Customer Reviews

Imitation of Christ

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

This beautiful little gem of a book is a real inspiration and deep, It Strengthens my beliefs, my belief as a Catholic, As a Child of God, Nice Illustrations, This book is a book to meditate on , not really read , but Read,Understand, Meditate, Re-Read,Reflect. It's a Thinking Book.

There are real nuggets of divine wisdom in this classic. My only concern is his very heavy animosity towards the world. His spiritual insights are rewarding, but I am (currently) a strong believer of being *in* the world but not *of* the world viz "Passionately loving the World" by St. Josemaria Escriva. I can still temper or filter his animosity to mine some real spiritual gems.

I have been regular in church for over 70 years and and recently discovered this very important work. I wish the sermon teachings I sat though had contained fewer jokes and been replaced by great teaching like this!

The devotional writings of Thomas a'Kempis span the centuries since his death in 1471, and are as meaningful today as they were then. The updated version of this book is easy to read with its subject sections and other devotions for Catholics. This is a wonderful little pocket book to carry, and share with others!

This is one of the best books I've ever read. It's a slow read, but not difficult - there's so much packed into these 280 pages that you'll have to take your time to get it all.

Probably the best spiritual reading I have ever done. Every little chapter has profound relevance to the Christian life.

Imitation of Christ was highly recommended to me and it did not disappoint.