The Imitation Of Christ (Hendrickson Christian Classics)

Customer Reviews:

Conversations with our Lord & Savior.......2007-06-08

Any inspirational book, and this is truly a great one, is welcome today, to help us stay focused on our goal, that is our Lord, to help us navigate on these rough seas that are our hectic lives. Thomas A Kempis brings us a lengthy prayer, a conversation between Jesus Christ and His disciple. We can identify and feel humbled because the words of Christ are a succession of His quotes from the New Testament, only put in the context of a conversation. This way we learn real wisdom, biblical wisdom, but also we see the other side: that of the struggling follower, the man who has trusted Christ with his faith and now wants to grow more and more in Him, because once you've known the Lord you can't help but loving Him more and more. A classic for any Christian's book shelf.

Imitation of Christ.......2007-05-10

I read this book for the first time over 40 years ago. Recently picked it up again and was so impressed that I gave copies to each of my daughters at Easter. You can open to any page and find a message of profound value for your life. It bears repeated readings and reflection on its truths.
Sincerely,
Dianne Luzzi

Landmark of Spiritual Growth.......2007-05-05

Thomas' work is a call to the experience of God in the tradition of medieval spiritual writings. He calls the reader to the disciplines of obedience, humility, and self-denial. If we suffer in this world, we are only to take it as a reminder that our hope and our reward are not here (I.12). We should avert ourselves from the pleasures and conceits of this world to focus on silence and solitude (I.20). Jesus is to be loved more than anything in the world (II.8).

Book three, by far the longest of the four, focuses on renouncing the world for the sake of inner peace. Here Thomas sounds a hint like a Buddhist, unflappable and unaffected, but rather than hoping for the destruction of self as an end in itself, he is hoping for another world that makes this one pale in comparison. Written as a prolonged dialogue between Christ and "The Disciple," we are told, "I desire to have you wholly divested of self" (III.37). Like many works of monastic or medieval spirituality, we seem to receive a lot more on what we are to give up than on the benefits of doing so. In a rare break with the flow of the text, Thomas gives us a rhapsody on the beauty of love (III.5). Aside from that, the primary benefit of self-denial seems to be freedom of conscience.

Book four concludes with a praise of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, the importance of preparing one's heart for it before receiving it, and the power of being brought into the presence of God through it. This is apparently either the source of or a supreme example of our union with Christ, experienced as we take his body into ours to become his body.

Overall, a powerful call to humility and self-denial that are the prerequisites for the experience of the presence of God.

A Strong Walk with God.......2007-04-11

Have you ever desired more God in your life? The Imitation of Christ provides readers a strong example of a pure and holy Christian walk. Touching on many specific subjects you can feel the connectedness Thomas a Kempis felt with Jesus and his deeper understanding of spiritual truths. This book is great for daily meditations and a inspirational example of a man walking closely with Christ and in harmony with those around him.

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis.......2007-03-15

The Imitation of Christ is a classic and this edition was very good. One problem was that it is a Roman Catholic book, yet the introduction to this edition focused on Martin Luther in a very complimentary way. I did not expect to find that and I was disappointed because I had purchased 40 copies for the young adults in the youth group of my Roman Catholic Church for Lent. I am happy that Lutherans want to read it, but I felt that it was inappropriate to reference Martin Luther since he had nothing to do with it. Perhaps he read it when he was a Roman Catholic monk, as do all Catholic religious and many of the laity.

The Imitation of Christ (Vintage Spiritual Classics)

Average customer rating:

Utterly fantastic
If only more people read this book
Classic Christian study in discipleship
nourishing
uplifting

The Imitation of Christ (Vintage Spiritual Classics)
Thomas a Kempis
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0375700188
Release Date: 1998-03-24

Amazon.com

The Thomas à Kempis fan club includes St. Ignatius, Thomas Merton, Thomas More, and even Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. (She reads a chapter of The Imitation of Christ every night before sleep.) Imitation has exerted immense influence on Christian worship, ethics, and church structure, because it gives specific yet broad-minded guidance about the central task of Christian life--learning to live like Jesus. Better to read this book a little here and there, now and then, than to try gobbling it cover to cover. Imitation is no triumph of orderly thinking, but it's a great monument and incentive to deep living. --Michael Joseph Gross

Book Description

Only the Bible has been more influential as a source of Christian devotional reading than The Imitation of Christ. This meditation on the spiritual life has inspired readers from Thomas More and St. Ignatius Loyola to Thomas Merton and Pope John Paul I. Written by the Augustinian monk Thomas à Kempis between 1420 and 1427, it contains clear instructions for renouncing wordly vanities and locating eternal truths. No book has more explicitly and movingly described the Christian ideal: "My son, to the degree that you can leave yourself behind, to that degree will you be able to enter into Me." With a new Preface by Sally Cunneen, author of In Search of Mary: The Woman and the Symbol.

