Imitation of christ, latin imitatio christi, a christian devotional book written between 90 and 1440. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis full audiobook. It was written in latin five hundred years ago and now brings comfort to millions of readers in over fifty languages. The imitation of christ was written or at a minimum, transcribed by catholic monk thomas kempis circa 801471, as four separate books completed between 1420 and 1427, at mount saint agnes monastery, in the town of windesheim, located in what is now the netherlands. The life of christ is presented as the highest study possible to a mortal, as jesus teachings far excel all the teachings of the saints. For nearly 600 years, these thoughtful meditations on jesus life and teachings offer practical guidance on the central task of the christian life. As editor and translator he was not without faults, but thanks to him the. Oct 03, 2016 the imitation of christ falls into the category of what one might call classic christian devotional. The imitation of christ by a kempis thomas free ebook.
If you wish to be in the world, but not of the world, there is no better edition of this timeless classic than my imitation of christ. It also discusses the importance of the sacrament of eucharist. With great personal conviction and deep humanity, thomas a kempis 801471 demonstrates the individuals reliance on god and on the words of christ, and the futility of a life without. Only the bible has been more influential as a source of christian devotional reading than the imitation of christ. The main characters of this classics, non fiction story are. The imitation of christ is widely considered one of the greatest manuals of devotion in christianity. It fits into the time period of the transition between the middle ages and the renaissance, and is one of the best selling devotional texts of all time, and while the pious.
A number of his treatises on the monastic life and little devotional essays have been translated into english including the great devotional work the imitation of christ c. Book 2 of the imitation of christ by thomas a kempis. The imitation of christ is a beautiful edition of the original, deeply spiritual book by thomas a kempis. Spiritual life catholic church early works to 1800 subject. For five hundred years, this gentle book, filled with the spirit of the love of god, has brought understanding and. The core message of the work is humility, and for christians to shut out the world and. Catholic church doctrines early works to 1800 subject. The imitation of christ from catholic book publishing is a beautiful new edition of the original, deeply spiritual book by thomas a kempis. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis free online ebook. The imitation of christ by thomas i kempis, paperback. The spiritual classic the imitation of christ, the second most widelyread spiritual book after the bible, has had an astonishing impact on the. Bk 2 of the imitation of christ by thomas a kempis, a digital book in the international school of theologys cyber library which is a digital library for graduate seminary research, personal, and.
The imitation of christ has enjoyed an unparalleled place in the world of books for more than five hundred years. Pdf the imitation of christ book by thomas a kempis free. And of the english editions, none can equal this inspiring translation. It presents the fundamental principles of the spiritual life. It is his edition that is the imitation of christ thomas, a kempis. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis is a christian devotional book. Although its authorship was disputed for a long time, it is generally now regarded as the product of thomas a kempis. Book 2 of the imitation of christ by thomas a kempis cyber. The imitation of christ audio book thomas a kempis. The imitation of christ is a classic work by thomas a kempis. Table of contents introductory note the first book admonitions profitable for the spiritual life chapter i of the imitation of christ, and of contempt of the world and all its vanities chapter ii of thinking humbly of oneself chapter iii of the knowledge of. In eastern christianity, the term life in christ is sometimes used for the same concept the ideal of the imitation of christ has been an important element of both christian ethics and spirituality.
One of the bestloved books of christianity after the bible, the imitation of christ is a passionate celebration of god and his love, mercy and holiness. It fits into the time period of the transition between the middle ages and the renaissance, and is one of the best selling devotional texts of all time, and while the pious aspect of the text is at the. Feb 07, 20 the imitation of christ is a passionate celebration of gods love, mercy and holiness, which has stimulated religious devotion for over five hundred years. After reading the imitation of christ you will want to read the bible. Imitation of christ audio book the catholic company. The christian soul is invited to follow christ who is the way, the truth and the life.
As we study its contents we are convinced that without that way there. The book was published in multiple languages including english, consists of 288 pages and is available in paperback format. Kempis, 9780141191768, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. Next to the bible itself, the imitation of christ is the mostpublishedand most deeply cherishedbook in any language. The 15th century treatise of the imitation of christ is one of the most popular christian books of all time. 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. This book does nothing but focus everything on not just the philosophy of christ but the life of christ and how to live it. Even today, the soulsearching words of the fifteenthcentury cleric thomas a kempis continue to resonate, unbounded by time or geography.
I dont know what the other person above me said about this book not focusing on the philosophy of christ. The work is a manual of devotion assisting the soul in its pursuit of holiness and communion with god. The core message of the work is humility, and for christians to shut out the world and deny himself. It is a handbook for spiritual life arising from the devotio moderna movement, of which kempis was a member. Widely praised across centuries and continents, a preface to an 1873 edition of the book. It is not only the most second most important its the second best book you can read about how to act with you fellow man and woman. The imitation of christ consists of four books with short chapters in each book. Imitating christ and despising all vanities on earth. The imitation of christ is one of the most widely read books in the world, after the bible. In preparing this edition of the imitation of christ, the aim was to achieve a simple, readable text which would ring true to those who are already lovers of this incomparable book and would attract others to it. After the bible, the imitation of christ by thomas a kempis is the favorite book of catholics throughout the world and has been the spiritual guide of the saints since it first appeared in 1418.
