All [that] remains is a flight from the world, a world that has not been brought home in Christ. Without the Way, there is no going; without the Truth, there is no knowing; without Life, there is no living. Thanks again for a new suggestion. The book continues the theme of Book One, and contains instructions concerning "inward peace, purity of heart, a good conscience—for moderating our longings and desires, for patience, for submission to the will of God, for the love of Jesus, for enduring the loss of comfort, and for taking up the Cross. "[33] Kempis writes that if we have a clear conscience God will defend us, and whomever God chooses to help no man's malice can harm. Kempis was a German medieval Christian monk who was born in the late 14th century. The Imitation derives its title from the first chapter of Book I, "The Imitation of Christ and contempt for the vanities of the world" (Latin: "De Imitatione Christi et contemptu omnium vanitatum mundi"). As editor and translator he was not without faults, but thanks to him the Imitation became and has remained, after the Bible, the most widely read book in the world. It was first composed in Latin ca. I recently got mine from a Gumroad store. [71], 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". [47][48], Jesus says that spiritual progress and perfection consists in offering oneself to the divine will and not seeking oneself in "anything either small or great, in time or in eternity" (Chap. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis is a Catholic devotional book. [34] Kempis writes that one should meditate on death and "live as becomes a pilgrim and a stranger on earth...for this earth of ours is no lasting city" (Chap. Sometimes called the Devotio Moderno, the adepts of the movement stressed the inner life of the individual, an emphasis which the Church has not always encouraged. Kempis’s “The Imitation of Christ” is a spiritual classic and considered by many to be a must read for any follower of Christ. What would you do? The Imitation of Christ has had ... surprised by a two-page summary of the many people throughout history who have read or somehow been influenced by The Imitation. 2). Kempis writes that if we consider the dignity of the giver, no gift will seem unimportant or small (Chap. It’s quite cheaper than what you will find at Amazon.com because it’s “Pay What You Want”. [66] He also wrote "For centuries men have found in it inspiration to sacrifice and humility, and to severest self-examination...He who has never come under its influence has missed something that would have made him more humble and more ambitious for purity of life. As editor and translator he was not without faults, but thanks to him the . The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis. Instead of practical advice, these books offer an exchange of intimate words between Jesus and an unnamed disciple. [9], Saint Augustine viewed the imitation of Christ as the fundamental purpose of Christian life, and as a remedy for the imitation of the sins of Adam. ( Log Out / The Body of Christ and Sacred Scripture Are Most Necessary to a Faithful Soul 12. The Imitation includes four books that vary in both length (book two has only 12 chapters, and book three has 59) and themes. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The Imitation of Christ is a Christian devotional text which provides detailed spiritual instructions. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. "[66], The Spanish crypto-Muslim writer known as the Young Man of Arévalo included adaptations of many passages from the Imitation in his Islamic devotional work Summary of the Account and Spiritual Exercise. Do not ask, 'Who said this?' [59], The Imitation of Christ is regarded as the most important devotional work in Catholic Christianity and is the most widely read devotional work next to the Bible. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, listed The Imitation among the works that influenced him at his conversion. 1418–1427. [32] Kempis writes that in this Sacrament spiritual grace is conferred, the soul's strength is replenished, and the recipient's mind is fortified and strength is given to the body debilitated by sin (Chap. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis The Imitation of Christ, which first appeared in the late fifteenth century, has without exaggeration been called the most widely read work of devotion ever written. Men judge according to external deeds, but only God can weigh the motives behind them" (Chap. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. certain that this book was the best summary of a disciplined Christian life that he translated it for his followers.5 The popularity of The Imitation of Christ has remained throughout the centuries. [62] Spiritual writer Eknath Easwaran compared the teachings of the Imitation with the Upanishads. Books one and two are full of practical and straightforward advice for spiritual growth. The Catholic Archive > Thomas à Kempis > The Imitation of Christ > Book 2 > Chapter 11 Few Love the Cross of Jesus. (See Featured Image for audio edition used). 20). Do not inquire, “Who said this?” but pay attention to what is said’. The core message of the work is humility, and for Christians to shut out the world and deny himself. Jesus says that the world promises things that are passing and of little value, which are served with great enthusiasm; while He promises things that are most excellent and eternal and men's hearts remain indifferent (Chap. [21] Several sources of authority, including members of his own order, name Kempis as the author, and various contemporary manuscripts, including one autograph codex, bear his name. Eknath Easwaran draws out the tremendous here-and-now practicality of … Free download or read online The Imitation of Christ pdf (ePUB) book. 5). Introduction 3-4 The Chapters of … ( Log Out / Written by the Augustinian monk Thomas à Kempis between 1420 and 1427, it contains clear instructions for … A man who is a lover of Jesus and of truth, a truly interior man who is freefrom uncontrolled affections, can turn to God at will and rise above himself toenjoy spiritual peace. [26] The first printed edition appeared in Augsburg c. Books three and four take a new tone. [47][48] Jesus says that the "man who trusts in Me I never send away empty. Thanks for the reminder! Recently during some time off and a personal retreat I took, I was able to read through a classic work of much renown. The first section of the book is titled “Thoughts Helpful in The Life of The Soul.” In this part, the author tried to attract the readers towards the ways of Christ. 