A mysterious stranger suddenly appears in town, tired and worn, desperately seeking employment. Disheartened by his reception from the Christians he meets, he attends their church service and makes an impassioned plea for the downtrodden, the poor, the forgotten in their midst, finally asking, "What would Jesus do?" Sent by his efforts, the gentle young man collapses, and Rev. Henry Maxwell and the congregation are left to answer the heart-rending question as best they can.
Deeply shaken, the minister realizes the enormous significance of the simple query, and resolves to help his flock attempt to live by the precepts of Christ, applying His behaviour to their own lives.
"What would Jesus do?" Mr. Maxwell searches his soul for guidance, suddenly alert to the trials that lie ahead...the newspaper editor awakens to an opportunity to do great good for his neighbors, even though his job is placed in jeopardy...the heiress realizes spiritual fulfillment is within her grasp, even at the cost of bitter family and social opposition...the novelist sees a chance to win the woman he loves, though deception...the executive faces up to community responsibility in his business dealings...
No one in town is left untouched by the brief, probing question. And no reader will remain untouched by the powerful challenge given here. For over seventy-five years, millions the world over have responded to this book's vibrant story and its inspiring message. It has become the most widely read religious novel ever written...and has influenced countless multitudes to seek to walk "In His Steps."
About the Author
Charles Sheldon (1857–1946) received his education at Brown University and Andover Theological Seminary before he founded Central Congregational Church in Topeka, Kansas, in 1889. He wrote stories that he often read to his congregation. In 1896, he published his fictional work In His Steps. The book introduced the world to the phrase "What would Jesus do?" and was an instant success. For sixty years it remained the highest-selling book in the United States after the Bible, with sales estimated at more than thirty million copies worldwide.