"God is our home but many of us have strayed from our native land. The venerable authors of these Spiritual Classics are expert guides--may we follow their directions home."
--Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Download Description

Often considered second only to the bible, this classic Christian devotional has taught and inspired generations.

Customer Reviews:

Utterly fantastic.......2007-08-06

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

If only more people read this book.......2007-06-30

I'm not even a Roman Catholic (I'm about as Protestant as you get I suppose) and I still loved this book. Reading it I felt like highlighting or underlining just about every other sentence. This book is filled with deeply profound statements and insights, and has many timeless principals that challenged me to take my walk with God to the next level and to strive towards greater holiness. This book really does show you how to imitate Christ.

In a culture where sin is considered glamorous, the only absolute is that there aren't any, and morality is considered a matter of personal taste this book comes a breath of fresh air. Even hundreds of years later, this book is just as relevant (if not more so) than it was then. As I understand it, a Kempis was writing this book because he felt that the church had become corrupt; well, I'd certainly say that that applies today, with the church becoming more and more like the world every day. Unbelievers are often turned off by hypocrisy and worldliness in the church and, as believers, we are in serious danger of losing our effectiveness. This book helped me recognize areas in my life where I was not conforming my thoughts and actions to God's Word and I think it will help others too. I honestly can't recommend this book enough and think that this book is just what the church needs right now. If I could make all Christians read one book other than the Bible itself it would certainly be this book.

As Paul said, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2). This is exactly what the church needs right now (in fact, that's what the church ALWAYS needs, but especially now) and that's exactly what this book will show you how to do. Jesus calls us to a radical holiness and a separation from worldliness, and this book will help you glorify Jesus more by imitating Him and to overcome (or at least begin to overcome) worldliness.

If you don't own this book yet, I would recommend doing so. This one is definitely worth buying; I anticipate re-reading my copy over and over again because this book has so much insight. This is the kind of book that you can re-read multiple times and get more (and different) benefits from it each time. This is also a superb, elegant translation that makes the book almost poetic at times and certainly retains the beauty of the text. Strongly recommended.

Classic Christian study in discipleship.......2007-05-16

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.

nourishing.......2007-01-28

A wonderful book to meditate on and take in slowly. Humility and grace are covered quite well. I understand why this has been an oft-printed book.

uplifting.......2007-01-15

supposedly ranks second only to the bible in terms of number published. easy to pick up and read anytime, even if for only a few minutes. it's from hundreds of years ago, so it's pretty conservative, traditional reading in contrast to some of today's swinging, feel good concepts.

Average customer rating:

A MUST for all Christians!!
Listening with the Heart
And now for something different....
a spiritual classic

The Imitation of Christ

Manufacturer: Ignatius Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0898708729

Book Description

The spiritual classic by à Kempis, the second most widely read spiritual book after the Bible, has had an astonishing impact on the spiritual lives of countless saints, peasants, and popes for centuries. Even today, the soul-searching words of the fifteenth-century cleric Thomas à Kempis continue to resonate, unbounded by time or geography. Drawing on the Bible, the Fathers of the early Church and medieval mysticism, his four-part treatise shrugs off the allure of the material world, blending beauty and bluntness in a supremely spiritual call-to-arms. This beautiful translation by Ronald Knox and Michael Oakley is considered by many teachers, writers, and readers to be the best English translation ever, and one that greatly enhances the life-changing insights of Thomas à Kempis. Illustrated.

Customer Reviews:

A MUST for all Christians!!.......2007-03-29

What a great, timeless classic. This has become a fabulous guide for our family to help us become more Christ-like! Check out "The Imitation of Christ for Children" by Elizabeth Ficocelli for the children, too!

Listening with the Heart.......2007-01-11

"Want to know the best advice I ever heard?" asked Larry King, in an interview published today in Canada's National Post newspaper: "I never learned ANYTHING while I was talking." 50 years experience at the interviewer's microphone and Larry's best advice comes down to one word. "Listen!"

