First published in 1896, Charles Monroe Sheldon’s "In His Steps" is a classic of Christian literature whose premise centers on the idea of emulating Christ in one’s everyday life. The story concerns the lives of the residents of the fictional railroad town of Raymond, located somewhere in the Northeastern United States. When an out of work man, Jack Manning, appeals for help from Reverend Henry Maxwell, pastor of the first church of Raymond, and later collapses and dies in front of his congregation, because the Reverend refuses to help the man, Henry is forced to reexamine his life. Following the incident, Henry begins to preach to his congregation the following message: "Do not do anything without first asking, ‘What would Jesus do?’" This simple maxim, which becomes the guiding message of the novel, creates a profound way of looking at life when confronted with both common and morally challenging dilemmas. By asking how would Jesus respond in a particular situation, an individual can hope to gain a greater insight into living a more pious life. Christians will find "In His Steps" a compelling narrative illustrating this concept. This edition is printed in premium acid-free paper.
First published in 1896, Charles Monroe Sheldon’s "In His Steps" is a classic of Christian literature whose premise centers on the idea of emulating Christ in one’s everyday life. The story concerns the lives of the residents of the fictional railroad town of Raymond, located somewhere in the Northeastern United States. When an out of work man, Jack Manning, appeals for help from Reverend Henry Maxwell, pastor of the first church of Raymond, and later collapses and dies in front of his congregation, because the Reverend refuses to help the man, Henry is forced to reexamine his life. Following the incident, Henry begins to preach to his congregation the following message: "Do not do anything without first asking, ‘What would Jesus do?’" This simple maxim, which becomes the guiding message of the novel, creates a profound way of looking at life when confronted with both common and morally challenging dilemmas. By asking how would Jesus respond in a particular situation, an individual can hope to gain a greater insight into living a more pious life. Christians will find "In His Steps" a compelling narrative illustrating this concept. This edition is printed in premium acid-free paper.
Über den Autor
Charles Monroe Sheldon was born on February 26, 1857, in Wellsville, New York, to parents who encouraged his early interest in faith and education. He graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover in 1879 and later from Brown University in 1883. After beginning his pastoral work in Vermont, he became pastor of the Central Congregational Church in Topeka, Kansas, in 1889, where his sermons and writings shaped the Social Gospel movement. His most famous work, In His Steps, published in 1896, introduced the phrase-- What would Jesus do?-a guiding principle that emphasized applying Christian ethics to everyday life. Sheldon's beliefs aligned with Christian socialism, focusing on social justice, equality, and moral reform over doctrinal rigidity. He championed the equality of all individuals, supporting racial integration, women's rights, and fair treatment for Jews and Catholics. A vegetarian and advocate for animal welfare, he opposed cruelty in all forms, even criticizing circuses for mistreating animals. In 1900, he briefly edited The Topeka Daily Capital, applying his moral ideals to journalism. Sheldon died on February 24, 1946, in Topeka, Kansas, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, reform, and moral conviction.
