Customer Reviews

The Imitation of Christ (Penguin Classics)

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I'm not a Christian but I have almost completed a minor in Christianity at the college I attend. I study Christianity because of my interest in European history. This book, written by a 15th century cloistered monk, is amazing for its strong use of language to convey how one should interact with God through Jesus. But even outside the sphere of religious thought, there are some good statements that could apply to everyday life, although Thomas would scoff at the idea that someone could do this independent of God. Consider the following short excerpts:

"It is only by patience and true humility that we can grow stronger than all our foes." --pg. 40

"For every bodily pleasure brings joy at first, but at length it bites and destroys." --pg. 52

"Alas, a long life often adds to our sins rather than to our virtue!" --pg. 58

These are just a few quotes from a book that has many memorable lines. Most of the book deals with how man should submit himself to Christ. The format Thomas uses is dialogue, between Christ and a disciple. Like Plato's use of dialogue, it is an effective means of getting his ideas across. Thomas even examines the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and concludes that only through pure thought and hard work at patience and humility can one be able to effectively use these sacraments to become one with Christ, and through him, God.

The only downfall I can see with this book is that it is aimed at the cloistered, or as Thomas calls them, the "Religious." Thomas sees the process of submitting to God as more then a full-time job. Because of this, most people would be shut out of union with Christ. But the book was written to help those in the monastery.

I certainly recommend this to anyone interested in Christian history or Christianity in general. I believe that for myself, I will probably read this again, as one reading isn't enough to get all the gold out of the text. The book used to be second only to the Bible in popularity. I read the Penguin version translated by Leo Sherley-Price.

I'm not even Christian. I happen to be Jewish by background, and I think this is one of the deepest, most profound and most beautiful things I have ever read. I just stumbled across it at a bookstore, and ended up carrying it around with me for a long time. When I first read it, I felt heat coursing through me. The cover jacket says "After the bible, this is the touchstone and probably the best-loved book of Christianity." No Christians I asked, however, had ever heard of it, oddly enough. In any case, I believe everyone, Christians and non-Christians alike, would benefit tremendously from reading and contemplating this work.

Note: I have the Penguin Classics edition which is translated by Leo Sherley-Price.

I enjoy this book. Thomas A Kempis (1380-1471) writes in a practical way the method of manifesting a spiritual commitment in a daily life experience. Few who seek to imitate the life of the Christ give thoughtful consideration of their own crucifixion. Fortunately, Thomas was free from this deception. In his chapter entitled On the Few Lovers of the Cross of Jesus, he writes, "Jesus has many who love His Kingdom in Heaven, but few who bear His Cross. He has many who desire comfort, but few who desire suffering. He finds many to share His feast, but few His fasting. All desire to rejoice with Him, but few are willing to suffer for His sake. Many follow Jesus to the Breaking of Bread, but few to the drinking of the Cup of his Passion. Many admire His miracles, but few follow Him in humiliation of His Cross. Many love Jesus as long as no hardship touches them. Many praise and bless Him, as long as they are receiving any comfort from Him. But if Jesus withdraws Himself, they fall to complaining and utter dejection. They who love Jesus for His own sake, and not for the sake of comfort for themselves, bless Him in every trial and anguish of heart, no less than in the greatest joy. And were He never willing to bestow comfort on them, they would still always praise Him and give Him thanks." I have found spiritual strength in these words. They have helped me to choose my spiritual relationship even when circumstances make that choice difficult. Although this book was written to Christians, I honestly think that anyone with a genuine spiritual interest can benefit. If you are interested in European Christianity in the 15th century, or are interested in building a spiritual relationship on a firm, pragmatic foundation, this book will interest you.

Whether you're a Christian looking for inspiration in your faith or a non-Christian after an amazing insight into the spiritual side of the church, this book won't disappoint! It is generally a pretty easy read with short chapters on defined topics. As such, the translation seems quite good. Thomas a Kempis soaks the pages with the love and peace that he has acquired from hir religion. The book contains many moral and ethical lessons on peace and humility that as needed in our world as ever. And this is done in a tone that is far from the dry dogmatic style of many other Christian fathers.

It's easy to see why, outside the Bible, this has been one of the most popular Christian books!

This book is a collection of short devotional thoughts written by Thomas a Kempis. He shows fine insight in his spiritual teachings and the deepest truths he discusses are as pertinent to the spiritual life now as they were over 500 years ago. Recommended reading.

Why claim trinkets when you can read one of the best devotionals on the market. I use it to keep my daily life in check, to remember to have the right focus and to live what I believe. This is the top of the charts for a "Christian" work. Brother A'Kempis was a great instructor and a wise disciple. So much of todays mediocre fluff is twisted by society, self centeredness and lazy Christianity where the thinking is done for those who don't see the value in meditation and self examination. Next to the Bible, this is my favorite work.

This wonderful book was written by the priest Thomas a Kempis in the 1400's and is very reminecient of the Apostle Paul's writings by encouraging readers to live a simple spiritual life. It recommends that peace is found in the heart of the humble and that in overcoming the ego you overcome the world. Joy is found in a quiet conscience and you are only happy when you have done what is right. This may also be the original source of the advice to choose the less of two evils. It also warns that pleasure and desire carry the seeds of sorrow. This book is spiritual focusing on living the inner life and not getting entangled with the world. A must read for all Christians or anyone on a spiritual path.

This is a beautiful guide on how to deepen your faith in Christ while tenderly rendering patience and understanding for our humanness. I found it very encouraging, cleansing and groundbreaking.

Everyone with a few extra dollars in their pocket should get a copy of this book. It's a true literary classic. You can trust basically everything from the Penguin Classics series.

This is a centuries old classic that still has great relevance today.

I appreciate being able to purchase it so conveniently and so inexpensively as a "pre-read" book.