The Imitation of Christ

INTRODUCTION

Thomas à Kempis, 1380-1471, was born at Kempen, Germany. About 1392 Thomas went to Deventer, Netherlands, where he studied under the theologian Florentius Radewyns, who in 1387 had founded a congregation of Augustinian canons regular living in community and bound by vows.

Thomas joined the Windesheim congregation at Agnietenberg monastery, where he remained. He took his vows in 1408, was ordained in 1413, and devoted his life to copying manuscripts and to directing novices. He was the probable author of The Imitation of Christ, which has sold more copies than any other Christian book, apart from the Bible.

Thomas wrote, ‘Love is a mighty power, a great and complete good; Love alone lightens every burden, and makes the rough places smooth. It bears every hardship as though it were nothing, and renders all bitterness sweet and acceptable. … Love aspires to high things, and is held back by nothing base.’

‘We must imitate Christ’s life and his ways if we are to be truly enlightened and set free from the darkness of our own hearts. Let this be the most important thing we do.’

Thomas lived before Martin Luther 1483 -1546 nailed in 1517 the 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church, Wittenberg which included Salvation by Faith. His fourth book was also concerned with the real presence of Christ in the Bread and Wine of the Communion Service, a doctrine not accepted by many in the Protestant Church. However it is interesting that two Charismatic Church Leaders, Bill Johnson of Bethel, USA and Joseph Prince of Singapore, have both recently produced books on the importance of daily Communion.

Sir Thomas More, England’s famous Lord Chancellor, said it was one of the three books everybody ought to own. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, read a chapter from it every day. Methodist founder John Wesley said it was the best summary of the Christian life he had ever read.

So I hope that you will be blessed by reading this Summary.

John Wright

“Why is the read Christian book after the Bible so popular? Because it places love at the heart of everything – at the heart of our faith, our family and our nation. It is an absolute privilege to endorse this precious book. John Wright’s Summary is his legacy to us all.” – Lady Pippa Dannatt MBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk

You can buy and receive a physical copy, or download a free pdf version here: Download FREE PDF Version