Coincidentally (or maybe not!) I picked up this just-received book, sent to me by a dear friend who recalled my reviewing an earlier published edition of this same "Ronald Knox translation." And it literally it fell open to these words,

"By all means ask questions, but LISTEN to what holy writers have to tell you . . . often enough, (when we hear) Holy Scripture, we are distracted by mere curiosity; we want to seize upon some point and argue about it, when we ought to (listen) and move on."

I flipped open "The Imitation" just now and my eyes (lately fixated on my newest pride and joy were these: (p 32 under the heading, "ABOUT SELF-CONFIDENCE, AND HOW TO GET RID OF SELF-CONCEIT")

"It is nonsense to depend for your happiness on created things (and) why all this self-importance? Do not boast of riches, if you happen to possess them . . . nor about the important friends you have; boast rather of God's friendship.

"Do not give yourself airs, if you have physical strength or beauty; it only takes a spell of illness to waste the one, or mar the other. Do not be self-satisfied about your own skill or cleverness; God is hard to satisfy, and it is from him that they come, all these gifts of nature.

"He reads our thoughts, and will only think the worse of you, if you think yourself better than other people. Even your good actions must not be a source of pride to you: If you have any good qualities to show for yourself, credit your neighbor with even better qualities: that is the way to be humble.

"To be humble is to enjoy undisturbed peace of mind, while the proud heart is swept with gusts of envy and resentment."

----

Seven years ago (on my birthday actually) I wrote my very first review for Amazon.com -- for an earlier re-print of this same translation. This latest version, from Ignatius Press of San Francisco, is far-and-away the most beautiful and features cover art by Andrea Solario (1480-1540) from the "Galleria Borghese, Rome" -- painted about a century after Thomas a Kempis produced his "Imitation." Inside artwork includes some marvelous, same-period woodcuts by Albrecht Durer.

----

In his (2005) FOREWARD to this new edition, psychologist and priest Benedict Groeschel (seen by millions on his "Sunday Night Live" TV show on EWTN) recalls stealing his first copy of the "Imitation" from the public library in his Caldwell NJ hometown - slipping it into his schoolbag intending to return it "to its rightful place on the shelf, in two weeks time, the ordinary period for a book loan in those days."

"The title suggested to my 12-year-old mind that this must be a story about someone who pretended to be Jesus. I went and sat by a window . . . the spring sun (shining) on the oak table, I can still see my blue-sweatered arm around the book as I began to read:

"'Vanity of Vanities - all is vanity except to love God and serve him alone.' At that moment I was electrified, and I sat there reading page after page . . . . for two hours, mesmerized by the book!"

----

As for the translation? Is it really the best-ever? I stand by my thoughts of seven years ago:

"I have several translations of the Imitation but I keep coming back to this one. I believe many readers will find this translation 'flows' better than the others, written as it is in a warm, gentle and accessible style by a master translator and communicator, Monsignor Ronald Knox. A convert to Catholicism who produced an acclaimed Latin-to-English translation of the Bible, Knox completed the first 30 or so chapters of the Imitation before his death in 1957. He wrote to Michael Oakley, two months before his passing: "If I die without finishing my translation, please tell my executors that you are to finish it." The younger Latin scholar did a splendid, seamless job of completing Knox's superb translation of what was--until this century--the second most widely read book in the world. What a delight that this version is once again available, [50 years] after its first publication. If you purchase only one copy of the Imitation in your lifetime, make it this one."

And now for something different...........2006-11-05

Going into the details of questions of authorship (did Thomas a Kempis actually write this, or did he translate it, et cetera) is not quite as important to me as the import of the message and how it is phrased.

The Imitation of Christ is essentially a minor treatise, but a better and more helpful description might be personal record and observance, on how to realize the Christ within. It has the conversational style, rendered in lovely prose by Knox (and for the sections left uncompleted after his death, Oakley), which can successfully draw the reader into a conversation with the author about his own spiritual and personal development.

It is not like reading the Beattitudes or the Ten Commandments, where instructions or broad pronouncements are supposed to be self-evidently obvious to the reader, who is assumed to be earnest in his quest for understanding. Instead, it is like discussing one's personal life, one's very serious doubts and concerns about one's conduct and inner life with an ardent, energetic and thoughtful monk.

