The Imitation of Christ (Latin: De Imitatione Christi) by Thomas a Kempis is a Christian devotional book. It was first composed in Latin ca.1418-1427. It is a handbook for spiritual life arising from the Devotio Moderna movement, where Kempis was a member. The Imitation is perhaps the most widely read devotional work next to the Bible, and is regarded as a devotional and religious classic. Apart from the Bible, no book has been translated into more languages than the Imitation of Christ. The text is divided into four ...
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The Imitation of Christ (Latin: De Imitatione Christi) by Thomas a Kempis is a Christian devotional book. It was first composed in Latin ca.1418-1427. It is a handbook for spiritual life arising from the Devotio Moderna movement, where Kempis was a member. The Imitation is perhaps the most widely read devotional work next to the Bible, and is regarded as a devotional and religious classic. Apart from the Bible, no book has been translated into more languages than the Imitation of Christ. The text is divided into four books, which provide detailed spiritual instructions: "Helpful Counsels of the Spiritual Life," "Directives for the Interior Life," "On Interior Consolation" and "On the Blessed Sacrament." The approach taken in the Imitation is characterized by its emphasis on the interior life and withdrawal from the world, as opposed to an active imitation of Christ by other friars. The book places a high level of emphasis on the devotion to the Eucharist as key element of spiritual life. Criticisms Theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar wrote, "It rejects and eliminates every speculative element not only of scholasticism but also of mysticism, and yet, at the same time, it abstracts from the colourful multiplicity of the Bible and - since it is written for those who have turned from the world - disregards the world, in all its richness, as a field for Christian activity...In place of the openhearted readiness of a Catherine of Siena, a subdued and melancholy resignation runs through the book...there is an excess of warnings about the world, the illusions of egoism, the dangers of speculation and of the active apostolate. In this way, even the idea of the imitation of Christ does not become the dominant perspective. There is no mention of the mediation of the God-man, of access through Christ, in the Holy Spirit, to the Father. The mystery of the Church, therefore, does not come into view either. The individual is unaware that his love of God can only be fulfilled if it expands into love of neighbor and into the apostolate. All [that] remains is a flight from the world, a world that has not been brought home in Christ." Rene Girard wrote, "Neither does Jesus propose an ascetic rule of life in the sense of Thomas a Kempis and his celebrated Imitation of Christ, as admirable as that work may be." Friedrich Nietzsche stated that this was "one of those books which I cannot hold in my hand without a physiological reaction: it exudes a perfume of the Eternal-Feminine which is strictly for Frenchmen - or Wagnerians."
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Add this copy of The Imitation of Christ to cart. $29.13, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2014 by CreateSpace Independent Publis.
Add this copy of The Imitation of Christ to cart. $58.24, new condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2014 by CreateSpace Independent Publis.
Book like new, Makes for very good reading..Very pleased, quick shipment , great seller..
MikeCost
Sep 20, 2012
Imitate Jesus
This book is one of the clearest ways to attain sainthood. It contains step-by-step instuctions on how to walk in the shoes of Christ.
robertr
Dec 8, 2011
Good reading
I would recommend this book to all Catholics, as it tells of the way we should be living while awaiting the second coming of Christ. I read a little from it each night as I go to bed.
heavenbound
Feb 17, 2011
No Words For This Book!!
This book is one of a kind, second ONLY to the bible. It's very profound and reaches your innermost being. I had to be at the right time in my life to appreciate and totally enjoy this book. In short, anyone who doesn't come in contact with this book has lost a great deal. Also, on this book site, it's cheap and plentiful!!
FreeInJesus
Feb 16, 2009
awesome insight
In the mid 1400's when this book was written, everyone in Christendom was Roman Catholic. Consider that this book was instrumental in John Newton's and John Wesley's conversions. We can sift out the legalistic toned doctrine since we are informed. Overall Kempis has awesome insight to the man Jesus and our walk as a pilgrim and follower of Jesus.