Imitating christ and despising all vanities on earth 2. Widely praised across centuries and continents, a preface to an 1873 edition of the book reads, the imitation of christ has received the unqualified. Thomas a kempis wrote this devotion in such a way to fan the flame in our soul with beautiful gentle words. The imitation of christ transcends its era and author, having become a testament that speaks to the perennial. The spiritual classic by a 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. The first edition of the novel was published in 1418, and was written by thomas a kempis. It is his edition that is here rendered into english, without deletion of chapters or. Anyone looking to increase their spirituality and to get closer to jesus would be well advised to study and read this great book, which is available for free on line. Each of these is further subdivided into anywhere from twelve to fiftysix minireflections on related topics. T he imitation of christ falls into the category of what one might call classic christian devotional.
The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis table of contents. For this reason we have attempted to render the text into english as it is spoken today rather than the cloudy, archaic terminology that encumbers so many translations of. This meditation on the spiritual life has inspired readers from thomas more and. Free download or read online the imitation of christ pdf epub book. William benham 1831 1910 the imitation of christ is widely considered one of the greatest manuals of devotion in christianity. Ignatius loyola to thomas merton and pope john paul ii. It is a book that calls one deeper and farther in to the heart of god. Written by the augustinian monk thomas a kempis between 1420 and 1427, it contains clear instructions for.
And to help keep the books themes top of mind on a daily basis, were also delighted to offer a series of numbered, limited edition 500 of each print art prints featuring selected passages from the imitation of christart suitable for framing. The book is a collection of recommendations for how to live ones life daytoday in. No book has more explicitly and movingly described the christian ideal. Deep calls unto deep at the sound of thy waterfalls. The imitation of christ quotes showing of 200 be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be. After the bible, the imitation of christ is the favorite book of catholics throughout the world. In christian theology, the imitation of christ is the practice of following the example of jesus. The imitation of christ is a passionate celebration of gods love, mercy and holiness, which has stimulated religious devotion for over five hundred years. These will be printed in giclee ink on archival paper.
The theme of imitation of christ existed in all phases of byzantine theology, and in the 14thcentury book life in christ nicholas cabasilas viewed living ones own personal life in christ as the fundamental christian virtue. Download m4b 239mb download cover art download cd case insert. References to this concept and its practice are found in the earliest christian documents, e. Ignatius loyola to thomas merton and pope john paul i. The book gives counsel to read the scriptures, statements about the uses of. Whatever the identity of the author, he was a representative of the devotio moderna q. The imitation of christ in four books internet archive. Bk 2 of the imitation of christ by thomas a kempis, a digital book in the international school of theologys cyber library which is a digital library for graduate seminary research, personal, and ministry research. I was drawn to this book after reading st therese of lisieuxs story of a soul. The imitation of christ is a devotional that is held in extremely high regard particularly in catholicism. This meditation on the spiritual life has inspired readers from thomas more and st. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis free ebook.
The imitation is based on meditations on the life and teachings of jesus, and emphasises the interior life and the centrality of the eucharist rather than an active. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis cyber library. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis goodreads. Buy the imitation of christ by thomas akempis online at alibris. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis is the most widely read christian devotional book next to the bible. Next to the bible itself, the imitation of christ is the mostpublishedand most deeply cherished book in any language. About the imitation first published anonymously in a.
Reading this book this morning was like drinking deep of christ s love. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis, paperback. In devotional form, it leads the reader toward a more thorough understanding of the christian life. In this revised, easytoread, prayer book size book, readers will experience the peace and wisdom that has comforted catholics from around the world. For more than five centuries it has been the most popular spiritual book second only to the sacred scriptures. It was written by a 15th century monk named thomas a. In this revised, easytoread, prayer book size book, readers will experience the peace and wisdom that have comforted catholics from around the world. The imitation of christ index internet sacred text. Creasys a new reading of the 1441 latin autograph manuscript provides both scholarly and. Thomas a kempiss imitation of christ is an old book that deserves a new reading, and william c. For five hundred years, this gentle book, filled with the spirit of the love of god, has brought understanding and comfort to millions of readers in over fifty languages, and provided them with a source of heartfelt personal prayer. The imitation became, and has remained, after the bible, the most widely read and translated book in the world, and certainly the most influential of christian devotional writings. Exploring subjects like reading scripture, thinking humbly, and having peace of mind, it is a very readable classic christian book.