The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis (Summary+Review)

#imitationofchrist #famouscatholicbook #catholicbookreview

The Imitation of Christ is probably the most popular devotional book after the Bible. It is used eg. during the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, for the preparation for the consecration to Mary by St. Louis de Montfort and of course also read in general by all Catholics.

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Rating system:
10/10 breathtaking, must read
9/10 really good
8/10 good
7/10 good (maybe not for everyone)
6/10 and less: I try to read good books lol so that rating should not occur

[clivejames]

I have a very battered and water-damaged copy that my father carried in his rucksack, for 5 years, whilst fighting during WWII which is why I've never gotten rid of it. How amazing, that now, at the age of 70 I am finally going to read it. I feel sad that I never discussed it with my father. He died at over 90 which I've just realised was the same age as T. Kempis.

[henrykadinde]

Imitation of Christ is wonderful book, I rate it as 10/10, I simply recommend it to everyone who want to grow spiritually, (to holiness).

According to me Imitation of Christ should be read not as academic book, I mean one is expert on it when he/she practices it and not intellectually knowing it.
it is book for daily reading, meditation and practice. it is a accompany for believers to holiness.
I think if it used for meditation it will be more useful, it will challenge me and anyone, to see if we are growing in God's love or we have some issues to amend.

for holiness is contained in practice of virtues and prayer as St Francis de Sales says.
Anyone who reads this book, meditate on it, and practice it. will surely move to heights of holiness.

Wish all the best to all who come across this book .
God bless...

[cringeproof]

You’re a sister after my own heart! I’m a new-ish Christian and am considering Catholicism, and I love these classic devotional texts! I’m excited to watch more of your videos 😊

[VideoswithCanonMagicLant-juhj]

Also read Meditation on Death, Preparing for Eternity, and Humility, Elevation of the Mind to God! I'm currently studying Humility after having read the other two! 🙏 I made a brief movie entrance of the Meditation on Death, which you can see upon my channel. I actually do believe that reading the Imitation of Christ is an entry point to have people become aware of the Kingdom of Heaven is within you and that God is to be found only be you with His help, if He wills it so, and just your will alone, though if you do mean to have that Holy Grace and become God's Instrument then pray fervently about that, as a poet does in his/her composing a poem, and/or a composure when he/she write a powerful composition, Beethoven for example!

[marcosmina]

Thank you for presenting these wonderful treasures of the Christian heritage. ... of course the book is tough to some extent as it is written by an ascetic monk, but I remember that there were some passages very very deep and inspiring especially regarding the holy Eucharist 💖

[mattherrera]

Thank you again for helping me realize my death and being prepared is most important!
When a man stops looking for consolations through creatures that’s when we’re on the road towards Christian perfection. What a statement for me to reflect on this Lent! General advise! Great opinion!

[chrisheyne]

Not Catholic but love this book. The part about denying the sell and the way of the cross is the best I’ve seen. I am memorizing it so I can meditate on it everyday.

[roberttoney]

Just picked this book up what a great book

[TracyW-mebr]

I love this channel. Thanks so much for these book summaries.

[omarkn]

Always happy to find Christians discovering the real treasures of Christian spirituality and holiness (such as Tomas Kempis) Then they will be our brothers and sisters in the community of the faithful. May God guide and facilitate!

[emilykaterudov]

Thanks Elisabeth. I always love that I learn new and interesting and faithful things from your videos. What a blessing! Happy reading :)

[vicious]

😍 I went to this video to learn to pronounce his name. The other guides suck. I trust her.

[PhillipLWilcher]

If all that you wish for is to do good, then shall you know God.

[Anna-zcch]

Elisabeth, thank you for this summary! It's true that the book is not an easy read. Nevertheless it contains deep truths. Im a big fan of the book. God bless! 😘💐

[lowellnorristhecatholiccou]

I enjoyed the book. I’m a recent convert to Catholicism. I found the short chapters helpful for meditating on!

[siobhanphoenix]

I'm waiting for this one to become available at my library! I'm currently reading the Diary of Saint Faustina, Consoling The Heart of Jesus as well as a few handy little books for Lent called " Listening To Jesus" and "Pausing to Pray". I am also getting into " Rediscover Catholicism" . I LOVE the name of your channel!

[dmitryostrovsky]

Thanks for turning me onto this book. I absolutely love it. Wish I had heard about it long ago.

[GIF_CANCEL]

St. Therese's favorite books at the end became The Gospels. She memorized the Imitation when she was young.

[guiteo]

Thanks for this effort. I read Imitation of Christ many years ago, while i was still looking which direction to go. The book moved me a lot. In spirit, it is quite like the Bodhicharyavatara by Santideva. These are books that describe how to be more religious/holy, by adopting a level of asceticism, resisting the pull of worldly life. I enjoyed your comments, and even though I'm not a Christian, I have great regard for this book.

[thisisnix]

Thank you very much for explaining what this book is about. I've just ordered a copy and looking forward to read it.