It is a book to ponder over and indeed, non-Christians and Christians, the areligious and religious, alike can benefit from actively thinking about some of the arguments Kempis makes about, say, criticizing others when so much work still needs to be done on oneself (nothing less than a pithy expatiation on casting the first stone!). Indeed, the first great modern proponent of Vedanta, Yoga, and Hinduism, Swami Vivekananda, said that while he loved and read many different works from all sorts of cultures, the two he always carried with him were the Bhagavad Gita and The Imitation of Christ. Quite an endorsement, considering that Protestants and Catholics alike have gained so much from it from all these centuries.

a spiritual classic.......2006-08-05

I first read this book early in my spiritual journey. Then, a decade later I pulled it out and read it again. Each time it impacted me deeply, powerfully.

I find it amazing that a monk (the author might not have been Thomas a' Kempis, we don't know for sure) was able to write a book that has resonated with Christians and non-Christians, Protestants and Catholics, seekers and believers for more than 500 years.

Some people say it's the second best-selling book of all time (trailing only the Bible). I'm not sure. But I do know that it has helped a lot of people just like me discover how to follow and imitate the greatest person to ever live.

The Imitation of Christ, Leather Gift Edition

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A Good Monkly Read
A good devotional for people of all faiths
Beauty in word and form
The Imitation of Christ returns.

The Imitation of Christ, Leather Gift Edition
Thomas A. Kempis
Manufacturer: Baronius Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1905574002

Book Description

This edition has been freshly re-typeset from an older, traditional edition and printed on high quality, acid-free paper. The cover is bound in genuine, highly-durable, Moroccan leather with beautiful ornamental gold blocking on the front and the spine.

Translated from the original Latin by the Right Rev. Richard Challoner, D.D.

The most popular religious book - after the Bible - ever written, is presented here in its best known English translation: that of the Venerable Richard Challoner (1691 - 1781), Vicar Apostolic of the London district in penal times, and perhaps the greatest English Catholic figure of the eighteenth century.

A work of spiritual devotion - its purpose is to instruct the soul in Christian perfection with Christ as the Divine Model. It consists of a series of counsels of perfection written in a familiar and even colloquial style, and is divided into four parts/books:

1. Useful Admonitions for a Spiritual Life
2. Admonitions Concerning Interior Things
3. Of Internal Consolation
4. Of the Blessed Sacrament

Size - 4" x 6". Hardbound (dark-brown real leather) with silk ribbon marker.

Customer Reviews:

A Good Monkly Read.......2007-07-14

I'll begin with a word about the edition. It's awesome! Quite simply. The leather is amazing, the paper is neat, the printing is excellent, there's a ribbon to mark your page: there's everything any book-lover loves.

So what is this book? It is one of the most popular religious texts after the Bible itself. "The Imitation of Christ" was written by a monk, Thomas à Kempis, and was originally intended for monastics and ascetics, or monks and hermits, or anyone meaning to live a highly religious life entirely devoted to God.

This is not a book to convince you of anything as it is not made with arguments. That is, it is not a discussion of whether Christianity is true or not. It's the "imitation" of Christ, not the "justification" of Him. For this reason, I would recommend it to people of faith first and foremost, or at least people with an interest in God and spirituality. If your aim is to understand Christianity better and get yourself some faith, I definitely recommend the reading of other books than this one, at least to begin with.

"The Imitation of Christ" is divided into 4 books, each of which has a healthy amount of short chapters. The short size of those makes them quite appropriate for rereadings and frequent considerations over time. If you think you will be reading this book more than once, or if you think you will regularly consult it, then I absolutely recommend this edition as it is made to last.

Is there anything negative to say about this book? Well, sort of yes, as far as I am concerned, but it has more to do with theology than the book itself, so I am not sure it does count as "negative" points. And in fact, I still gave the book 5 stars. My "problem" with the book is that it does spend a considerable amount of time being nihilistic, in that branch of Christianity which considers the world worthless, and humans equally worthless. I understand the need of humility in a spiritual life, but when we go past humility into self-bashing and the almost vicious enjoying thereof, I draw the line. I think it's somewhat vain to focus that much on ourselves and our condition. I'd rather praise God than demean myself and my fellow humans, even though you could argue that it comes down to the same thing; and yes, it would, but praising God seems a lot more positive than to focus on our own worthlessness. This being said, the book is quite many centuries old, and that is why I don't think it'd be a grand idea to punish it in this review because of theological opinions. It doesn't take anything away from the book, or not much. Of course, that will depend on how you yourself view the world and Christianity.

