The Imitation of Christ: A Spiritual Commentary and Reader’s Guide
Overview
One of the best-loved spiritual classics of all time is now more accessible than ever. While many contemporary readers seek the richness of classical spirituality, some find the language and thought patterns of The Imitation of Christ distant and difficult to understand. Fr. Dennis Billy, noted teacher and spiritual guide, helps today’s readers interpret The Imitation by raising their awareness of how the world of Thomas a Kempis colored and shaped his presentation of the spiritual life.
Using the accessible translation of The Imitation of Christ by William Creasy, Fr. Billy highlights how today’s Christians can interpret and apply The Imitation to their own spiritual journeys. Each chapter is preceded by a brief introduction and followed by a set of thoughtful reflection questions that help readers understand and apply the text.
Key Features
- Focuses on the practical realities of leading a holy life
- Reflects on the life of Christ and how to walk in his footsteps
- Provides a helpul introduction and guide to orient readers
Contents
- How to Read The Imitation of Christ
- Useful Reminders for the Spiritual Life
- Suggestions Drawing One Toward the Inner Life
- Of Inner Comfort
- The Book on the Sacrament
- Epilogue
- Suggested Readings
Top Highlights
“To imitate Christ means to meditate on his life and to walk in his footsteps so that we can come to a deep personal knowledge of the divine.” (Page 19)
“A humble understanding of yourself is a surer way to God than a profound searching after knowledge” (Page 25)
“he is very learned indeed who knows God’s will and who makes it his own.” (Page 25)
“The Imitation is the extremely individualistic understanding of Christian piety and devotion that permeates its pages” (Page 13)
“Filter Three. The primary image of God as presented in The Imitation is that of the suffering Christ” (Page 14)
Product Details
- Title: The Imitation of Christ: A Spiritual Commentary and Reader’s Guide
- Authors: Thomas à Kempis
- Editor: Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R.
- Translator: William Creasy
- Publisher: Ave Maria Press
- Series: Christian Classics
- Publication Date: 2005
- Pages: 272
- Christian Group: Catholic
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Topic: Spirituality
About Thomas à Kempis
Thomas à Kempis (1380–1471) was a medieval Dutch monk steeped in the mystical tradition of his time. A member of the Brothers of the Common Life, he was ordained a priest in 1413. His well-loved work, The Imitation of Christ, was written between 1420 and 1427 presumably as four booklets intended to instruct the novices of his community. It is one of Christian history’s best-known works on spiritual devotion. This small book sidesteps academic pretension to consider larger truths. “A poor peasant who serves God,” Thomas wrote, “is better than a proud philosopher who . . . ponders the courses of the stars.”