In His Steps (Hardcover)

~ Charles M. Sheldon (Author) "For hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps..." (more)
Key Phrases: man with the stake, new discipleship, probable action, Henry Maxwell, First Church, Edward Norman (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Generations of believers have been inspired by Charles M. Sheldon's classic novel about the members of one small-town church who dare to live their everyday lives for Christ. In this powerful new edition, Sheldon's sometimes difficult-to-understand phrasings and outdated expressions have been beautifully updated in modern language. New notes are included for individual or small-group study. .

Book Description

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Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Honor Books (March 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1562924893
• ISBN-13: 978-1562924898
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,387,532 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars this is not the original!, September 6, 2000

By	Norman W. Brueske (BELLEVUE, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this book "...UPDATED IN TODAY'S LANGUAGE." and was convicted and inspired by it. But before I finished it, a friend, not knowing I had this book, gave me a copy which was in the original language. (Thomas Nelson Publishers) I was amazed at the difference between the two books. I believe the description "...UPDATED IN TODAY'S LANGUAGE" should be changed to "...UPDATED INTO LANGUAGE MORE BENEVOLENT TO THE NARCISSUSTIC CULTURE PRESENT IN MANY OF OUR TODAY'S CHURCHES. Here are some examples.

Edited version (p14) "The members of the First Church of Raymond believed in having only the best music, and its choir this morning was a source of great inspiration."

Original version(p 4). "The First Church of Raymond believed in having the best music money can buy, and its quartet choir was a source of great pleasure to the congregation. The anthem was inspiring."

Both versions sort of say the same thing but the underlying flavor of the nature of this congregation appears substantially different, I think. In the first the choir was of great inspiration and in the last the choir was of great pleasure and the anthem was inspiring. That is different.

Also, Sheldons descriptive writing should not be abbreviated. Another example:

Edited version: "Rachel Winslow was beautiful as she stood behind the choir screen of carved oak, and a general rustle of expectation swept over the audience as she prepared to sing."

Origial version: "Rachel Winslow looked very beautiful that morning as she stood up behind the screen of carved oak which was significantly marked with the emblems of the cross and the crown. Her voice was even more beautiful than her face, and that meant a great deal. There was a general rustle of expectation over the audience as she rose."

The editing has nothing to do with "today's language" but has everything to do with making Sheldon's self-incriminating description of main stream christianity more palatable to today's evangelical christian culture. I am a christian and belong to a mega-church.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every Christian should ponder this book, February 8, 2003

By	Michael Freeman (Blanchard, OK) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: In His Steps (Mass Market Paperback)

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.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Christian Novel with a Powerful Message, June 5, 2001

By	D. Keating (Bristow, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.