On the whole, I think this book will be quite a nice read for people who want to feel in a religious mood.

A good devotional for people of all faiths.......2007-05-22

This monk has a real grasp on righteousness. He reminds me of C. S. Lewis.

The only drawback of this edition is his overly fondness for the bread and wine ceremony in the last few chapters which may strike many as being over done. This is why it is common to publish versions of this work with the last few chapters omitted.

Beauty in word and form.......2007-03-13

I have several paperbacks of The Imitation of Christ. It is one of my favorite books to meditate on. I have always wished that I could find one that was in hard-back, as well as leather bond that was excellent in quality and priced reasonably. Baronus Press has done an incredible job with this publication. It is gift quality and something to treasure and hand down to a family member. If you want something really special, I strongly suggest this beautiful book.

The Imitation of Christ returns........2007-01-04

If you have grown a little tired of all the rewriting, rewording and other attempts to make all classical volumes "cutting edge" and PC you will find a great deal of satisfaction in the beautiful translation of The Imitation of Christ as the author intended it to be read.

If you are fond of watered down bawlerized translations this is not the book for you. The traditional language is a breath of fresh air for those of us who love the stately language that takes no prisoners and tell the truth exactly as it was written. Perfect for meditation or Lectio Divina or as a spiritual road map that lays out in easy steps how to attempt union with God.

The actual volume is another great example of the high quality Baronius is producing. It is very comfortable in the hand and the gold lettering and designs work well with other Baronius publication like St. Benedict's Holy Rule. They look very nice on the shelf together which, by itself, is not a sufficient reason to buy it, but is a nice extra. The only thing they could do to pick up that fifth star is to make it a sewn, flexible leather binding.

An excellent addition to any serious spiritual library.

The Imitation of Christ: Illustrated With Illuminated Manuscripts

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Beautiful and truthful
Medieval Illustrations Set A Certain Tone That Fits This Work
A Classic with Art!
Breathtaking!

The Imitation of Christ: Illustrated With Illuminated Manuscripts
a Kempis Thomas
Manufacturer: Ignatius Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1586170112

Book Description

The Imitation of Christ has enjoyed greater popularity down the centuries than any Christian book apart from the Bible. Even today, the soul-searching words of the fifteenth-century monk, Thomas á Kempis, continue to resonate, unbounded by time or geography. Drawing on the Bible, the Fathers of the early Church and medieval mysticism, his four-part treatise shrugs off the allure of the material world, blending beauty and bluntness in a supremely spiritual call to arms.

For this illustrated anthology, 40 memorable passages have been selected. Each excerpt is accompanied by exquisite art from one of the British Library's finest illuminated manuscripts, including the Sherborne Missal, the Luttrell Psalter and the Bedford Hours. The result is a book to fire and inspire all who delight in the remarkable writings of Thomas á Kempis. Illustrated.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful and truthful.......2007-01-09

I gave this edition as a gift to a Polish friend, because these are just extracts of the full version, and the full version would have presented too much of a language difficulty. This is a book which some will think is too scrupulous for the average person, but it speaks in a voice that will remind you of the Holy Spirit if you know Him.

Medieval Illustrations Set A Certain Tone That Fits This Work.......2005-09-10

This 18th century translation of the 500-year-old Christian classic has both beautiful Medieval illustrations and an archaic tone to its passages that work well together in removing the reader from the confines of contemporary life and putting them inside the mindset of the monk who wrote this meditation on imitating the life of Christ. This is the version of this work to have, in my opinion, far better than the endless, text-only editions of this we had to wade through in theology classes in high school. I've always liked The Imitation, even though I recognized early on that its lofty goals were absolute impossibilities for we imperfect mortals.

A Classic with Art!.......2004-03-21

The most widely read Christian book after the Bible now has glorious medieval illustrations on every page that complement the profound meditations by Thomas A Kempis. A wonderful book for spiritual reading, and also as a beautiful gift book. Divided up by several thematic spiritual topics, this book is great for just quiet meditation on how to better imitate Christ in our daily lives, and the pictures offer great images for helping the meditation. Just a handsome book all around. One of the best editions of this classic by A Kempis I have ever seen. Very highly recommended!

Breathtaking!.......2004-03-08

What a magnificent presentation of a magnificent book. The text here is the Challoner 1737 translation (the Douay Bible translation was Challoner's also) which is so beautiful and devotional and which fits perfectly with the incredible art on each page. This is not a large coffee-table-type book; it is meant to be used, to be prayed with, and even to be taken into church to read before the Blessed Sacrament.

