He also stars in the new film WWJD: What Would Jesus Do?, based on the 1896 novel In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon. The book still sells an average of 100,000 copies per year and has never been out of print.
The film modernizes the story, set in a town that has hit on hard times. A local politician is determined to turn things around by tearing down a small church and building a casino. But when The Drifter (played by Schneider) arrives, everything changes—and the church’s pastor, along with five others, decide to make a difference and ask themselves, What would Jesus do?
“I think a common need brings people together,” Schneider says of the film. “But you don’t hear about that. Although this movie depicts people as being greedy when they get in trouble, it also challenges people to turn outward and see if they can help their fellow man rather than taking advantage of a bad situation.
“I’m a part of the Children’s Miracle Network, and what I’ve found is quite the opposite of what people think—people actually give more to our organization in this economy, they’re more caring, more philanthropic. When times are tough—and this is something I say in my film dialogue—isn’t that when people need the Lord the most? I believe this movie will actually cause those who disbelieve this to [apply that principle] to their own lives and perhaps be that way themselves.”