What I'm Reading #20: The Imitation of Christ (Thomas à Kempis)

The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis

Generally I blog about books after I've finished reading them, but I'm not far into The Imitation of Christ (my edition: Dover Publications 2003) and Thomas à Kempis is already kicking my spiritual butt (in a good way). This Christian classic was written in the 15th century, and I finally picked it up after stumbling across my roommate's copy and discovering later that yes, there is a Kindle edition—several, actually. I'm using the translation by Aloysius Croft and Harold Bolton, a more accessible translation, though some of the older versions preserve a poetic format that is really beautiful.

I've decided to use this book as a devotional aid over the summer, and I think the timing is, well, divine. The very first meditation is about avoiding pride in learning, and Lord knows (literally) that's something I need to hear. This summer I'm hopefully going to get to do some creative things and will probably be tempted to feel prideful, so I'm counting on Thomas (along with other people who are, you know, living) to help curb that temptation.

Like I said, I'm not far into this book, but I have already been blessed by its richness and simplicity. Already I would recommend it to anyone, but especially to students, ministers, or anyone in a role of spiritual leadership.


Favorite Quotations

"I would rather feel contrition than know how to define it."

"The more you know and the better you understand, the more severely will you be judged, unless your life is also the more holy. Do not be proud, therefore, because of your learning or skill. Rather, fear because of the talent given you."

"If men used as much care in uprooting vices and implanting virtues as they do in discussing problems, there would not be so much evil and scandal in the world."

"On the day of judgment, surely, we shall not be asked what we have read but what we have done; not how well we have spoken but how well we have lived."

"True peace of heart, then, is found in resisting passions, not in satisfying them."

"Do not be self-sufficient but place your trust in God."

"If there is good in you, see more good in others, so that you may remain humble."