing as HE would want me, not how I want to
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kendokeny
5.0 out of 5 stars Pondering
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 10, 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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scjmar
5.0 out of 5 stars Follow Jesus's example
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 15, 2017
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One of the most wonderful books I have ever read. If we could all live by saying 'What would Jesus do?' before we make any decisions, the world would be a much better place to live in. Loved this product, everyone should read it.
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====
In His Steps
by
Charles M. Sheldon
4.17 · Rating details · 25,746 ratings · 748 reviews
This is the inspirational novel that popularized the expression, What Would Jesus Do? Written by a Congregational minister, it tells of four prominent members of a small town who resolve to undertake no action without first considering Christ's example. Originally published in 1897, it continues to speak to modern readers.(less)
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Mass Market Paperback, 96 pages
Published September 1st 2002 by Barbour Publishing (first published 1897)
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 ...more
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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
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 c ...more
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Aug 10, 2019Marlene rated it really liked it
Shelves: own-audible, own-kindle, 2019, christian
"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.
8/11/19: 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.
8/13/19: 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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Jan 09, 2021Book2Dragon rated it it was amazing
Shelves: inspiring, favorites, spiritual, owned, fiction, classics
I read this book as a young adult and reread about some years ago. It still rings true. Your actions every day show your commitment to live as Jesus lived, as closely as possible. Morally, with empathy, with forgiveness, with Love. Then, when you make the effort, you are a Christian. If you don't want to call yourself by that name, it is a good moral and ethical code to live by. ...more
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Oct 11, 2022Ana Lelis rated it liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: audiobooks, in-english
I love the idea and concept. I want to try to implement that more in my life. But I didn't like the story much. The beginning was so compelling, but, after a while, it became very dull. I had to drag myself out to finish it. I love the idea but hated the execution. (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
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
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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, resurr ...more
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Feb 21, 2021Colleen Fauchelle rated it liked it
Shelves: 2021
The story itself was ok, I did find it took me a long time to read, it wasn't a hard read it just seemed a long read.
The lesson and challenge at the forefront of the story was the thing that got me and will keep me thinking about for the rest of my life and that is : What Would Jesus Do? to ask that question in every part of your life, for everything I have belongs to God and really I should be sharing that with those around me. There is a cost in following Jesus and that is I need to die to self daily.
This book should make us uncomfortable and challenge our thinking and change our daily choices. (less)
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Jul 13, 2022Celeste rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: christian, classics-i-ve-read
In Sheldon’s 1897 classic, a minister challenges any willing members of his congregation to not make a single decision over the course of an entire year without first asking “What would Jesus do?” in the same situation. It’s a challenge that not only rocked and radically changed their own city of Raymond, but one that reached out and impacted other, larger cities in the nation, as well. Watching the faith of these characters bloom over the course of the novel, not just in spite of the testing t ...more
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Dec 28, 2022Sarah rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: 1800s, audiobook, classic, classics-with-kelsey, 2022-reads, hoopla
I really loved this book.
Is it dated? Yes.
Would it fail a writing class today? Probably.
However, it is a story that doesn't make any pretense. It sets out to be a simple story to get Christians to think. It begs the reader to examine their own life and ask if they are living with "What Would Jesus Do" in mind.
It is an imperfect book, that asks the reader to ask with our Perfect Saviour might be asking of them. ...more
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Nov 25, 2019Angela R. Watts rated it really liked it
Shelves: christian-nonfiction, christian-fiction, school-reading
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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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 ...more
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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
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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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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Dec 09, 2021Cathryn rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: christian-living, church-library, favorites
Written in 1896, In His Steps was probably the catalyst for the 1990s WWJD movement. The book is so much better as the 1990s WWJD was overly merchandised and marketed. The characters in the book sacrificed so much and were truly obedient to the Spirit. They were focused on how WWJD would serve others and not themselves. Let me tell you though, it was like it was written for today! It could be applied to our life in 2021. The book spoke to me personally about my level of sacrifice and obedience. ...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 ...more
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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, primari ...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. (less)
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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. ...more
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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: 2018-reading-challenge, fiction, christian, clean, books-for-school, classic, 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. (less)
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May 25, 2021Addison S rated it it was amazing
Shelves: growing-in-christ
This book will change your life! It has changed mine! I never understood what the WWJD movement meant until I read this book! What would Jesus do? That question has been on my mind almost constantly! Every Christian should read this book!
