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geniesurreal's review against another edition
2.0
EDIT:
I'm not sure how this missed me but this specific book is a revised version of the original In His Steps story. In the editor's note it says the text has been updated to modern language by
- Simplifying the sentence structure
- Changing Reverend Maxwell's character to appear less aloof
Essentially, this revision has hollowed out Sheldon's story. My father gave me his personal copy which is the original writing and it reads SO MUCH BETTER. I feel duped. I am willing to give this book another chance in the future because of how different the two copies are.
- END EDIT-
The book that started the What Would Jesus Do movement was surprisingly underwhelming.
I read it as part of a book challenge where friends and family recommended their favorite novels for me to read throughout the year. My dad will be disappointed to know I didn't enjoy this book as much as he probably did.
The story itself is interesting but the bland writing is what killed the experience for me. I later learned Sheldon wrote one chapter a week for his Sunday night services and later, after the story's completion, he compiled the chapters into a novel. That explains the weak plot progression.
The message this book presents is a powerful one so I understand why this novel is so beloved and why it could start a movement. I wish the writing wasn't so dry for I might have enjoyed it a lot better.
I'm not sure how this missed me but this specific book is a revised version of the original In His Steps story. In the editor's note it says the text has been updated to modern language by
- Simplifying the sentence structure
- Changing Reverend Maxwell's character to appear less aloof
Essentially, this revision has hollowed out Sheldon's story. My father gave me his personal copy which is the original writing and it reads SO MUCH BETTER. I feel duped. I am willing to give this book another chance in the future because of how different the two copies are.
- END EDIT-
The book that started the What Would Jesus Do movement was surprisingly underwhelming.
I read it as part of a book challenge where friends and family recommended their favorite novels for me to read throughout the year. My dad will be disappointed to know I didn't enjoy this book as much as he probably did.
The story itself is interesting but the bland writing is what killed the experience for me. I later learned Sheldon wrote one chapter a week for his Sunday night services and later, after the story's completion, he compiled the chapters into a novel. That explains the weak plot progression.
The message this book presents is a powerful one so I understand why this novel is so beloved and why it could start a movement. I wish the writing wasn't so dry for I might have enjoyed it a lot better.
midwifereading's review against another edition
3.0
What can I say? It's a Christian classic, a well-written piece of literature, and I enjoyed it. Though it is idealistic in many ways, it asks a legitimate question: What would Jesus do, if he were me, in my circumstances, in my time?
I found myself gently challenged and exhorted to be a little more Christ-like.
I liked it.
I found myself gently challenged and exhorted to be a little more Christ-like.
I liked it.
clairebraun's review against another edition
5.0
This was SUCH a good book. It was just as (if not more) convicting than a sermon or a non-fiction Christian novel, and it was such a good story on top of that. You saw the characters change and grow in their understanding of Christ and their application of what they knew.
"Are we ready to make and live a new discipleship? Are we ready to reconsider our definition of a Christian? What is it to be a Christian? It is to imitate Jesus. It is to do as He would do. It is to walk in his steps." (Henry Maxwell, page 239).
"Are we ready to make and live a new discipleship? Are we ready to reconsider our definition of a Christian? What is it to be a Christian? It is to imitate Jesus. It is to do as He would do. It is to walk in his steps." (Henry Maxwell, page 239).
angelarwatts's review against another edition
4.0
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.
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.
gbdill's review against another edition
2.0
I tried reading this timely Christian classic, but couldn't draw myself to finish. It seems this book is written after the American Puritan style of Christian beliefs where right behavior, rules, and morality are key... not Jesus. The premise of the book is about a congregation who promises to ask themselves, "What Would Jesus Do?" before making any decisions in life. They are then to go with what they believe Jesus would have done in each situation in their lives. The only problem is that this doesn't seem to be the same Jesus I have come to know or read about in the Gospels. Jesus isn't about rules, morality, and right behavior. Instead, He is about grace, relationships, servanthood, and love. He didn't expect society to change or conform to a set of rules and standards. The Pharisees did this. Instead, He wanted to usher in a new kingdom, a kingdom of God that entailed each believer to die to self, carry the cross, love God, and serve others. Instead, it seemed each of the congregants in this book wanted society to conform to their standards rather than getting to know their society, developing relationships with them, and telling them about Jesus. The newspaper magnate dropped questionable ads, dropped a story about a boxing match, and stopped the Sunday paper because he felt everyone needed to go to church on Sundays. The beautiful singer refused to get paid for singing in the theatre because she thought it was evil to be paid for something God gifted her with. In the town square where open air preaching was conducted, the people who attended were referred to as heathens, sinners, and "needless traffic"... where saloons were evil and tobacco was a work of the devil. Remember, these are the very people Jesus loved and befriended. Jesus wouldn't be hanging out at churches or revivals. No, He would be hanging out in the Red Light Districts, bars, saloons, and other places of debauchery. Not to partake in these things, but to rescue the sick and downtrodden (remember Mark 2:17).
I read the first 100 pages of this and after not seeing the Jesus of the Gospels, but rather an American Puritan theology with an American revivalism theme, I decided to not finish the book. Perhaps it was a bit premature of me to not finish it. And, perhaps the story later takes a turn for the better, following after the true Jesus of the Bible. But, after 100 pages I just wasn't seeing it. The only positive thing I can say about the story is the tag line "What Would Jesus Do?". We should indeed be asking ourselves this question every moment of our lives. And, for that I applaud Mr. Sheldon for coming up with this wonderful, thought-provoking, question.
I read the first 100 pages of this and after not seeing the Jesus of the Gospels, but rather an American Puritan theology with an American revivalism theme, I decided to not finish the book. Perhaps it was a bit premature of me to not finish it. And, perhaps the story later takes a turn for the better, following after the true Jesus of the Bible. But, after 100 pages I just wasn't seeing it. The only positive thing I can say about the story is the tag line "What Would Jesus Do?". We should indeed be asking ourselves this question every moment of our lives. And, for that I applaud Mr. Sheldon for coming up with this wonderful, thought-provoking, question.
lemeilleurs's review against another edition
4.0
What Would Jesus Do? Almost every 90's kid wore those WWJD bracelets and had that question drilled into our heads during vacation bible school and church. But did we really take that question to heart? In His Steps is where the popular phrase originated - an 1897 novel where a fictional minister challenges his congregation to revaluate their every day decisions. For one year, a group of church members ask themselves "What Would Jesus Do?" before every decision they make. What follows is a radical shift in ordinary lives and a daily walk that looks a lot more like Jesus. In His Steps is a good reminder of the daily decisions we make and how we can reevaluate our own actions and lifestyles.
tofupup's review against another edition
4.0
This is not the type of book I usually read, but I really benefitted from it. While it was melodramatic and formulaic, there were certain lines that expressed essential ideas.
miss_ishy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0