This is the most read Christian novel of all time,
with over 50,000,000 copies in print since 1896.
It's the kind of book that changes people's lives.
Maybe you have seen the coffee mugs and T-shirts and bumper stickers and wonder where this saying came from. Here it is!

http://www.mastersimage.com/articles/ihs.htm

http://whatsaiththescripture.c...es/In.His.Steps.html

enjoy,

mm <*)))))><

quote:

Sheldon kept on working indefatigably, writing sequels to In His Steps and continuing to put his faith to work. When the owner of the Topeka Daily Capital offered him full rein editing the paper for one week "as Jesus would do it," he labored 13 to 16 hours a day. The Capital's average daily circulation was just over 11,000, but during Sheldon's week it shot up to more than 362,000.

I'd never heard of this guy � or his book � but what a story.

I read Sheldon's book as part of a faith-sharing group years ago. We decided to be more conscious of WWJD, and it was a clarifying question for all of us. Over time, I came to find the question, "what is the loving thing to do?" more helpful, as there are aspects of Jesus' life and calling that are unique to him alone.

This is a good, inspiring read, demonstrating how Christianity cannot really be understood unless practiced.

I read Sheldon's book as part of a faith-sharing group years ago. We decided to be more conscious of WWJD, and it was a clarifying question for all of us. Over time, I came to find the question, "what is the loving thing to do?" more helpful, as there are aspects of Jesus' life and calling that are unique to him alone.

I've started to read In His Steps and so far it has a very Hawthorne-ish feel to it (that's a good thing). There's a couple quotes I've pulled from the story but I don't have them with me now. But one remarkable story is pulled from the Master's Image link:

quote:

Sheldon kept on working indefatigably, writing sequels to In His Steps and continuing to put his faith to work. When the owner of the Topeka Daily Capital offered him full rein editing the paper for one week "as Jesus would do it," he labored 13 to 16 hours a day. The Capital's average daily circulation was just over 11,000, but during Sheldon's week it shot up to more than 362,000.

I think I'm only up to chapter fiver or six but it's gotten fully into the problems that the newspaper publisher is having because of the changes he has made. It's clearly intriguing to imagine if any business could survive if one did just as JWD or did just as one's own moral code required. I've often thought (counter-cynically, I suppose) that if a local TV news show focused on things we ought to know (as opposed to sensationalistic stuff like the Lacey Peterson case) and if with such a refocusing they also conceded that it was good for the soul to show good news as well as tragic news, if such a show would be a smashing success or an abject failure. I suspect it would be a success - big time.

Truly, I know bigger isn't always better, might doesn't necessarily make right and popular doesn't necessarily mean good. If I may speak frankly, the quality of books that PSR has written are, if one compares them objectively to the quality of million-sellers, then some of his deserve to sell two million copies. Now he thinks he's going to have to be nice to me but I assure you that is not the case. The point is simply that in In His Steps we are asked to try judging our actions using a standard other than the one that has become habitual and the one that is usually the path of least resistance. Whether one believes in Jesus or not, one can surely see that we often cause ourselves all kinds of stress and anxiety because we ignore that little voice inside our heads that is telling us what we should do. That voice is easy to drown out but it never goes away. It will surely resurface as stomach ulcers, hypertension, a short temper and whatnot.

Inevitably, whether it's regarding Jesus or our own ethical system, a story like In His Steps faces us to consider if we really believe in the efficacy of either our faith or our personal ethics. Do we dare put our trust in them at times when it counts, not just when it's convenient? I certainly can't answer that in the affirmative.

Update: I'm in love with Rachell Winslow.

In His Words: The Review

A memorable story�an important story�but not an overly inspiring story. Now, hold on. Hold on. I know that the etymology of the word "inspire" is in+spirit and that this story is absolutely brimming with Spirit. But let me refer to the typical meaning of the word which is to be motivated, usually temporarily, only to have strong feelings and impulses fizzle out too soon once the source of the inspiration is in the rearview mirror. I don't mean that the story wasn't inspiring, that it didn't get the blood up at times, only that the story was be no means dependent on raw emotions and touched-by-an-angel sentimentality to keep it going. This story is probably so widely read and remembered exactly because it's brick-and-mortar, not gossamer. A story like this is going to remain in one's mind, in one's soul, long after the tear-jerkers have faded away from memory and influence.

What I found remarkable in this story was the author's even-handed tone and point-of-view. You could hardly tell this story was written in 1896 other than his focus on temperance which was still an undecided question back then. He seemed way ahead of his time and I thought was appropriately critical of several facets of society but he never took the easy way out and fell back on simplistic or populists answers or pie-in-the-sky ideas such as Marxism and socialism.

This is an intelligent, logical story that does preach, of course, but does not come across as preachy. This is a story anyone can read and anyone should read. It's not overtly trying to convert anyone to Christianity. It's a compelling, eye-opening, Dickens-ish story whose one, simple powerful premise (Jesus Christ) is icing on the cake (but what icing). But one needn't accept that premise for this story to have deep meaning. Anyone with a set of personal ethics or a sense of morality � atheist, agnostic or believer � will have their eyes opened to just how much we don't apply our beliefs in daily life and how much we use them as nothing more than window dressing to make ourselves feel good. This story takes a Al-Pacino-like flamethrower to the place of hypocrisy.