1). [25] Thomas à Kempis's 1441 autograph manuscript of the book is available at the Bibliothèque Royale in Brussels. It has, however, an internal logic of its own; it comprises 114 chapters in four books. One recent edition even considers it, “the best-loved book of Christianity, after the Bible.”6 The treatise "Of the Imitation of Christ" appears to have been originally written in Latin early in the fifteenth century. In this easy-to-read, prayer book size, readers will experience the peace and wisdom that have comforted Catholics from around the world. [39] Kempis writes that when a man humbles himself, "God protects and defends him...God favors the humble man... and after he has been brought low raises him up to glory" (Chap. About The Imitation of Christ. Jesus says that very few turn to God and spirituality, since they are more eager to listen to the world and desires of their flesh than to God. José Rizal, the Philippine polymath and national hero, reportedly read the book whilst incarcerated within Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila, shortly before the Spanish colonial government executed him by firing squad for sedition on 30 December 1896. Yes, it definitely is worth a reflective reading! Summary. [49] Jesus says not be anxious about future—"Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid." imitating christ and despising all vanities on earth HE WHO follows Me, walks not in darkness," says the Lord. Summary of The Imitation of Christ Book. A peaceable man doth more good than a well-learned. The Imitation of Christ is regarded as the most important devotional work in Catholic Christianity and is the most widely read devotional work next to the Bible. It also discusses the importance of the Sacrament of Eucharist. 6). Summary. These quotes and more are what you will find in this well crafted christian devotional. It is his edition that is The Imitation of Christ Thomas, à Kempis [8][9] References to this concept and its practice are found in the earliest Christian documents, such as the Pauline Epistles. 7). T he Imitation of Christ falls into the category of what one might call ‘classic Christian devotional’. [64] Thérèse was so attached to the book and read it so many times that she could quote passages from it from memory in her teens. 10). Imitation of Christ. In place of the openhearted readiness of a Catherine of Siena, a subdued and melancholy resignation runs through the book.... [T]here is an excess of warnings about the world, the illusions of egoism, the dangers of speculation and of the active apostolate. Kempis was a German medieval Christian monk who was born in the late 14th century. 12).[45][46]. [32] The Imitation is sometimes referred to as Following of the Christ, which comes from the opening words of the first chapter—"Whoever follows Me will not walk into darkness. Tony Reinke interviews Kevin DeYounghttp://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/the-imitation-of-christ 56). Do now what you would do then, and you will be very safe." [7], 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". First keep thyself in peace, and then shalt thou be able to be a peacemaker towards others. became and has remained, after the Bible, the most widely read book in the world. I have read part of My Utmost for His Highest but not in it’s entirety. [5][31], Book One of the Imitation is titled "Helpful Counsels of the Spiritual Life". There are many variations of this book so choosing a translation that reads well can be challenging. He who tastes life as it really is, not as men say or think it is, is indeedwise with the wisdom of God rather than of men. For example, Thomas has no patience with the vanities of this world (including things as simple as self-praise), and asserts that spiritual progress is possible here on earth. [32][33], Kempis stresses the importance of solitude and silence, "how undisturbed a conscience we would have if we never went searching after ephemeral joys nor concerned ourselves with affairs of the world..." Kempis writes that the "World and all its allurements pass away" and following sensual desires leads to a "dissipated conscience" and a "distracted heart" (Chap. 24). CHAPTER III OF THE GOOD, PEACEABLE MAN. Apart from the Bible no book has been translated into more languages than the Imitation of Christ. He finds many to share His table, but few to take part in His fasting. 15). [29] A new translation from the original Latin text into English by William Creasy was published in 2015. When I make a promise I keep it, and I fulfill whatever I have pledged—if only you remain faithful...unto the end" (Chap. This book is in the form of a dialogue between Jesus and the disciple. His work “The Imitation of Christ” is one of the most widely read Christian spiritual books ever written and 2nd only to the Bible. Thanks for the synopsis, sounds like a work we really need to digest in our fast paced self seeking materialistic world. [50][51], Joseph Tylenda summarizes the central theme of the third book with the teaching in Chapter 56, "My son, to the degree that you can leave yourself behind, to that degree will you be able to enter into Me. [43] Kempis writes that false sense of freedom and overconfidence are obstacles for spiritual life. but pay attention to what is said" (Book 1, Ch. Vivekananda wrote a preface and a translation of the Imitation in 1899. [1][2] It is a handbook for spiritual life arising from the Devotio Moderna movement, of which Kempis was a member. [63], The Imitation of Christ was an early influence on the spirituality of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, who used it in her prayer life, distilled its message and used it in her own