The Imitation of Christ (Pure Gold Classic) [Paperback]

Thomas a Kempis (Author), Harold J. Chadwick (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1999

Written over five centuries ago by Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ has been translated into more languages than any other book except the Bible. It has been acclaimed by countless readers as one of the greatest spiritual masterpieces ever written. No book except the Bible points the way so clearly to inward peace and increased faith in God: "Many words do not satisfy the soul, but a good life comforts the mind, and a pure conscience inspires confidence in God." John Wesley considered it to be of such value to spiritual growth, and the best summary of the Christian life, that he personally translated it for the use of his followers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 308 pages
• Publisher: Bridge-Logos Publishers; Revised edition (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0882707663
• ISBN-13: 978-0882707662
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #248,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Truth hurts, March 2, 2006

By 

P. Buitrago (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Imitation of Christ (Pure Gold Classic) (Paperback)

This book helps break down our pride and takes the reader to true humility before God. I highly reccommend it to anyone seeking to have a closer relationship with Jesus and is willing to submit their will to his. I've read it many times when I'm struggling with something and it always seems to speak truth to me whether I like it or not I know inside it is truth. Sometimes its refreshing to read it. Its also amazing that this book is speaking to me a 26 year old male in 2006, when it was written in the 1300's. This is a no brainer, buy it now!! P.S>>> This version is much easier to read than the original. Great work by the editor.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Christian study in discipleship, May 15, 2007

By 

Stratiotes Doxha Theon "2 Thes 2:15" (Richmond, Missouri) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Imitation of Christ (Pure Gold Classic) (Paperback)

There are so many great works out today on being a true disciple. Yet this is the paradigm on which all subsequent work has been based. Thomas a Kempis here shares the fruits of a life devoted to the spiritual disciplines. It is at times inspiring and always challenging. Meditation on the insight he shares is inspiring. Practicing the life it implies is challenging, some might even say impossible. It is the perfect work for meditation in prayer that leads to a true sense of awe for a God that loves us so much. A good work to which to return from time to time.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic - Incredibly Relevant for Today, August 16, 2006

By 

Patrice Fagnant-macarthur (Springfield, MA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Imitation of Christ (Pure Gold Classic) (Paperback)

"The Imitation of Christ" is one of those spiritual classics that should be on everyone's bookshelf. Written over five hundred years ago and aimed primarily at those in monastic life, it has a message extremely relevant for today for those in all walks of life. The aim of "The Imitation of Christ" is to instruct those who wish to follow Christ how to "fashion his whole life on Christ's model."

Much of the book is dedicated to the quest for humility, following Jesus' example of serving all and putting the needs of others before oneself. "Claim nothing for yourself, think of others kindly and with admiration; that is the height of wisdom, and its masterpiece. . . . To be humble is to enjoy undisturbed peace of mind, while the proud heart is swept by gusts of envy and resentment."

Thomas À Kempis has a very realistic view of humanity, however. While his standards are high, he is well aware that we will fail on a regular basis. He maintains that "there will always be faults in ourselves, faults in others, which defy correction. . . at the same time, you do well to pray about such inconveniences; ask God in his mercy to help you bear them calmly." While maintaining this pragmatic attitude, he never-the-less encourages followers of Christ to keep up the fight, to continue to strive for perfection, work on one's faults and seek forgiveness. He encourages all of us to always be prepared for death because we do not know the hour in which it will come. We must always be ready to meet our maker.

There is also a definite emphasis on detachment from created things and concern about the approval of others. One should focus on prayer and serving God and others at all time. Attachment to the things and accolades of this world will not lead to peace. Obviously, the road is not easy. The farther one travels on the spiritual journey, the greater the trials. One must, like Jesus, be willing to pick up his cross. "You ought gladly to suffer a little for Christ's sake; there are many who suffer far worse for worldly interests."

"The Imitation of Christ" lays out such a wonderful plan for life. The standards are incredibly high but they are the standards that Jesus himself set out for us. This book has been the companion of saints for centuries. One could ask for no better endorsement.