Charles M. Sheldon (1857–1946)

First published as a book in 1897, In His Steps has been one of the largest-selling books in the United States.

It is timeless when considering whether we live each day In His Steps, asking ourselves, “What Would Jesus Do?” Now an age old question that has been asked for generations, I recall being moved by this story in my teens and have reread it with the same impact on my life over the years. So, does the question challenge us just for a year? It is surely a challenge for life!

The audiobook follows a large cast of characters in various facets of several communities. It sounds like a an old radio show with voices of pride, those of shame and some of desperation. Rob Gregory carries the story well and captures the essence of the story’s intent.… (more)

The Ragged-Trousered Evangelists

I bought this for its lovely 1900-era binding (the 'vines' cover). As there are many books of that era with little more than a stodgy moralism to them (Gosse's Father and Son?) I had low expectations of it.

I was thus pleased and surprised to find that Sheldon can write well and that this soon turns into a gripping tale of Christian Socialism in American mining country. He was after all the inventor of the phrase, "What would Jesus do?" The plot is simple and can be seen marching over the hills towards us from the far distance, accompanied by the drums of the Salvation Army. The rich mine-owner converts to Christianity and dedicates himself and his wealth to the betterment of his fellow man. It's not a complex story and most of the plot points do announce their arrival well in advance. But it has its charms and I did enjoy reading it.… (more)

Writing: 4.5; Theme: 4.0; Content: 5.0; Language: 5.0; Overall: 4.0

The sequel to In His Steps (What Would Jesus Do) by Charles M. Sheldon. Years after many Christians in the small town of Rayford decide to live their lives based on the Biblical principle of walking in Jesus' steps, Jesus returns to Rayford and other larger cities in America.

Of course, the Bible teaches that Jesus will rapture His children from this world directly before the Tribulation and will not return to earth until after the Tribulation. Because it is a "fiction" book and the author doesn't claim it to be any thing other than that, I read it as any other Christian book, understanding that this scenario will never happen. The author did seem to take liberty in creating the narrative that Jesus would be pro-socialism and anti-war, among other questionable things that he mentions. The Bible does not give evidence to either of these ideas. Recommend with the above cautions.

***June 9, 2024***… (more)