WWJD, which stands for "What Would Jesus Do?" is a popular phrase and a cultural phenomenon that has been around for decades. But when did it start? In this article, we'll explore the origins of WWJD and how it has evolved over time.
The Origins of WWJD
The phrase "What Would Jesus Do?" was first popularized in the late 1800s by a book written by author Charles Sheldon called "In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do?". The book tells the story of a pastor who challenges his congregation to live their lives by asking themselves what Jesus would do in every situation.
The book became a bestseller and sparked a movement that encouraged Christians to live their lives according to Jesus' teachings. The phrase "What Would Jesus Do?" became a popular catchphrase and was used in sermons, songs, and other Christian literature.
WWJD in the 1990s
In the 1990s, WWJD experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to a simple piece of jewelry – the WWJD bracelet. The bracelets, which were made of woven fabric or silicone, featured the letters WWJD and became a popular accessory for Christians of all ages.
The idea behind the bracelets was to encourage wearers to ask themselves what Jesus would do in every situation they encountered throughout the day. The bracelets served as a visual reminder to live their lives according to Jesus' teachings.
WWJD Today
Today, WWJD remains a popular catchphrase and has evolved to include a wide range of products, including t-shirts, hats, and even tattoos. The phrase is still used in sermons and other Christian literature as a reminder to live one's life according to Jesus' teachings.
However, WWJD has also become a bit of a cultural cliché and has been parodied and satirized in popular culture. Despite this, the message behind WWJD remains a powerful one – to live one's life with compassion, love, and kindness, just as Jesus did.
Conclusion
So when did WWJD start? The phrase dates back to the late 1800s and was popularized by Charles Sheldon's book "In His Steps". It experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 1990s thanks to the WWJD bracelet and remains a popular catchphrase and cultural phenomenon to this day.
Whether you wear a WWJD bracelet, t-shirt, or tattoo, or simply ask yourself what Jesus would do in every situation, the message behind WWJD is a powerful one – to live one's life with compassion, love, and kindness.