Spiritual Classics

The Imitation of ChristThomas a Kempis

Background

• Christian devotional book first composed ca.1418-1427.

• A handbook for spiritual life arising from the Devotio Moderna movement, where Kempis was a member

• Perhaps most widely read devotional work next to the Bible; No book has been translated into more languages.

• Divided into four books:• "Helpful Counsels of the Spiritual Life”• "Directives for the Interior Life”• "On Interior Consolation”• “On the Blessed Sacrament”

Background

• Born 1380 in Kempen (Near Cologne); Died 1471.

• Member of “Canons Regular”• Priests living in community• Under Rule of St. Augustine• Sharing property in common. • Distinct from monks - purpose

was to engage in public ministry of liturgy / sacraments for those who visit their churches.

Background

• Counter:• Egoism• Materialism• Hedonism

• Teaching on:• True self-love• Detachment• Suffering

theme #1 – Self-Love in christ

• Self-love is crucial to personal wholeness.

• Loving ourselves” does NOT = indulgence, irresponsibility and moral license.

• True self-love finds referent and source in Christ.

• Accept who and what you are, but don’t stay there!

theme #2 – Detachment

• Materialism – one of chief impediments to spiritual life.• “Do not possess anything

that can hinder you or rob you of freedom.”

• Yet, legitimate delight in created things is itself the fruit of detachment.

theme #3– suffering

• Ongoing dedication to detachment constitutes a kind of suffering.

• Suffering saves us from ego, pride and presumption.

• Shows that we have nothing of our own apart from God.

• The more spiritual progress we make – the more we suffer.

Mystical Theology

• Goals of Imitation:

• Lead believer to deeper love of Jesus for its own sake.

• Cut through wiles, half-truths and lies of the world.

• Direct Christian to path of peace

The Imitation of ChristThomas a Kempis

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