Book Description

With the exception of the Bible, no Christian writing has had so wide a vogue or so sustained a popularity as this. And yet, in one sense, it is hardly an original work at all. Its structure it owes largely to the writings of the medieval mystics, and its ideas and phrases are a mosaic from the Bible and the Fathers of the early Church. But these elements are interwoven with such delicate skill and a religious feeling at once so ardent and so sound, that it promises to remain, what it has been for five hundred years, the supreme call and guide to spiritual aspiration. The treatise "Of the Imitation of Christ" appears to have been originally written in Latin early in the fifteenth century. Its exact date and its authorship are still a matter of debate. Manuscripts of the Latin version survive in considerable numbers all over Western Europe, and they, with the vast list of translations and of printed editions, testify to its almost unparalleled popularity.

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis (A New Reading of the 1441 Latin Autograph Manuscript)

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The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis (A New Reading of the 1441 Latin Autograph Manuscript)
a Kempis Thomas
Manufacturer: Mercer University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Imitation of Christ (Dover Thrift Editions)

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The blueprint
All men are frail...
From the Publisher & Editors

The Imitation of Christ (Dover Thrift Editions)
Thomas à Kempis
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486431851

Book Description

This classic, second only to the Bible for religious instruction and inspiration, has brought understanding and comfort to millions for centuries. Written in a candid and conversational style, the topics include liberation from worldly inclinations, preparation and consolations of prayer, and the place of eucharistic communion in a devout life.

Customer Reviews:

The blueprint.......2007-03-18

This book helped me to embrace some of the qualities within myself that I had previously been trying to change. The want to do so was triggered by the constant feeling of missing out on something or being judged by my fellow brothers and sisters here on earth. I no longer care what people think or say. To quote Mos Def: "I give a damn if any man records my legacy, I'm trying to live life in the sight of God's memory." This book is one of many that helps make it easy to do just that.

All men are frail..........2007-03-10

As a Christian mystic, Thomas a Kempis provides a simple, devotional theology in the context of a Catholic church that was becoming more loyal to the offices church government than to Christ. The Imitation of Christ is best used as inspirational work rather than a work of complex theology and is most helpful when looked at in it's historical context. I used this work as I was researching the history of Christian thought and found it to be a pleasant deviation from the likes of Augustine or Thomas Aquinas. It is an easy read and offers a lot of insights into pious living, which seems to be becoming even more rare than it was in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.

From the Publisher & Editors.......2005-10-03

FROM THE PUBLISHER
"Only the Bible has been more influential as a source of Christian devotional reading than The Imitation of Christ. This medi[t]ation on the spiritual life has inspired readers from Thomas More and St. Ignatius Loyola to Thomas Merton and Pope John Paul I. Written by the Augustinian monk Thomas a Kempis between 1420 and 1427, it contains clear instructions for renouncing worldly vanities and locating eternal truths. No book has more explicitly and movingly described the Christian ideal: 'My son, to the degree that you can leave yourself behind, to that degree will you be able to enter into Me.'"

FROM EDITORS
"An influence on Thomas More, Ignatius Loyola, John Wesley, and Dr. Johnson, the 15th-century priest & writer Thomas Kempis wrote many devotional works, culminating in this masterpiece celebrating man's dependence on God's boundless love."--Barnes & Noble

The Imitation of Christ: A Timeless Classic for Contemporary Readers

Average customer rating:

Timeless Reflections
Among the Top 10 Spiritual Books of All Time
Not for Everybody, perhaps for Nobody
"Inspiring the Faithful to Humility and Devotion"
Of great historical import, yet strangely timely

The Imitation of Christ: A Timeless Classic for Contemporary Readers
a Kempis Thomas
Manufacturer: Ave Maria Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0877934118

Customer Reviews:

Timeless Reflections.......2002-06-28

Thomas a Kempis lived in a world torn asunder by the Plague, political upheaval, and deep crisis in the Church-a world perhaps not so different from ours. Thomas chose to leave his embattled world for the monastery and devote his life to God. Escapism? Retreat? Hardly. Thomas shows us with great pain, passion, and eloquence how monastic life is the ultimate battle, that between the spirit and the flesh, with stakes no less than one's eternal salvation. "Imitations" teaches us how to be humble before God and each other, and how to live in a manner pleasing to God. It offers up devotional prayers that help us move toward a real and meaningful relationship with Jesus. And in Book Four, it provides profound reflections on the Eucharist that, for Catholics, take this Sacrament to a whole new level of significance, mystery, and beauty.

