In His Steps

In His Steps. First published in 1896, this influential Christian fiction novel was written by Charles Sheldon, a Congregationalist minister from Topeka, Kansas. The narrative centers on the residents of the fictional Raymond, who pledge to guide their lives for a year by asking a single, transformative question before any decision. The book's profound exploration of Social Gospel principles and its challenge to Gilded Age complacency propelled it to become one of the best-selling books of all time, with tens of millions of copies sold worldwide.

Plot summary

The story begins when a destitute man confronts the congregation of First Church of Raymond about the disparity between their professed faith and their actions, dying shortly after. Deeply moved, the pastor, Henry Maxwell, proposes a radical pledge: for one year, members will ask "What would Jesus do?" before every choice. Key figures who take the vow include Rachel Winslow, a gifted singer who forsakes a lucrative opera career, and Edward Norman, a newspaper editor who reforms the Daily News by rejecting sensational advertising and corrupting influences. The narrative follows their struggles as this commitment disrupts their careers, social standing, and the entire fabric of Raymond, extending its influence to the larger city of Chicago and confronting issues of poverty, labor rights, and political corruption.

Publication history

Charles Sheldon originally presented the story as a weekly sermon series to his congregation at the Central Congregational Church in Topeka, Kansas. The serial was first published in 1896 by the Advance Publishing Company of Chicago. Due to a copyright oversight, the text entered the public domain in the United States, leading to its publication by numerous firms without the need to pay royalties. This unique circumstance, combined with its potent message, facilitated unprecedented distribution; estimates suggest over 30 million copies were sold by the mid-20th century. The book has been translated into dozens of languages and remains in print through publishers like the Bowery Mission and Barbour Publishing.

Literary significance and reception

While not a critical literary triumph, the novel holds immense cultural and historical significance as a foundational text of the Social Gospel movement in America. It popularized the phrase "What would Jesus do?" (often abbreviated as WWJD), which became a widespread moral maxim throughout the 20th century. The work resonated deeply during periods of social upheaval, including the Progressive Era, by directly challenging the laissez-faire ethics of the Gilded Age and urging personal responsibility toward societal ills. Its reception was phenomenal among the general public, though some theological critics, including figures like Walter Rauschenbusch, argued its ethics were somewhat simplistic. Its impact is frequently compared to that of Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin for its ability to mobilize popular sentiment around ethical living.

Adaptations

The novel's enduring popularity has inspired numerous adaptations across various media. A notable silent film version was produced in 1916. In 1936, a radio adaptation was broadcast, bringing the story to a national audience. The late 20th century saw a resurgence of interest, leading to a 2004 television film starring John Schneider and Roma Downey. The book's central premise has also indirectly influenced countless works, including the Left Behind series, and inspired the commercial WWJD bracelet phenomenon of the 1990s. Its themes have been echoed in musical theatre productions and referenced in sermons by prominent evangelists like Billy Graham.

See also

* Social Gospel * Charles Sheldon * What would Jesus do? * Christian literature * Gilded Age * Uncle Tom's Cabin

Category:1896 American novels Category:Christian fiction novels