Customer Reviews

The Imitation of Christ (Pure Gold Classic)

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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.

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.

"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.

This is not a review of the book per se (just got it, have not read it yet), but thought I needed to share this. Book arrived with another book (a textbook) in the usual Amazon box, each laying side by side. It was left out in the rain for most of the day by the local carrier until I brought it inside. The entire box was soaked and ruined, tape fallen off and box literally gaping open, all of the paperwork inside was falling apart in pieces and soaked, my textbook was completely ruined (soaked through, wavy wet pages etc - got returned), yet this book was absolutely dry - not a trace of even a microdrop of water - perfect condition. Take away whatever message you want...

I recommend this book for any Christian looking for a deeper understanding of their faith. This book has an exorbitant amount of spiritual depth. I reread sections of this book over and over and meditate on sections routinely. Excellent, excellent excellent!!!!! One of the greatest and most classic books of the Christian faith! I can't say enough about this book.

This is a deeply powerful, moving book. Thomas paints a complete picture of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in every major area of life. He writes concisely and profoundly, offering his thoughts simply and boldly. His style makes for easy reading, allowing this book to be accessible to younger readers. This book lends itself to a contempltaive style of reading--I often found myself meditating on a paragraph, sentence or even a phrase for several minutes before being able to continue. This book is a perfect companion for daily devotional time or a weekend recharge. The importance of this book in the course of Christian history is incalculable. Numerous prominent Christian leaders (Wesley, Loyola and More, for starters) have been deeply shaped by this book and it continues to influence modern Christians (as evidenced by its staggering number of translations and worldwide sales). Aside from the Bible, no other book has impacted my life as deeply as this book. Recommended with highest endoresments.