In His Steps

Very good read

He would read this book and get it in the hands of every Christian in the world

At the beginning of every school year the administration at my place of employment presents the teachers with a book. A few years ago we received Charles Sheldon's classic, In His Steps. This book was written in the late 1800s and is listed as one of the most read books ever. I am not big on fiction so I was not sure how much I would enjoy the book, but I am glad to have read it. Although the theological views of Sheldon greatly differ from mine, I realize I need to expand my narrow reading tastes. It is widely known that Sheldon was a leader in the Social Gospel movement and did not emphasize personal redemption from sin in Christ. "What would Jesus do?" is the question that many of the members of the First Church of Raymond pledge to ask themselves before each and every decision they make. The commitment to this pledge would bring about a radical transformation in the lives of many. Perhaps a significant number of people who have read In His Steps would argue there was not enough evidence to indicate that a true transformation took place in the townspeople. I think many would say the people simply started making better moral decisions. Regardless of one's analysis of the hearts of the fictional characters in this book, thousands have enjoyed and benefited from reading In His Steps. I was actually really into this book when I first started to read it. My disappointment in the book was due to a lack of significant character development. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if less characters were introduced, and if the stories of only a few characters were played out more. In His Steps was written in a very simple manner, but at least a positive message can be taken from it. A clear gospel presentation is not given, but readers should begin to understand that we should focus on the Word and what He did.

This is a very thought provoking and compelling book. The modern day disciple would be transformed by the clear call to answer the question of What would Jesus do, in every aspect of life. Sheldon shows the struggles of being a disciples whose heart has a desire to follow Christ against the back drop of a world that supports hollow Christianity. Each page of Sheldon's work calls for reflection as you experience the journey of each character. You cannot help but reflect on your own journey and how you would respond. Sheldon paints a real picture of living in a world of social issues that confront the young, old, professional and blue collar work. No part of life is exempt from this fascinating journey with Christ.