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The Imitation of Christ

By Thomas à Kempis
From Christian Classics in Modern English
©1991 by Bernard Bangley

Thomas à Kempis was a Renaissance Roman Catholic monk born in Germany in 1380. His writings include sermons, meditations and tracts, and are reflective and prayerful in character. His The Imitation of Christ is considered one of the greatest manuals of devotion in Christianity—theologian John Wesley and clergyman John Newton (who penned Amazing Grace) both list it among the works that influenced them at their conversion.

After studying the original Latin text and corresponding English translations, Bernard Bangley set out to rewrite this classic in his own vernacular, carefully preserving its meaning and expression. So impressed was he with à Kempis’s humility and genuine humanity that he wrote, “The words are sparks from the anvil of intense personal experience and they ignite spontaneous fires in the hearts of readers who recognize their own spiritual struggles.”

Though written by a monk and originally intended to inspire and instruct those inside a monastery, The Imitation of Christ contains no barrier of time or place or denomination. Thomas à Kempis clearly articulates his passion in the very first paragraph: “Our most important task… is to meditate on the life of Jesus Christ.”

The book is divided into four sections: “Valuable Advice for Spiritual Living,” “Advice Concerning Inward Things,” “Conversations with God,” and “Preparation for the Lord’s Supper.” Each of these sections contains multiple devotions, covering subjects such as humility, simplicity and purity, the value of adversity, and delighting in God.

If you are looking for a good devotional book as a Christmas gift, I encourage you to consider The Imitation of Christ.

PATTY KENNEDY is assistant web content editor for the national Women’s Ministries Department. She also writes book and music reviews for Pages and Tunes, a free e-newsletter provided by the national Women’s Ministries Department.

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