writings which then influenced Catholic spirituality as a whole. It’s the kind of pressure that changes us from within. Personally I used the edition that went along with the audible edition. In this way, even the idea of the imitation of Christ does not become the dominant perspective. It is believed that the unnamed disciple in this dialogue is Kempis himself and that this dialogue is his own conversation with God. [25] By the end of the 15th century, the book had more than 100 printed editions and translations in French, German, Italian and Spanish. Thomas à Kempis - The Imitation of Christ About Thomas à Kempis (1913 Biography) Author of the “ Imitation of Christ “, born at Kempen in the Diocese of Cologne, in 1379 or 1380; died 25 July, 1471. Thomas à Kempis (circa 1380–July 26, 1471) was an Augustinian monk, a copyist, and a writer of Christian books and devotionals. It is a handbook for spiritual life arising from the Devotio Moderna movement, of which Kempis was a member. Jesus advises the disciple that all is not lost when the result is not as planned, when one thinks he is farthest from Jesus, it is then that Jesus is nearest, when one thinks that all is lost, it is then that victory is close at hand. This way I could read and/or listen while reflecting. [55] Jesus also delivers his "changeless teaching" — "Unless you renounce all that you have, you cannot be my disciple" (Chap. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. General Gordon carried it with him to the battlefield. news item Watch Exclusive ‘Shoplifters of the World’ Clip: This Music is Salvation Read More; news item This Week in Movie News: Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan and Ron Livingston Join the DC Extended Universe, ‘Bewitched’ Goes Back to the Movies and More Only the Bible has been more influential as a source of Christian devotional reading than The Imitation of Christ. ( Log Out / The Imitation of Christ Thomas à Kempis, whose family name was Haemmerlein, received the name of Kempis from Kempen, in Holland, the place of his birth. I was drawn to this … 7). He is best known for his treasured devotional classic, The Imitation of Christ. [54], Jesus says that the sooner one resigns wholeheartedly to God, and no longer seeks anything according to one's own will or pleasure, but totally places all in God's hands, the sooner will one be united with God and be at peace. [1] The book places a high level of emphasis on the devotion to the Eucharist as a key element of spiritual life. The main characters of this classics, non fiction story are , . 3). Thomas was a member of Groot's Brethren of the Common Life, and a proponent of Groot's teachings, called The Devotio Moderna, of whichThe Imitation of Christ is the best example. He has many who desire consolation, but few who care for trial. [6] Apart from the Bible, no book had been translated into more languages than the Imitation of Christ at the time. The mystery of the Church, therefore, does not come into view either. Kempis writes that "Grace will always be given to the truly grateful, and what is given to the humble is taken away from the proud" (Chap. The Imitation of Christ “He that follows Me shall not walk in darkness,” says the Lord. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Thank you! [24], By 1471, the manuscripts of the book were so frequently hand-copied and passed across monasteries, that there are around 750 extant manuscripts of the Imitation. [65], The theologian Shailer Mathews wrote that the Imitation presents an accurate description of the Christ of the Gospels, and gives an unbiased reading of the words of Jesus. Imitation of Christ is a film shot and directed by Andy Warhol in 1967. [30], The Imitation of Christ is divided into four books which provide detailed spiritual instructions. Book Three, entitled "On Interior Consolation", is the longest among the four books. Jesus says not to react to a difficulty as if there were no hope of being freed from it (Chap. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis itself is a work of meditation; it could take a many years to process fully through and is a resource to which returning thoughtfully and prayerfully makes more sense of the author’s intention in writing it. The Imitation Of Christ Thomas A Kempis Summary 916 Words 4 Pages The Imitation of Christ – This piece is authored by Augustinian monk, Thomas a Kempis, which appears to be a devotional work that is directed to young monks. The Imitation of Christ is a Christian devotional book by Thomas à Kempis, first composed in Medieval Latin (as De Imitatione Christi) c. For context here are a few quotes that stood out to me: Sounds like a great Book.Excellent book review! [12][13] The theme of imitation of Christ existed in all phases of Byzantine theology, and in the 14th-century book Life in Christ Nicholas Cabasilas viewed "living one's own personal life" in Christ as the fundamental Christian virtue. The Imitation of Christ – Thomas Á Kempis C.R.S.A. [57][58] Jesus says that there is no offering more worthy, no satisfaction greater, for the washing away of sins than to offer oneself purely and completely to God at the time the Body of Christ is offered in the Mass and in Communion (Chap. Have you read Ozwald Chambers,” My Utmost for His Highest “? [1], The ideal of the imitation of Christ has been an important element of Christian theology, ethics and spirituality. [14][15], Against this backdrop, the Devotio Moderna movement was started by Geert Groote who was highly dissatisfied with the state of the Church and what he perceived as the gradual loss of monastic traditions and the lack of moral values among the clergy. His work “The Imitation of Christ” is one of the most widely read Christian spiritual books ever written and 2nd only to the Bible. [44] In the last chapter, "The Royal Road of the Cross", Kempis writes that if we carry the cross willingly, it will lead us to our desired goal, but on the other hand if we carry our cross grudgingly, then we turn it into a heavy burden and if we should throw off one cross, we will surely find another, which is perhaps heavier. 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