Composed nearly six centuries ago, the cornerstone spiritual work The Imitation of Christ by medieval monk Thomas Kempis offers an enduring guide to the Christian faith through deep and joyful emulation of Jesus' own example.
Originally written anonymously and published in the mid-1400s, the text of The Imitation of Christ represents a serene collection of meditations and musings on emulating the life and spirituality of Jesus Christ, inviting the reader to walk along that same sacred path with both humility and delight.
Thomas Kempis' book, which brings to life his core philosophy to earnestly imitate Christ's own words and deeds before all else, is laid out in a series of four books of meditative prose. The first book examines the great value of seeking an internal life modeled on Christ, pondering Scripture as a means to know Christ better. Book two provides prescriptions for emulating a humble, impartial, and holy life akin to Christ's, while book three addresses the value of an interior life spent in quiet contemplation of God. The text concludes with the fourth book's ruminations on the unshakable joy found through complete surrender to Christ in communion alongside him through the bread and wine of the Eucharist.
For centuries, The Imitation of Christ has remained a profoundly revered Christian classic. Its simple yet moving approach to developing a life of piety, selfless devotion, and spiritual tranquility has led many to seek the faith and compassion modeled in Christ's own radiant example. Readers gain ageless guidance on living with contrition, contemplation, serenity and purpose in Thomas Kempis' devotional treasure. The lasting readership of the work through the centuries serve as a testament to the compassion, grace and wisdom found within its pages.