WWJD: What Does “What Would Jesus Do” Mean Today?

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Summary

  • WWJD stands for “What Would Jesus Do?” and was popularized by Reverend Charles M. Sheldon in his 1896 book, In His Steps, emphasizing the importance of imitating Christ.
  • The WWJD movement surged in the 1990s, with youth leader Janie Tinklenberg creating bracelets to remind young people to consider Jesus’s teachings in their daily choices.
  • Key themes from In His Steps include active faith, social justice, and personal sacrifice, reflecting a call for Christians to live out their beliefs in practical ways.
  • Despite criticisms regarding superficiality and simplification, the essence of WWJD remains relevant today as a prompt for reflection and ethical decision-making based on Christ’s example.

What Would Jesus Do? Understanding the Meaning and Legacy of WWJD You know those four simple letters – W.W.J.D.? For so many, they just sparkle with meaning, reminding us of that powerful question: “What Would Jesus Do?” Back in the 1990s, this message was everywhere – on bracelets, T-shirts, you name it! 1 It was a guiding light for some, and maybe just a popular trend for others. But even if its biggest wave of popularity feels like a sweet…

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