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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Splendid devotional of great historical significance, December 31, 2000
This review is from: Imitation Of Christ Nelson's Royal Classics (Hardcover)
Thomas a Kempis was medival monk and priest (1380-1471) who served as chronicler of the monastery at Mt. St. Agnes. During his long life of scholarship, he wrote several biographies of church fathers and a number of devotional works. The "Imitation of Christ" remains his most famous work and the one that has best stood the test of time. Indeed, one of the wonderful things about this work is that it reminds us that the life of the mind is not a creature of the Enlightenment. Even during the so-called Dark Ages there were brilliant scholars with a wide knowledge of both scripture and philosophy. Reflecting its vibrant insight into the human condition, the "Imitation of Christ" remains influential on both sides of the Reformation divide. It reportedly was, for example, one of John Wesley's favorite devotionals. The "Imitation of Christ" is divided into 4 books, each undertaking a basic theme for development. They are, respectively, the Spiritual Life, the Inner Life, Inward Consolation, and the Blessed Sacrament (i.e., the Eucharist). In turn, each book is sub-divided into numerous chapters, each a page or two long. All of which makes the "Imitation of Christ" a useful book for daily devotionals. One can skip around freely within the book, dipping in as the mood strikes. Yet, I think one is well-served by reading it through at least once. Only then does one see Thomas' thought in its fully-developed form. Do be sure to get a good translation. I am fond of the one by Leo Sherley-Price.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Aside from the Bible ......., August 21, 2002
This review is from: Imitation Of Christ Nelson's Royal Classics (Hardcover)
This is the most powerful religious work I've ever read. Written by Thomas a' Kempis in the mid 15th century, this book is very much akin to one written in the last century by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, "The Cost of Dicipleship". Both books preach the stern message that the path to everlasting life comes through sacrifice and suffering here on earth. Thomas a'Kempis writes; "Take up your cross, therefore, and follow Jesus, and you shall enter eternal life. He Himself opened the way before you in carrying His cross. He died for you, that you too, might take up your cross and long to die upon it. If you die with Him, you shall also live with Him, and if you share His suffering, you shall also share his glory". Apart from the content.....I particularly like the layout of this book. It's divided into 4 smaller books each containing a numerous string of mini-chapters. These mini-chapters run approximately one to two pages in length and cover a diverse collection of religious thought focusing on love, humility, meditation, truth, etc. Each one poignantly written .....each one serving as a guideline for all. If your reading interests lie with the religious classics, your library will not be complete without adding this inspirational masterpiece to it. God Bless.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Back to the Basics, May 13, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Imitation Of Christ Nelson's Royal Classics (Hardcover)
This book was truly an inspiration and packed to the core with what it means to be truly Christ-like. All in all, Thomas A. Kempis expands on the Bible verse, "Whoever wishes to be My follower must deny his very self, take up his cross each day and follow in My steps" (Luke 9:23). Humility and becoming a servant are two of the ways Kempis applies this to our everyday lives. In this seemingly small book there are so many practical ways to apply the Gospel to our thoughts, actions, and habits that can draw us away from God. Kempis explores all avenues of the Christian walk and touches base on so many spiritual subjects. The topics range from resisting temptation and having a humble opinion of one's self to interior conversion and knowing youself. The advice is abundant! On the other hand, this book is definately to be read with an open heart and mind. It does not offer easy solutions to problems we may encounter in the Christian walk. On the contrary, it is a strong advocate of suffering. It takes on the approach of actually lowering one's self in the eyes of the world in order to gain favor with God. It truly calls us to imitate Christ to the fullest extent of our human ability. Yet, by doing this, we will gain the true inner peace of Christ. I truly hold a high opinion of this book. Kempis skips over the excesses of Christianity and cuts right to the heart of the Gospel. It is for those who seek a challenge; it challenges us all in old ways and in ways we never knew existed. This is a book to be read again and again. It takes us a step closer to the ultimate goal: to be imitations of Christ Himself.
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