The Imitation of Christ

The Imitation of Christ

The Imitation of Christ is perhaps the most popular Christian devotional ever written. It was written by Thomas a Kempis in the fifteenth century.

The church in the late fourteenth century, when Thomas was born, was a divided church in a chaotic world. The world was chaotic – wars were frequent and the Black Plague periodically ravaged entire areas of the countryside. The church was divided – for a period of time the “Great Schism” within Catholicism occurred, with two Popes being seated in different cities. The church was corrupted – wealthy men secured positions within the church for their sons, some even being made Cardinal in their teenage years, and local villages complained that the priests assigned to them did not know enough Latin to even conduct Mass. Belief was uncertain – the massive theological volume by Thomas Aquinas the century before had changed the church and given clarity to belief, but now factions with the church picked at theological nits and led the church away from simple, childlike faith.

It was into this world that Thomas was born, in the city of Kempen in the Rhineland, in 1380. At age 13, having been educated as much as his parents could afford, he was sent – following his older brother – to a school in the Netherlands. When he got there, he found that his brother Johann had left school to follow a religious order called Brethren of the Common Life. The men of this community were mostly laymen, taking no formal monastic vows, but preached a simple life of devotion to Christ – giving up worldly goods and spending their time in solitude and prayer, and in charitable works and copying of the Scriptures.

Thomas finished school, then followed his brother into the community. Thomas was a devoted student, staying there a full decade before being ordained as a priest. Thomas had a passion for copying the manuscript of the Scriptures, and did so at least four times. He was also charged with the instruction of novices into the community. He wrote a number of small booklets to this end – easily copy-able by the students – which later formed the basis for his famous devotional.

In the devotional, Thomas writes that one should “strive to be unknown” – ironic that his fame is related to the book with that instruction in it. Thomas never claimed authorship, it was supposed to be written anonymously, but many members of his order acknowledged him as the author. There is even, today, a complete hand-written manuscript of this book with his signature existing in Brussels. By the end of the 15th century, shortly after Thomas’ death, the book had seen over 100 editions, and translations into at least six languages. It was one of the first books, after the Bible, to be published via the Gutenberg printing press in the late 15th century.

This book is intended as a handbook to the Christian life. It begins with these words:
“He who follows Me, walks not in darkness,” says the Lord (John 8:12). By these words of Christ we are advised to imitate His life and habits, if we wish to be truly enlightened and free from all blindness of heart. Let our chief effort, therefore, be to study the life of Jesus Christ."

It is divided into four ‘books’ and further divided into bite-sized chapters. Book One is entitled “Thoughts Helpful in the Life of the Soul.” It covers much of the practicality of Christian living and remains very practical for today. Chapters include ‘Having a humble opinion of self,’ ‘Prudence in action,’ ‘Avoiding idle talk,’ Resisting temptation,’ ‘Avoiding rash judgment,’ and ‘The love of solitude and silence.’ In his chapter ‘Bearing with the faults of others’ Thomas speaks about his subject:
If, after being admonished once or twice, a person does not amend [their behavior], do not argue with him but commit the whole matter to God that His will and honor may be furthered…for God knows well how to turn evil to good. Try to bear patiently with the defects and infirmities of others, whatever they may be, because you also have many a fault which others must endure.

Book Two is entitled “The Interior Life” and focuses more on the personal devotional life. Chapters include ‘Meditation,’ The joy of a good conscience,’ ‘The intimate friendship of Jesus,’ and ‘Appreciating God’s grace.’ He writes practically here as well, including that only if we are humbly grateful for every little gift will we be worthy to receive greater ones. In the final chapter, ‘The royal road of the Cross’ he writes that if we carry the Cross willingly, it will lead us to our desired goal. If, however, we carry our Cross grudgingly, it will turn into a very heavy load; and if we throw off our Cross, we will certainly find another which is even heavier to bear. By ourselves we cannot bear the Cross, it is through devotion and trust in the Lord that we receive spiritual strength to bear our Cross.

Books Three and Four take a different literary route – having the form of a conversation between ‘The Voice of Christ’ and ‘The Disciple.’ Book Three is the longest, and is entitled “Internal Consolation.” It seems to answer questions the disciple would have, and warnings to avoid pitfalls. Book Four is very ‘Catholic’ in its approach, speaking of the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and preparing your heart to receive it. There is still much practicality here for the Protestant – echoing the themes throughout the book of minimizing yourself and exalting Christ in your life.

This book is perhaps the most influential devotional in Church history, outside of the Bible itself. Today, no book outside of the Bible has been translated into more languages. Catholics and Protestants alike read this book devotedly. The secret of its popularity seems to be its very simple teaching, and very practical application.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Imitation_of_Christ
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_%C3%A0_Kempis
https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/innertravelers/thomas-kempis.html