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Sep 04, 2008Ron rated it liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: general-fiction, christian-fiction, christian_life, religion-philosophy
Classic tale of Christians actually trying to follow Christ. What a concept.
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Jan 30, 2016Matt Morgan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
A very thought provoking book. Based in the early 1900's, a church congregation is challenged to ask 'What would Jesus Do?' before each decision they make for an entire year. You get to know specific members who give up large amounts of money, comforts, and temporal luxuries in order to walk in His steps.
Reading this book, you can't help but analyze your own life. You start to understand that you cannot judge others (as much as you want to). Because, 'what would Jesus do?' is a very personal question. It should be more like, 'What would Jesus do (in my situation)?' - and only you can answer that as moved upon by the spirit of Christ.
With a heavy focus on career and money, the accounts in this book motivate me to give up some of my temporal happiness to gain richer spiritual happiness through serving the poor and seeking after eternal riches (coming to know my savior more fully and spending my days serving Him as opposed to seeking after temporal riches and experiences through the ever moving target of earning more and more $$).
A true Christian dedicated their life to following Christ and coming to know Him better. This book has inspired me to try harder to better understand what Jesus would do if in my situation - though I think it is a life-long journey to truly know the answer to that question.
Some notes and quotes from my reading:
"What would Jesus Do? - suppose that were the motto, not only of the churches, but of the business men, the politicians, the newspapers, the working men, the society people - how long would it take, under such a standard of conduct to revolutionize the world? What was the problem with the world? It was suffering from selfishness. No one ever lived who has succeeded in overcoming selfishness like Jesus. If men followed Him, regardless of results, the world would at once begin to enjoy a new life."
It seems to me there's an awful lot of trouble in the world that somehow wouldn't exist if all the people who sing such songs (all for Jesus, all for Jesus, ...) went and lived them out
I am a little in doubt as to the source of our knowledge concerning what would Jesus do. Who is to decide for me just what Jesus would do in my case? It is a different age. There are many perplexing questions in our civilization that are not mentioned in the teaching of Jesus. How am I going to tell what he would do?
- there is no way that I know of, except as we study Jesus through the medium of the Holy Spirit
"But we need to remember this fact: after we have asked the Spirit to tell us what Jesus would do and have received an answer to it, we are to act regardless of the results to ourselves."
"I think perhaps I find it specifically difficult to answer the question on account of my money. Jesus never owned any property, and there is nothing in His example to guide me in the use of mine. ...what would Jesus do with a million dollars? ..I confess that I am not yet able to answer it to my satisfaction."
- it required a knowledge of Him and an insight into His motives
Newspaper owner:
Did not print news on the fight
Stopped the Sunday paper
End relationship with tobacco & alcohol ads
....ppl bought less papers, employees were angry, advertisers withdrew
Started only running political stories that discussed right and wrong no matter that the political party
Turned the paper into the Christian News as this was the only way it was going to "pay" - but mainly because that's what Jesus would do
In beginning to understand that I cannot interpret the probable action of Jesus until I know better what his spirit is. To my mind, the greatest question in all of human life is summed up in 'what would Jesus do'. If we ask it, we also try to answer it from a growing knowledge of Jesus himself. We must know Jesus before we can imitate him.
- I have asked it daily and will continue to do so and abide by its results
Reporter boy:
Would not go work on Sunday - was fired
Store owner:
"My sins of commission have not been as many as those of my sins of omission."
What Jesus would probably do in Milton Wright's place as a business owner?:
1. He would engage in business with the purpose of glorifying God, and not for the primary purpose of making money
2. All money that might be made he would never regard as his own, but as trust funds to be used for the good of humanity
3. His relations with all the persons in his employ would be the most loving and helpful. These are all souls to be saved- this thought would always be greater than that of making money
4. He would never do a dishonest or questionable thing or try in any remotest way to get the advantage of any one else in the same business
5. The principle of unselfishness and helpfulness in all the details of the business would direct its details
6. Upon this principle he would shape the entire plan of his relations to his employees, to the people who were his customers, and to the general business world to which he was connected
**"intelligent unselfishness ought to be wiser than intelligent selfishness, don't you think? If the men who work as employees being to feel a personal share in the profits of the business and, more than that, a personal love for themselves on a part of the firm, won't the result be more care, less waste, more diligence, more faithfulness?"
