In His Steps

Rating:
Summary: This book is life changing!
Review: I read this book as a fourteen year old, then again when I was sixteen. The first time, it was thought provoking, the second time, life changing. It was skillfully written with detail and poses many questions to the reader. As one realizes what a person committing themselves to Christ can do in the world, one develops a greater desire to do the same with themselves. I encourage everyone to read this book, it's one of the best that I have ever read.

Rating:
Summary: Read It, But Watch Out for Bandwagons
Review: I read this book when it first came out, over 20 years ago. It was a great read and one that every Christian should read. Fortunately and unfortunately, it has turned into a cult following in recent years. Considering "what would Jesus do" is a great thing to do. However, it has sometimes become a mob mentality that often distorts what Jesus actually would do -- it has become its own religion in many ways. But, don't let that dissuade you. Like the Bible, read the source itself.

Rating:
Summary: Classic Christian Novel with a Powerful Message
Review: I really enjoyed the simple message of "What would Jesus Do" that is the centerpiece of this classic Christian book. I have heard this saying many times in the many different Christian circles that I have traveled, but never knew its original source. Now that I have finished the book (the original version which I recommend), I think I have a much better understanding of what it means to a Christian to ask the question "What would Jesus do" in any situation we face.

I really enjoyed this book because it tells a compelling story, and prompts you to take a tough look at your own life. It brings all kinds of deep, thought provoking questions to mind. Questions like: What would I be willing to do to follow Jesus? Am I willing to make sacrifices in my own life to further his Kingdom? I bought this book because it looked very interesting, and I really glad that I did. I think that it will have a huge impact on my life, and my Christian faith.

I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in finding out more about the "What would Jesus do" concept. Also, anyone looking for a book that will challenge them to live a more meaningful life for God will benefit from this story. The book is not very long, and a pretty easy read. Hopefully, it will have a profound impact on you as it dit me.

Rating:
Summary: Moving and challenging--be prepared before you read it!
Review: I received this book from a friend on loan, and for weeks did not even bother to look at it again. When I finally picked it up, I literally could not put it down. I read the whole thing in one day! The writing style is skillful, suspenseful, and moves the reader along with the story. It is like a series of vignettes with a powerful common theme, and one feels as if he or she is actually watching the scenes unfold. The characters are real enough that the reader can see him or herself in them. Sheldon gets beyond preaching and bible verses, giving the reader a clear picture of what happens when Christian people impact the world, and the world fights back. It gave me a whole new outlook on the phrase "What would Jesus do?" It is a frightening yet inspiring challenge from which Sheldon never relents. Must reading for anyone who really wants to live by that creed!

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Summary: Talk about conviction...
Review: I will be honest. I have had this book for sometime and I have neglected to read it. I have recently decided that it was time I started reading more Christian literature. I do not read much at all, but this book was so touching to me that I felt I would add my "two cents."

This book hit me deep. God's Spirit has been tugging at my heart since I first laid hands on this book. My thinking has changed and I am just beginning to learn what true discipleship is. I have been a Christian for some years now, but I have never fully understood what "taking up ones cross" truly means.

Matthew 16:24 says, "then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'"

I must admit, this book has truly challenged me. I have already changed things in my life and I couldn't be happier. I look forward to the blessings God will bring to me in my life and also the blessings that God will allow me to provide to others through His Spirit.

If anyone one should read this and want to do me a favor, please pray that I too can "take up my cross." For myself and those in this book, it can be a very hard choice to make. I want to grow closer to God. I want to truly follow Him. This book gives the perfect example of what following Jesus truly means.

I am not a nominal Christian, but I tell you the truth, this book shows you what a first century Christian was like. I want that. I hope you want it also.

- Esteban [bakura82]
www.bakura.org

Rating:
Summary: What would Jesus do, or drive?
Review: If we rely on the Bible for an answer it's clear that Jesus would have driven a Honda Accord. It clearly states in the Bible 'THEY WERE ALL OF ONE ACCORD."

However, to skip over the humor and check the roots behind the posing of such a question "What would Jesus drive" we'd find it in a book written in the mid-1800s titled, "In His Steps," by Charles Monroe Sheldon. In this book, set in a mid sized city, the pastor of a church serving many of the city's successful business people, proposes an interesting idea. He asks the congregation for volunteers who will join him in an experiment that consists simply of participants asking themselves, before making any important decisions, "What would Jesus do?" A small group joins him and the book tells the stories of how the lives of these individuals change as a result. It's a quick read.

When I first heard the question "What would Jesus drive," I chuckled and thought, It's a good thing for the Religious Right that people were not directed to ask themselves (before making any important decisions in their lives) "What would Jesus do." since it would toss a profound wrench in the daily lives of anyone who seriously believes in the divinity of the good carpenter, but rarely, seriously, follows the teachings, or example, of Jesus.

By the way, the book has been reprinted many,many times. When I first heard about it I was monitoring a Religion class at the University of Iowa and learned that the book had sold over 30 million copies. That was back in 1970. So how is it that a book, with such extraordinary sales, is rarely seen or spoken of? Must be that the simple experiment is an experiment that the great majority of Christians are unwilling to participate in. What WOULD Jesus do regarding war, hunger, poverty, the homeless, usury, et al?

I do not believe that Jesus was devine. A great teacher? Absolutely. A radical reformer? No question about that. But returning to life after death, like a character out of a George Romero movie stretches credulity.

As for the book and the experiment, why not give it a try.

--Joseph W. Grant

Rating:
Summary: Next to the Bible this is the best book I have ever read!
Review: In His Steps is a fantastic book which challenges the reader to ask "What would JESUS do?" before making any dicision and then to the best of their ability to do what they think JESUS would do. Read this book and discuss it with me: [e-mail]

Rating:
Summary: One of the most inspiring tales in Christian literature
Review: IN HIS STEPS is an inspiring and moving depiction of the Christian life. Sheldon weaves a tale in which the characters are so real that the reader is transposed into the minds and souls of the characters; stretched between the pull of Christ and the tug of temptation. A church and its members are transformed into true disciples of Christ as they choose his behavior as their reference point in their day to day decisions. In the light of his example, their choices become much more clear cut, and yet much more difficult and painful. Lives are changed forever and the reader is swept along, feeling the joy of the characters and wanting, needing, to make the choice to follow Christ in the same disciplined manner. Sheldon's work is life changing. This is more than just a novel. It is a call to Christians to follow Christ. Please read this wonderful story

Rating:
Summary: a great book, both challenging and inspiring.
Review: in his steps really shows what it means to 'take up your cross' and follow jesus. it brings us back to the very root and foundation of christianity - trying to live in jesus' example, and shows how really following this path radically changes lives. be prepared to examine your own life and get convicted!

Rating:
Summary: I wish it had never ended.
Review: Loved the book. Just recently came across it with all the WWJD stuff going on. Somehow missed the boat, but searched until it lead me to this book. The book was awesome and inspiring right up until the end. For me, the end was anti-climatic... as only real life can be, I would imagine, after reading this book. A must for all!