Charles Sheldon was an American author and minister, best known for his influential novel, In His Steps, published in 1896. The book explores the concept of living a life guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, challenging readers to consider how they would act if they truly followed the question, "What would Jesus do?" Sheldon was also a prominent figure in the Social Gospel movement, which sought to apply Christian ethics to social problems. His writings emphasized the importance of faith in action, encouraging individuals to engage with their communities and address issues such as poverty and injustice.