What Would Jesus Do? The History and Evolution of a Christian Ethos
The phrase "What Would Jesus Do?" (often abbreviated as WWJD) has become one of the most recognizable expressions of Christian ethics in the modern era. While it is frequently associated with contemporary jewelry or popular culture, the question is rooted in centuries of theological development and a desire to align human behavior with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Theological Foundations
The conceptual origin of the phrase lies in the New Testament, specifically the Epistle to the Galatians 2:20, where Paul of Tarsus describes Christ living within the believer. This theological seed grew into the formal doctrine of Imitatio Christi (the imitation of Christ), which was further developed by Augustine of Hippo around 400 AD.
The Roman Catholic Church emphasizes this concept of Imitatio Christi, which serves as the spiritual foundation for the practical application summarized in the English question: "What Would Jesus Do?"
Earliest Recorded Uses
Before it became a global phenomenon, the phrase appeared in various religious contexts during the 19th century. On June 28, 1891, the prominent London evangelical Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon used the phrase "what would Jesus do" several times during a sermon. Spurgeon attributed the source of the expression to Imitatio Christi (The Imitation of Christ), a Latin work written by Thomas à Kempis between 1418 and 1427.
Simultaneously, the Rev. A.B. Simpson, founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, composed a Gospel Hymn titled "What Would Jesus Do," which was copyrighted in 1891 and later included in Hymns of the Christian Life.
The Influence of Charles Sheldon and 'In His Steps'
The phrase reached mass popularity through the 1896 novel In His Steps, written by Charles Sheldon. Subtitled "What Would Jesus Do?", the book evolved from a series of sermons Sheldon delivered at his Congregationalist church in Topeka, Kansas.
Sheldon's approach differed from earlier iterations by blending the imitation of Christ with Christian socialism. He presented Jesus not only as a Savior but as a moral example for social reform. This perspective aligned with the Social Gospel—a movement emphasizing the application of Christian ethics to social problems—espoused by Walter Rauschenbusch. Rauschenbusch later acknowledged that Sheldon's novel was a direct inspiration for the Social Gospel.
Due to a publishing error that left the book without a copyright, In His Steps became widely affordable and sold 30 million copies worldwide, ranking among the top 50 bestselling novels of all time. By 1935, it had been translated into 21 languages.
The plot follows Rev. Henry Maxwell, who is challenged by a homeless man to truly imitate Christ. The man questions why Christians who sing of devotion often ignore the poor, living in luxury while others suffer in tenements. This encounter prompts the novel's characters to ask "What would Jesus do?" before making significant decisions, leading them to focus on the core life of Christ.
In 1993, the author's great-grandson, Garrett W. Sheldon, and Deborah Morris released a contemporary retelling of the story, based on actual events in the lives of modern believers.
Modern Popularity: From Bracelets to Film
In the 1990s, the phrase transitioned from literature to a grassroots youth movement. Janie Tinklenberg, a youth group leader at Calvary Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan, introduced bracelets bearing the initials WWJD to help teenagers remember the principle. This trend spread globally among Christian youth.
As the movement evolved, a sequel bracelet appeared with the initials FROG, an acronym for "Fully Rely On God," intended to provide an answer to the question posed by WWJD.
In the 21st century, the concept continued to be analyzed and adapted. In 2005, Garry Wills explored the concept in his book What Jesus Meant. The 2010s saw the release of a film trilogy under the WWJD moniker, starting with a 2010 movie starring John Schneider and Adam Gregory, followed by The Woodcarver (WWJD II) in 2012, and a third installment in 2015 titled The Journey Continues.
Key Facts
- Theological Root: Based on Galatians 2:20 and the doctrine of Imitatio Christi.
- Key Literary Work: Charles Sheldon's 1896 novel In His Steps sold 30 million copies.
- Social Impact: Heavily influenced the Social Gospel movement alongside Walter Rauschenbusch.
- Modern Trend: The WWJD bracelet movement began in the 1990s at Calvary Reformed Church in Michigan.
- Related Acronym: FROG stands for "Fully Rely On God."
| Period/Year | Key Figure/Event | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| c. 400 AD | Augustine of Hippo | Developed the doctrine of Imitatio Christi. |
| 1418–1427 | Thomas à Kempis | Wrote the book Imitatio Christi. |
| 1891 | Charles Spurgeon & A.B. Simpson | Early use of the phrase in sermons and hymns. |
| 1896 | Charles Sheldon | Published In His Steps, popularizing the phrase. |
| 1990s | Janie Tinklenberg | Started the WWJD bracelet movement. |
| 2010–2015 | Film Industry | Released a trilogy of WWJD-themed movies. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the theological meaning of Imitatio Christi?
Imitatio Christi, or the "imitation of Christ," is the practice of following the example of Jesus Christ in one's daily life, focusing on his morals, actions, and spiritual devotion.
How did Charles Sheldon's novel impact the Social Gospel?
Sheldon's novel In His Steps presented Jesus as a moral example for social reform. This inspired Walter Rauschenbusch and others to develop the Social Gospel, which applies Christian ethics to address systemic social issues like poverty.
Why did 'In His Steps' sell so many copies?
Due to a publisher's mistake, the novel was never copyrighted. This allowed multiple publishers to print and sell the book, making it highly affordable and accessible to a global audience.
What does the FROG bracelet mean in relation to WWJD?
The FROG bracelet was created as a companion to the WWJD bracelet. While WWJD asks a question, FROG provides the answer: "Fully Rely On God."
Who first used the phrase "What would Jesus do" in a sermon?
Charles Spurgeon, a well-known evangelical Baptist preacher in London, used the phrase in a sermon delivered on June 28, 1891.