Spiritual Narratives in 'In His Steps' and 'Jesus is Here'

Introduction

Charles M. Sheldon's novels, "In His Steps" and its sequel "Jesus is Here," offer profound insights into the intersection of faith and daily life. Let's delve into the intricate details of these narratives that challenge characters to consider the timeless question, "What Would Jesus Do?"

Set against the backdrop of the railroad town of Raymond, possibly in the eastern U.S., "In His Steps" introduces us to Reverend Henry Maxwell, the pastor of the First Church of Raymond. The narrative unfolds as Maxwell challenges his congregation to adopt a transformative principle: "What Would Jesus Do?" This essay explores the impact of this challenge on the lives of individual characters, offering a lens into the complexities of faith, compassion, and societal indifference.

Synopsis of "In His Steps"

The novel commences on a Friday morning with a desperate man seeking help from Reverend Maxwell. Brushed away initially, the same man confronts the congregation on Sunday, highlighting the community's apathy toward the jobless in Raymond.

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His poignant address leads to his collapse and subsequent death, prompting Reverend Maxwell to issue the transformative challenge to his congregation: "Do not do anything without first asking, ‘What would Jesus do?’" The narrative unfolds through episodes, each focusing on individual characters grappling with this profound question.

Sequel: "Jesus is Here"

Sheldon's sequel, "Jesus is Here," takes us a few years later, exploring the reappearance of Christ in the small town of Raymond. Jesus, portrayed with non-stereotypical characteristics, quietly engages with the community, gradually drawing attention. His impact, marked by kindness and encouragement, contrasts with traditional notions of dramatic miracles.

The narrative extends to New York City and Washington D.C., presenting a thought-provoking exploration of faith and divine presence in the modern world.

Literary Technique in "Jesus is Here"

In crafting "Jesus is Here," Sheldon employs a writing style reminiscent of "In His Steps." Jesus is depicted as gentle and practical, offering a counterpoint to skepticism through Raymond's lead editor. The narrative unfolds through third-person accounts, delaying first-hand quotations to enhance mystery and realism. A demure love story adds depth, portraying blessings received from Jesus with subtlety and grace.

Controversies Surrounding "Jesus is Here"

Despite its thought-provoking exploration, "Jesus is Here" ignited significant controversy during its time. The narrative presented three distinct points of contention among Christian believers, provoking deep theological discussions.

The first issue centered around the reappearance of Christ in the flesh, challenging established beliefs about the singular nature of Jesus' appearances in biblical history. This departure from convention prompted believers to reconsider their understanding of Christ's divine manifestations.

Another source of theological complexity stemmed from the narrative's conspicuous omission of references to the Holy Spirit. In traditional Christian doctrine, the Holy Spirit serves as the non-visible representation of Christ's presence in the modern day. The absence of explicit connections to the Holy Spirit within the narrative left readers grappling with the implications of a living Jesus dressed in contemporary attire, seemingly in conflict with established theological frameworks.

The third point of contention revolved around the narrative's disregard for the anti-Christ motif found in the New Testament book of Revelation. For many Christians, the anticipation of Christ's next bodily appearance is closely tied to eschatological events involving the anti-Christ. The novel's silence on this motif stirred further debate, challenging readers to reconcile the narrative's divergence with prevalent theological expectations.

These theological tensions compelled readers to reflect on the nuanced nature of Christ's presence depicted in "Jesus is Here" and question the boundaries of biblical orthodoxy within the context of the narrative.

As readers engaged with these controversies, a broader conversation emerged within religious circles. Scholars and theologians grappled with the implications of challenging long-held beliefs and the need to adapt to evolving understandings of spirituality. Theological debates unfolded not only within the confines of churches but also spilled into academic arenas, where the clash between tradition and progressive interpretations created a rich tapestry of discourse.

Cultural/Historical Niche of "Jesus is Here"

Notably, the pre-World Wars setting of "Jesus is Here" exudes optimism about the transformative power of the Church. Sheldon's contemporaries in the early 1900s appeared more willing to "count the cost" and publicly commit to sacrificial faith, aiming to influence their culture positively. Despite embodying strong Prohibitionist and Temperance views, the narrative reflects a confidence in the Church's ability to bring about positive change, a sentiment that may be viewed differently more than a century later.

The cultural and historical context of the narrative also reveals the societal dynamics of the time. The strong advocacy for Prohibitionist and Temperance views reflects broader movements within American society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These views, while contentious even within Christian circles, mirrored the social and moral values of the era. Understanding this context becomes crucial in appreciating the narrative's exploration of faith and societal change, offering a glimpse into a bygone era where such debates held significant weight.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Charles M. Sheldon's exploration in "In His Steps" and its sequel "Jesus is Here" invites readers into a world where faith collides with the challenges of everyday life. Through transformative challenges and thought-provoking narratives, these novels offer a unique perspective on the complexities of Christian faith, societal responsibility, and the enduring relevance of asking, "What Would Jesus Do?" Each character's journey becomes a mirror reflecting the multifaceted nature of human experience, inspiring readers to contemplate the timeless pursuit of divine guidance in navigating life's intricate tapestry.