In His Steps

By: Charles Sheldon

Narrated by: Nelson Runger

Length: 9 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's Summary

Over 100 years ago, Reverend Charles Sheldon stepped up to the pulpit to deliver a sermon to his little flock of Congregationalists. Little did he know that his humble parable would evolve into a novel that would be published in 45 languages and affect the lives of at least 15 million people. A desperate, unemployed printer, looking for help in the mythical town of Raymond, is ignored until he’s on the verge of dying. His last words, as he collapses in front of a church congregation, point out the difference between believing in Christianity and actually living it. The death of the homeless man becomes the catalyst for a year-long pact. What happens when an entire congregation decides to stop before every decision and ask itself, “What would Jesus do?” In His Steps is a book about life. Few books, other than the Bible, have been so widely circulated. Since its first publication, this inspirational classic has never been out of print. Its simple message transcends literature, theology, and religion.

Public Domain (P)1997 Recorded Books, LLC

A tremendous tale!

The narrator was perfectly suited to the story, and conducted a wonderful performance. I was struck by how relevant this story still is, and how engrossed I got with it. You might think that the story would be dated, but the Christian experience transcends time, and the topics of suffering and faithfulness can easily be transferred to our lives today.

I loved listening to the inspiration of the WWJD movement of my childhood, but it was more than that. The characters and lessons presented in this story truly helped me to put my Christian walk into perspective, and have spurred me into more conscious effort and ministry. I highly recommend this great little tale.

WWJD - great read.

i loved this book. great stories about the life transforming motto that should guide our very lives. everyone should read it. great narrator. I'm sad that it was over.

A great book

If you could sum up In His Steps in three words, what would they be?

Living like Christ

What did you like best about this story?

So real, so true. Every practicing christian can easily identify with every word, every chapter of the book. I was completely immersed into the reality of the story like a new baptism.

What does Nelson Runger bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Nelson makes the book, the story come alive. So theatrical I can literally hear each voice, so clear and perfectly paced, see each body language, and even create a full mental image of some of the characters. Boy, was I scared to 'stand' with the goodly Christians as they were confronted by the liquor and violence intoxicated mob of the rectangle!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Strange Fellas. ( in the world but not of the world; definitely turning their community right side up).

Any additional comments?

In His Steps is the third best book I have ever read after the bible and John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. I strongly recommend it to all Christ's disciples.

Thought provoking

This book takes a look at what our world may be like if Christians actually tried to live as Jesus would, set in the late 1800's. It offers a sharp contrast and yet similarities to what we see today. A very thought provoking and inspiring read. Are we Christians, forgiven so much, too easily settling for a life of grace instead of the spiritual blessings in a life of close obedience to Christ? It was touching also to see how Rachel, for example, viewed her gift of a beautiful singing voice as 'God's voice" and used it solely in God's service. It was narrated well, with a good, steady cadence, that moved right along, yet allowed one to savour the story.

A Blessing

I really enjoyed it. Didn't agree with all of the Christian sacrifices he employed, yet the intention was definitely moving. I found it a little slow and dry in some chapters, but the powerful themes throughout always shined through and the slow areas didn't last to long. A+

That's not the issue...

The true issue is not "What Would Jesus Do?" but "What Think Ye of Christ?"
I loved this book when I was in high school 25 years ago, but after reading it again this week, I can honestly say it's not on my list of books to re-read ever again. I felt the premise of the book was based on works, not on who Christ is and what He did. I don't think the book focused enough on Christ's life and example as shown to us in the Gospels. The characters would have thought and acted differently if they had actually followed Christ's example. As I said, the more important question is "What Think Ye of Christ?" That's just my opinion.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful