Kirjahaku

Charles Monroe Sheldon (February 26, 1857 - February 24, 1946) was an American minister in the Congregational churches and leader of the Social Gospel movement. His novel, In His Steps, introduced the principle of "What Would Jesus Do?" which articulated an approach to Christian theology that became popular at the turn of the 20th Century and had a revival almost one hundred years later. The stretch of US-24 on the north side of Topeka, Kansas between US-75 and K-4 is named the Charles Sheldon Memorial Highway in his honor.Sheldon was a graduate of Phillips Academy, Andover (Class of 1879). He became an advocate of the late nineteenth century school of thought known as Christian Socialism. His theological outlook focused on the practicalities of the moral life, with much less emphasis on the doctrinal traditions of personal redemption from sin in Christ. In the winter of 1896 Sheldon developed a sermon story that he read as a weekly series from the pulpit of Central Congregational Church in Topeka, Kansas. The unifying theme of these sermons was based on posing the question, "what would Jesus do?" when facing moral decisions. He viewed this question as traditional within Christianity and likely drew some inspiration from William T. Stead's If Christ came to Chicago (1893) and other earlier sources.The theme of the sermons was later fictionalized into the novel In His Steps. The central ethos of the novel was not about personal redemption but about moral choices related to encountering circumstances of poverty and deprivation. Sheldon's theological motif reflected his socialist outlook. Sheldon's own parish work became identified with the Social Gospel.

Charles Monroe Sheldon (February 26, 1857 - February 24, 1946) was an American minister in the Congregational churches and leader of the Social Gospel movement. His novel, In His Steps, introduced the principle of "What Would Jesus Do?" which articulated an approach to Christian theology that became popular at the turn of the 20th Century and had a revival almost one hundred years later. The stretch of US-24 on the north side of Topeka, Kansas between US-75 and K-4 is named the Charles Sheldon Memorial Highway in his honor. Novel and theological influence: The theme of the sermons was later fictionalized into the novel In His Steps. The central ethos of the novel was not about personal redemption but about moral choices related to encountering circumstances of poverty and deprivation. Sheldon's theological motif reflected his socialist outlook. Sheldon's own parish work became identified with the Social Gospel. Walter Rauschenbusch, widely viewed as the chief architect of the Social Gospel, acknowledged the importance Sheldon placed on imitating Jesus. He saw the significance of Sheldon's work in bringing home the realization that it is hard to live a Christ-like life, given the temptations of modern society. While Rauschenbusch found this awareness valuable, he saw that it did not demand what he believed was a necessary transformation of social institutions.Sheldon was in touch with the concerns of middle-class America at the end of the century. He saw his role as one of communication-to introduce his congregation and the wider public to the ideas of Lyman Abbott, Richard Ely, George Herron, and Rauschenbusch. That was his intention in writing In His Steps. Of the social issues Sheldon espoused during his lifetime, the two he was most passionate about were equality and prohibition. He believed that all persons were equal and should be treated as such. He was a pioneer among Protestant ministers in welcoming blacks into a mainstream church. He was also committed to fair treatment for Jews and Catholics, and proclaimed the equality of men and women. A strong supporter of the feminist struggle for equal rights, he urged women to enter politics. He also pushed for full equality in the workplace. Sheldon was also a vegetarian who promoted compassion towards animal just as he did towards humans. He even criticized circuses for their treatment of animals. Newspaper "career" In March 1900 he became editor for a week of the Topeka Daily Capital applying the "What Would Jesus Do?" concept. In that short time, the newspaper's circulation exploded from just under 12,000 to 387,000, overwhelming the paper's Topeka printing plant causing it to print 120,000 copies each in Chicago, Illinois and New York City. Charles Monroe Sheldon (February 26, 1857 - February 24, 1946) was an American minister in the Congregational churches and leader of the Social Gospel movement.

The penetrating and provocative question "What would Jesus do?" in all of life's complex situations, is the central theme of this book. It is the soul-stirring novel of men and women torn between their faith and the demands, compulsions, and temptations of life. Dr. Henry Maxwell, respected pastor of the First Church of Raymond, struggled with the idea that Christian discipleship demanded more than mental assent. He vowed to preface every attitude and action of his own life with the question: What would Jesus do in this situation if He were me? Electrifying his congregation with the same challenge, people responded with agreement to try it for one year. This book is the moving, dramatic story of a handful of Americans--a newspaper editor, a college president, a railroad executive, a pastor, a singer, a writer, a wealthy philanthropist--who pledge to walk in "the steps of Jesus." At each turning point in their daily lives, they must ask: "What would Jesus do?" For decades, readers have been gripped by this narrative and have been challenged by its implications for their own lives. In His Steps is a convincing testimony to the worth and influence of Christian witness in all of life. A Christian classic every Christian should read!

In His Steps is a classic of religious fiction about preacher Henry Maxwell, who asks his congregation to consider ""What would Jesus do?"" before taking any action for a year. This simple request produces marked results in the small mid-western town. Formerly silent and passive members of the congregation become emboldened to enthusiastically speak truth and become frank about various situations they face, while confronting what they view as inadequate or wrong in the locality. Owing to his experience living in and observing individuals throughout late 19th century America, Charles Sheldon created a reasonably accurate vignette of the USA and its people. The setting and characterization helped readers relate easily to the tale and the wrongs which - through conversion - are confronted by various characters. The novel duly became a famous bestseller.

In His Steps is a classic of religious fiction about preacher Henry Maxwell, who asks his congregation to consider ""What would Jesus do?"" before taking any action for a year. This simple request produces marked results in the small mid-western town. Formerly silent and passive members of the congregation become emboldened to enthusiastically speak truth and become frank about various situations they face, while confronting what they view as inadequate or wrong in the locality. Owing to his experience living in and observing individuals throughout late 19th century America, Charles Sheldon created a reasonably accurate vignette of the USA and its people. The setting and characterization helped readers relate easily to the tale and the wrongs which - through conversion - are confronted by various characters. The novel duly became a famous bestseller.

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.