Rating: 
Summary: A Timeless Classic
Review: First published In 1896, this book stands alone as one of the simplest, yet most life-changing works of fiction ever written.
The question posed in the book has launched several generations of reechoing "What Would Jesus Do?" In the re-write by great-grandson, Garrett Sheldon, the story remains true to the original and just as life-changing.
The very simplicity of the story has blinded some to the depth of the message, but after more than 107 years and 50,000,000 copies, it continues to rank among the best books ever written.
A true Classic that has stood the test of time by any criteria.
Rating:
Summary: The Next Step
Review: I picked up a copy of this book a few years ago, but I never finished it because it didn't hold my attention at all. In retrospect, I wasn't ready for it. This book challenged my thinking more than I wanted it to. You may have heard that "In His Steps" is the origin of the phrase "What Would Jesus Do?" That's true, but the book takes the question a step farther. The real question is "What would Jesus do if He were Gail Simmons?" (Ok, so you can insert your own name where I've put mine.) There's even another step after that which is implied rather than stated. Am I going to make the changes necessary to have my life come into line with my understanding of what Jesus would do in my place? The book is excellent, but don't read it unless you're prepared to examine your own life in ways you may have never imagined. I've heard it said that knowledge can condemn a person. Are you willing to take the next step to read this book? You'll either walk away changed or condemned.
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: 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: WWJD
Review: MERIT: This is one of the most read Christian classics written in the United States. It spawned the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) craze of bracelets, toys, binders, etc. For these reasons alone it should make a person curious enough to read it. PLOT: As can be gleaned from other reviews the plot is simple. A fancy church is confronted with a man from the streets who offers them a good chastening for being snobs and promptly dies, causing the church to rethink it's existence. Several church members make a vow to ask the question, "What would Jesus do?" before every decision for the next year. The books traces their lives during that year. POSITIVES: The very plot alone is inspirational enough to make it a good read. As I wrote before, this book has caused quite a stir (another reason to read it). NEGATIVES: This may cause some debate, but too often the question WWJD is answered assuming that Jesus is an evangelical Christian from the frontier stream of Americana. Some of it holds water, some of it would be hard to defend using only Scripture. The style of writing is OK, but a little contrived for the sake of delivering the message. I found myself wondering why it has sold so many copies and later discovered that it was sort of like the great holiday movie classic, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, in that it was offered in the public domain. RECOMMENDATION: I read it, was not overly moved, and when I was finished I thought to myself, "Hmmm, that's what the book was all about." I then went on to the next book. If reading Christian classics inspires you, read the book. It certainly is a classic. If you want to be challenged in the depths of your soul on living the Christian life, read something by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Rating:
Summary: WWJD
Review: MERIT: This is one of the most read Christian classics written in the United States. It spawned the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) craze of bracelets, toys, binders, etc. For these reasons alone it should make a person curious enough to read it. PLOT: As can be gleaned from other reviews the plot is simple. A fancy church is confronted with a man from the streets who offers them a good chastening for being snobs and promptly dies, causing the church to rethink it's existence. Several church members make a vow to ask the question, "What would Jesus do?" before every decision for the next year. The books traces their lives during that year. POSITIVES: The very plot alone is inspirational enough to make it a good read. As I wrote before, this book has caused quite a stir (another reason to read it). NEGATIVES: This may cause some debate, but too often the question WWJD is answered assuming that Jesus is an evangelical Christian from the frontier stream of Americana. Some of it holds water, some of it would be hard to defend using only Scripture. The style of writing is OK, but a little contrived for the sake of delivering the message. I found myself wondering why it has sold so many copies and later discovered that it was sort of like the great holiday movie classic, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, in that it was offered in the public domain. RECOMMENDATION: I read it, was not overly moved, and when I was finished I thought to myself, "Hmmm, that's what the book was all about." I then went on to the next book. If reading Christian classics inspires you, read the book. It certainly is a classic. If you want to be challenged in the depths of your soul on living the Christian life, read something by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Rating:
Summary: Every Christian should ponder this book
Review: This book asked the question "What Would Jesus Do," a full century before it was fashionable to wear such phrase on bracelets, necklaces, t-shirts, etc. Set in the late 1800's, a pastor challenges his church to take a pledge: to make no decisions before first asking "what would Jesus do." As a result, many lives were changed. Many who took that pledge suffered for it. The book itself I suppose isn't the highest quality writing, nor the plot that intriguing. However, in the case of this book, that's not what's most important. The author really challenged me to ponder what true "sacrifice" is. I think most any modern American reader of this book would have to admit that very few today have any idea what it means to truly suffer for Christ, and to give up all to follow him. America has been so blessed that we've forgotten what sacrifice means. It is a sad indictment on the True Church that some of the fastest growing "churches" in America and across the world today thrive because of a "health and wealth" gospel. It makes me wonder how many in modern "churches" would take the pledge to first ask "What Would Jesus Do?" and to follow through with it. I'm afraid there wouldn't be many.
Rating:
Summary: Reflective
Review: This book causes you to think thoughts you might not otherwise consider. It encourages a fresh approach to Christianity, a more authentic application of the teachings of Jesus.
The author's intent is to cut readers away from their preconceptions and see things without cultural limitations. He talks about the "divine impulse" and quotes the Scripture that the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth. Sheldon writes, "If Jesus' example is the example for the world to follow; it certainly must be feasible to follow it." This book aims to demonstrate how practical Christianity is lived out in the day to day world.
Rating: 
Summary: In His Steps
Review: This book was worthwhile. It illustrates what it really means to follow Christ-- and that entails serving others and making personal sacrifices. The characters in the book (wealthy, high society types) were kind of hard to relate to but the idea is easily extended to all people. It's effectiveness will be measured if it leads you to ponder "What would Jesus do...if he were me...if he were in my situation?" It's encouraging to read how those who made the commitment to more closely follow Christ were able to encourage and support each other. Also brings out the point that many people working together for good can have a great impact on society. This book doesn't grab you like a good mystery novel, but the author clearly makes his point- and that point is one we can all benefit from.
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