And for those who are a believer, this story is an in-your-face challenge and gut check. But as I mentioned before, the tone of the story is so even-handed that one is quite amazed at the wisdom of the author. This isn't a call to mindless and destructive revolution. This is a call to thoughtful, personal and patient evolution. This isn't about condemning others. It's about sticking to one's own principles and leading by example. In many ways, if Jesus were a novelist, this is what He might have written.

For those who aren't believers, this story may be a bit of a revelation. They will see a glimpse of Christianity that defies and confounds most contemporary stereotypes and preconceptions. Charles Sheldon may reveal to many a fresh glimpse of faith, church and God -- one that might appeal to those who have been soured on religion by postmodernism and cynicism (and perhaps because of some genuinely bad experiences). If one is inclined toward believing then Mr. Sheldon has opened the door widely. If one already believes then Mr. Sheldon will perhaps renew and refine that faith.

Glad you got to know Rachell. Opendoor.com

Michael, even after having just read In His Steps I know my heart has a long way to go in order to be transformed. There�s a wicked little part of me that puts a little more emphasis into the greeting "Merry Christmas" this time of year and I�m sure it�s done just to piss people off. That phrase has become like a secret code word amongst the underground believers (or at least people who don�t believe in this sanitized "Winter Festival" nonsense). Just by flashing an open "Merry Christmas" to someone I�m telling them "Yes, I acknowledge this holiday is about Christ and about religion, whether this fact is inconvenient for secular humanists or not."

I just went through the drive-thru lane at my local Bank of America branch in order to deposit my payroll check. The teller in the cage is a sweet lady and one that has worked there for some time and thus she�s one of those type of people that one gets to know in a semi-familiar way. It�s the small things like this that give variety to life if not also a little warmth and meaning. I gave a hearty "Merry Christmas" into the cold steel grill of the speaker as I collected my receipt from the vacuum tube. The remark felt like the equivalent of slipping a cake with a hacksaw to someone behind bars. She was, after all, behind bullet-proof glass and is an employee of a big corporation that, like so many others who are playing it safe, has subscribed to the sterilized version of this winter holiday. The "you too" was as daring as she could be with her answer, but we both knew what she meant.

Merry Christmas to all.

That's a great review, Brad.

Re. "Merry Christmas" . . . I appreciate the anti-ACLU sentiment, here. I don't usually start staying this until Dec. 25, unless it's to people I know I won't be seeing until afterward. It's become emphasized in many Churches during this time to try to keep the Advent season and we try as much as possible. Nevertheless, Christmas does keep creeping in.

I don't usually start staying this until Dec. 25, unless it's to people I know I won't be seeing until afterward.

Okay. You keep holding the line on Advent and I�ll see what I can do to delay Christmas from becoming a dirty word.

And by the way � Merry Advent

yea, have a great MithraMass ----- Merry Mithramas sounds much better phonetically.

Speaking of Merry Christmas (and by the way, "Merry Christmas" to all of you out there), here's a must-read article by Kathleen Parker concerning this very subject. Oh, and have I mentioned in the last five minutes "Merry Christmas!"

quote:

Perhaps this yuletide backlash helps explain why I've been hearing "Merry Christmas" more in the past two weeks than I have the past 10 years. Suddenly everybody's saying it, and yes, I'm a perp.

In Washington earlier this month, I made a point of saying "Merry Christmas" to everyone, including cab drivers who were more often than not Muslim or Hindu. Without exception, they swiveled around, smiled and said, "Merry Christmas to you, too!"

And a "Merry Mithramas" to one and all as well.

We Vishnu a Hare Krishna, We Vishnu a Hare Krishna,
We Vishnu a Hare Krishna, and a Happy New Year!

The Power of Christmas
What it teaches us all, believers and atheists alike.
by Michael Novak

quote:

The Battle of Christmas is becoming a major event in the current history of liberty. In city after city in the United States and Europe, a war of sorts is being declared on Jesus Christ. He has been designated persona non grata. In public life, He is officially abolished. European bureaucrats do not even want Christianity mentioned in the new European Constitution, or to have anything to do with the European Commission.

In one of our own fair cities, one may no longer speak of the "Christmas Season" � only of "Sparkle Season." Elsewhere, in personal greetings the correct phrase is no longer "Merry Christmas" but something more indirect and evasive like "Best wishes of the season."

What is going on? We seem to be returning to a degree of Christophobia, after a tremendous run of 1,669 open and happy Christmas celebrations since the very first one in 336 A.D. in Rome. After the killing of Christians by the Roman emperors had ceased, and Constantine at last removed the legal impediments to the public expression of Christianity in 313 A.D. (and, incidentally, a few years later fixed the date of Christ's birth on December 25), Christophobia faded, except for the totalitarian banishment of Christianity, and all religion, by the Soviet Union in the 20th century.