Railroad shop owner:
Made lunch room for employees (comfort)
Brought in speakers to nourish their soul
Found illegal practice going on - he resigned
Church singer:
Offered lots of money to go sing on tour commercially
- decides that's not what Christ would do (seek most money possible with talent)
*very interesting dialogue with her mother about -
"Do you presume to sit in judgement on other people who go out and sing in this way? Do you presume to say that they are doing what Christ would not do?"
- "..I judge no one else. I condemn no other professional singers. I simply decide my own course. As I look at it, I have a conviction that Jesus would do something else."
"...what? Something that will serve mankind where it most needs to service of song. ...I have made up my mind to use my voice in some way so as to satisfy my own soul that i am doing something better than please fashionable audiences or make money, or even gratify my own love of singing. I am going to do something that will satisfy me when I ask, 'what would Jesus do?"
**after deciding she was going to start going and singing with church volunteers in the slums every week:
"..I want to do something that will cost me something in the way of sacrifice. ...I am hungry to suffer something. What have we done all our lives for the suffering, sinning side of Raymond? How much have we denied ourselves or given of our personal ease and pleasure to bless the place in which we live or imitate the life of the savior of the world? Are we always going to do as society selfishly dictates, moving on its narrow little round of pleasure and entertainments and never knowing the pain of things that cost?"
Virginia (rich girl):
She wanted to spend more time in the rectangle and the sinners and less time with the rich Christians.
- she took her rich friends on a tour of the area and stopped to help a drunk.
*what I find so different here is just the direct black and white/ right and wrong correlations. It is easy for everyone to see that hanging around in this area and falling drunken out of the saloon is bad. The girl even says "I belong to hell." And Virginia responds - "no, you belong to Jesus."
- in our world today it isn't about saving people from the strip clubs and bars and bringing them to church. It's about being an example in many many many gray areas...
She brought the homeless girl home and drove her grandmother out because of it
Put up $500,000 for the paper to become the Christian News
The pastor:
As he wrote his sermon, it was no longer about the dramatic effect on his audience - but always "would Jesus say that?"
He decided he needed to speak out against the saloon
- politicized this and got all the Christians out campaigning against it
Sent a family from the rectangle on vacation instead of taking his annual trip
Jasper - the write
Took the pledge but struggled with the 'entertaining' novel he wrote that was not using his talents to convert of lead into Christ
*Two months had gone by and an outward observer would not have seen any difference in the old conditions although there was an actual change in hundreds of lives
Chicago:
Rose to Felicia:
- there have always been poor and rich. So why do anything about it? It's always going to be that way.
Bishop Bruce- these Christians don't like it to be hard - "can't imagine many taking that pledge and actually keeping it"
The concept of sacrifice:
"Each individual Christian, businessman, citizen, needs to follow in His steps along the path of personal sacrifice for Him."
- like when the disciples left all to follow Christ
- We have, unconsciously, lazily, selfishly, formally, grown into a discipleship that Jesus Himself would not acknowledge.
*But if our definition of being a Christian is simply to enjoy the privileges of worship, be generous at no expense to ourselves, have a good, easy time surrounded by pleasant friends and comfortable things, live respectably, and at the same time avoid the world's greatest stress of sin and trouble because it is too much pain to bear it - if this is our definition of Christianity, surely we are a long way from following in His steps (less)
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Jan 28, 2022Amy rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: christian, william-on-his-own, mfw-high-school
While the concepts presented in this book still ring true today, our society has changed so much since 1897 that am I left with a feeling of - but how?! The "saloons" of our age are vastly different - the entertainment we now have in our homes makes people so cut-off from one another. Yet "there is power in the blood!" I must pray for wisdom and guidance for how to go about the ministry He has for me. (less)
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Feb 12, 2019Joy Gerbode rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Oldie but goodie
Although this book is quite dated in terms of society it does touch a spark of conscience as the reader considers the question “what would Jesus do”. It has challenged me to make a comittment to better know and understand what Jesus would do by studying Gods word and getting to know Him better
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Mar 27, 2020Charlie Beals rated it really liked it
Take caution not to let this lead you into legalism, but for the most part this is a convicting perspective on Christian living, sacrifice, and evangelism. It really shows how little we NEED, and how much we are able to GIVE if we allow ourselves not to be swallowed up in pride, greed, and selfishness.
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