In many ways the book is not comforting, for it offers no easy answers. Instead, it challenges us to look at our thoughts and actions with utmost clarity and honesty. This is neither easy nor comfortable, but in the end, our only road to peace. Thomas's writing has certainly stood the test of time. After over five hundred years, his words still ring true, and loudly.

Among the Top 10 Spiritual Books of All Time.......2001-11-27

This is one of the best spiritual exercises in history, especially for teachers, students, theologians, missionaries, and anyone involved in teaching of any sort. Thomas' words provoke deep thoughtfulnes and concern in ones sprituality, and remind us to be vigilant in our service to the Truth.

Not for Everybody, perhaps for Nobody.......2001-09-10

I found the first third of the book fairly good, but then in speaking about God the author switches from the third person to the first person, i.e. he begins to assume the voice of God himself. Even though I have attended charismatic churches where "prophesies" are not uncommon, I felt disturbed by the author's presumption. I must remind myself of the fact that the one common element in every Christian cult throughout the centuries has been the introduction, in addition to the Bible, of other authoritative literature presuming to speak on behalf of God. Another troubling aspect of the book is the anti-intellectual stance it takes with references not to rely upon reason. A warning flag should go up in everyone's head when this type of appeal is made. There are other devotionals that are better and safer reading than this one.

"Inspiring the Faithful to Humility and Devotion".......2001-07-03

This work is a solid foundation for devotion - good faith, good works, and humility. The teachings of Kempis place an emphasis on leaving the ego behind to serve others with purity of heart and mind. This book, made for catholics, also found its place on the shelves and in the hearts of protestants aswell...namely for its copious biblical literalism. The beauty of this book lies in its appeal to all who wish to follow Christ...its amiable in its nature and works wherever you wish to serve Him. Just pick up a copy and see why this book is only second to the Bible in copies printed.

Of great historical import, yet strangely timely.......2001-03-10

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

Average customer rating:

always new.

An Essential for Every Christian

My Imitation of Christ: Confraternity of the Precious Blood Version

Manufacturer: Confraternity of the Precious Blood
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000B874NW

Product Description

Great edition of this work, illustrated by the brilliant artist, Ariel Agemian, in pen and ink.

Customer Reviews:

always new........2006-03-18

i have been reading this book since i was about 10 years old. that's about 48 years or so. when i first picked up the confraternity 1954 edition i was fascinated by the woodcuts illustrating each chapter.

i believe that the king james language lent an air of authenticity to the volume. i was not put off by it, but rather drawn to translate it. it helped me to invoke the times in which it was written.

this little volume over the past 48 years has never grown old. it has never been stale. i have never picked up the book, opened it and said, 'Oh! i read that chapter.' wherever i opened it what i read was vibrant and real to me. although i have been reading this book all those years each chapter is new to me and full of meditative and contemplative material.

there is nothing i have read that makes me say, 'I already do that. i have that piece down now.' it always reminds me that i am not there yet. it always reminds me that i have a long way to go on my spiritual journey.

i go on retreat every year to a trappist monastery. i used to take my bible, journal, prayer books and purused the library while there and spent a lotta money at the book store or gift shop. i have been going 30 years now, and now i take my volume of My Imitation of Christ only. Bibles and other stuff they have there, and for a week of thinking about God and Jesus and how i live that life is right there in the Imitation.

try it, it will grow on you.

An Essential for Every Christian.......2005-12-19

The Confraternity of the Precious Blood's version of My Imitation of Christ is perfection. It comes in a handy pocket-size, and it is managable when read one chapter at a time (just a page or two). They are little nibbles of spirituality that can be read in the morning, reflected on throughout the day, and built on. With time, it is much like chipping away at the block of old, bad habits and slowly molding and practicing new, better ones. The practice of perfection in virtue can be overwhelming, but My Imitation of Christ is inspiring and deeply provoking. This is not a book about Catholic rituals and prayers - this is a book about what it means to be Christian, or Christ-like. To imitate Christ in all aspects (as nearly as one is able) is the Christian's primary and ultimate goal.

The Confraternity also publishes My Daily Bread, which is another indispensable book for Christian devotion, and together with My Imitation of Christ are the perfect gifts for any new, Christian library.

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