Now, in the New Europe, the Italian minister for European affairs was forced to describe the convictions of his personal conscience on homosexual conduct. The EU authorities were not content with two prior assurances from him (in the same interrogation) that he respected the laws and civil rights of homosexuals out of respect for their personal dignity, and would uphold political and civil protections for them. No such questions were asked of Romano Prodi or any other European official. It would be unconstitutional in the United States to impose a religious test for public office. Governmental bodies even in Europe should make no intrusions into the realm of conscience; what counts in a public official is his commitment to the rule of law and faithful protection of civil and political liberties.

That last paragraph is just huge. I�d never thought of it that way. We have no religious test in this country for holding office, and rightfully so, but one can see the Leftist tests creeping into all aspects of society, public or otherwise. The Left gives an abortion test to prospective judges. Academia has a whole slew of politically correct tests before they�ll hire.

The wisdom of the Founding Fathers grows in my eyes. The absolute hateful assault (sorry to be so harsh near Christmas, but facts are facts) of the Left (who are relatively few) is no match for the careless stupidity of the relatively many who give tacit support to their views for reason which are dubious at best and often no more than a regurgitation of leftist propoganda although, in their defense, they might not be aware of this fact.

quote:

Many Europeans still recall that in 1948, when Communism took over many nations to the East (Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary, and others) and threatened to win elections also in the West (France, Italy, Germany, and elsewhere), what saved the latter group was the sudden strong emergence of the Christian Democratic parties, drawing on spiritual resources many centuries old.

Wait, Mr. Novak. I though Christians were the main threat, the force to be liberated from, the one thing that was keeping us from our 24-hour orgasms and utopia?

quote:

In this way, by a kind of via negativa, were some of the hidden depths � and real strengths � of the Western tradition rediscovered in the 20th century.

What we mean by God is something like irrepressible inner light, which is not quite a part of us, but apart from us, and yet deep within. It is closer to us than we to ourselves.

As Sharansky also notes in passing, although he is not a Christian, Jesus Christ taught humans to give unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's. One does not have to be Christian to take that lesson, or perhaps even to admit that Jesus Christ is the world's greatest teacher of the illegitimacy of totalitarian government. The very idea of everything belonging to Caesar is false in principle. The modern idea of democracy follows in the wake of this teaching of Christ.

Amen.

quote:

In parallel fashion, a leading figure of Enlightenment thought in Italy today, Eugenio Scalfari, the founder and publisher of La Repubblica, has reminded readers of his own paper that Jesus Christ introduced into modern Europe the idea of the dignity of every single individual, especially the poor, the weak, and the vulnerable. That is what gave meaning to the terms Equality and Fraternity in the triadic slogan of the French Revolution. To come to the aid of the poor is an essential idea of modern democracy.

These are the principles and the tradition from which Europe has become estranged and from which the United States dare not.

quote:

And this idea, too, springs in great vividness from the Christmas scene of the endangered infant, the poor shepherds, and the humble animals seeking shelter in the stable under the cold stars, celebrated by angels. It is the poor and the humble who are chosen by the Creator for His greatest gifts.

That�s very much in line with the America notion of a classless society in which nobility comes from something more than accidental bloodlines.

quote:

There are other ideas key to democracy embedded in the Christmas drama. Here I must acknowledge that I am using "democracy" where in many ways a term such as "republic" would more accurately serve; but contemporary usage almost demands it. One of the most important of these other ideas is the inalienable liberty of individual persons.

And how is this form of liberty rooted in Christmas? Read again Jefferson's argument in his Bill for Religious Liberty and Madison's argument in his Remonstrance. For both, religion is a duty every person owes to his Creator � a self-evident duty but one to be rendered according to the conscience of each individual�.

That might be a splendid foundation for liberty, Michael, but it�s even a better foundation for how one�s personal beliefs (religious or otherwise) are managed within, and relate to, a secular government. There can be, and probably should be, an avenue and outlet for our deepest, most closely held beliefs other than government. When there isn�t, well, we see the type of zealotry that the left can quickly fill our secular society with. We ought not to see government as the be-all, end-all of our lives. We ought to see government in the context of a structure and reality that is greater, because that much is surely true. After all, we don�t have "democrat" or "republican" written on our foreheads at birth. Christianity�s notion of owing our spiritual allegiance to God thus frees society to have a secular government with religious freedom and freedom of conscience. The religious should remember this original allegiance. The atheist or aggressive secularist in particular (because they are a inexperienced in this regard) ought to remember that government is not the playground for their existential and metaphysical yearnings.

quote:

Therefore, those of us who are Christians ought to launch a reciprocal campaign of "Christians in Gratitude to Atheists," to honor the contributions of nonbelievers to our free institutions. Let us give credit to all who helped add to natural rights, the free institutions that support them, and the consent of the governed, due process, and the separation of powers.

If you say so, Michael.