More Christian than most churches... If you have ever wanted to actually get to the core of Christianity as Jesus taught it, this book is for you. If you have begun to see that what the church teaches is about domination and control of the masses, and you have a notion that maybe instead of praying to an idol, you might want to follow in the steps of Christ instead (as he suggested), read this book. It's also a beautiful way to start your day and highly recommended for morning meditations.
Imitate Christ by living a spiritual life This wonderful book was written by the priest Thomas a Kempis in the 1400's and is very reminecient of the Apostle Paul's writings by encouraging readers to live a simple spiritual life. It recommends that peace is found in the heart of the humble and that in overcoming the ego you overcome the world. Joy is found in a quiet conscience and you are only happy when you have done what is right. This may also be the original source of the advice to choose the less of two evils. It also warns that pleasure and desire carry the seeds of sorrow. This book is spiritual focusing on living the inner life and not getting entangled with the world. A must read for all Christians or anyone on a spiritual path.
A Catholic book with a Protestant veneer from the publisher "The Imitation of Christ" will raise you up through humility and, if you let it, conform you more closely to Christ in love and self-denial. This is a nicely-bound edition, and affordable, which is why I purchased it. To my surpise, however, the publisher, Hendrickson Christian Classics, had inserted a fairly blatantly Protestant preface before the actual text of the holy work by Thomas a Kempis. They should know that if it is indeed a classic, the text should be allowed to speak for itself.
The two-star rating, therefore, is due not to the value of "The Imitation of Christ" per se, but due to the imperfection of this edition because of the publisher.
I did not read the whole of the actual work, but the parts of the translation I did read don't seem to water down Thomas's wisdom for a so-called "contemporary" audience. (That is only a cursory impression, however.) So, if you are Protestant and don't mind someone asking you to read a work through the lens they provide, this edition is probably a good choice. Be warned, however, that the faith described in the "Imitation of Christ" is the Catholic faith - so be ready to convert. I am a convert myself; we will welcome you with open arms. God bless you.
Conversations with our Lord & Savior Any inspirational book, and this is truly a great one, is welcome today, to help us stay focused on our goal, that is our Lord, to help us navigate on these rough seas that are our hectic lives. Thomas A Kempis brings us a lengthy prayer, a conversation between Jesus Christ and His disciple. We can identify and feel humbled because the words of Christ are a succession of His quotes from the New Testament, only put in the context of a conversation. This way we learn real wisdom, biblical wisdom, but also we see the other side: that of the struggling follower, the man who has trusted Christ with his faith and now wants to grow more and more in Him, because once you've known the Lord you can't help but loving Him more and more. A classic for any Christian's book shelf.
Imitation of Christ
I read this book for the first time over 40 years ago. Recently picked it up again and was so impressed that I gave copies to each of my daughters at Easter. You can open to any page and find a message of profound value for your life. It bears repeated readings and reflection on its truths. Sincerely, Dianne Luzzi
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