Imitation of Christ

Description

The Imitation of Christ 978 -0-89942-320-3 The Imitation of Christ , a deeply spiritual book by Thomas à Kempis, is the one book second only to the Bible in popularity among Catholics. Throughout this book, readers will find themselves experiencing the peace and wisdom that has comforted believers from all corners of the world. The pages of this consoling guide show readers how better to live the life of a Christian by closely following Christ's example. The Imitation of Christ will help to enable those seeking guidance in the midst of today’s challenges to find encouragement to imitate Christ in many of life’s situations. Among the Features of this Book: Sturdy Hardcover Convenient size for nightstand, office or handbag Illustrations Throughout of Jesus Faithfully Translated Divided into Four Books or Sections Visit our website www.catholicbookpublishing.com for more Catholic resources to strengthen your faith. Benefits of a small, pocket-sized book, tailored to its compact nature: Portability : Its lightweight, slim design slips easily into a pocket, purse, or bag, making it a constant companion for commutes, waiting rooms, or travel—perfect for a quick read, like a parable or prayer, anytime inspiration strikes. Convenience : The small size encourages spontaneous use. Whether it is a collection of Jesus’ miracles or short reflections, you can flip it open with one hand during a coffee break, maximizing idle moments without needing a dedicated setup. Focus : Limited page space distills content to essentials—say, a single miracle or life lesson per chapter. This brevity sharpens attention, offering bite-sized wisdom that’s easy to digest and ponder in a busy day. Discretion : Its unobtrusive size lets you read privately in public spaces, like a bus or park bench, without drawing attention. A pocket book of faith, for instance, becomes a quiet source of comfort or strength. Affordability : Smaller books typically cost less to produce and buy, making them an accessible gift or personal treat. A family might share a stack of them—each exploring a different miracle—without breaking the bank. These qualities make a pocket-sized book a practical, powerful tool for enrichment on the go. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, a 15th-century devotional classic, holds profound importance for its timeless call to spiritual depth and humility. Written for monks but embraced by laypeople, this concise yet potent work urges readers to emulate Jesus’ life—his patience, self-denial, and love—over worldly pursuits. Its enduring relevance lies in its simplicity and universality, offering practical wisdom amid life’s complexities. The book’s core message is transformative: true peace comes from surrendering pride and aligning with Christ’s example. Kempis writes, “Learn to despise outward things and to give yourself to inward things, and you will see the Kingdom of God come within you.” This shift from ego to soul resonates across centuries, especially in today’s materialistic culture, where distractions abound. Structured in short, meditative chapters, it invites daily reflection—perfect for a pocket-sized companion—guiding readers through trials like adversity or temptation with grace. Its influence spans denominations, shaping figures like Ignatius of Loyola and John Wesley, and its accessibility ensures anyone can grasp its call to holiness. For families or individuals, it’s a quiet anchor, fostering virtues like compassion and resilience. By imitating Christ, Kempis argues, we find purpose beyond fleeting success—a message as vital in 2026 as in 1418. Review: Well Written, Hard to Internalize - I was given one as a gift and ordered more to gift to others. Review: One of the best books outside of the Bible - This is the best book that I have ever bought outside of the Bible. I can see why it is the best selling religious book outside of the Bible (quote from another site). The book is hardbound and the picture does not do it justice at all. I will make some new pictures of it for people this weekend. The book is a perfect size for taking with you to places to read. The printing quality and binding are as good as any book that I have from what I can tell. I never heard of this book until I did a lot of searching. Most people that I know have never heard of it either. It just goes to show that not a lot of people are really trying to imitate Christ. They say they are if you ask them, but in my opinion, if they do not know about this book then they really aren't. But, maybe I am wrong. I know that for me, it hits me to the very core every time I read it. It says things that to other seem to not make sense until you actually practice it. Here is an example, "One person has said: "As often as I have been among others, I have returned less a man." We know this from experience when we talk too long. It is easier to remain silent than not to say too much when we speak" Wonderful isn't it? This book is the book that tells you how to be able to do what God asks us to do. I used to ask people, even priests, "I have a hard time loving my neighbor, how do I love my neighbor as myself. And how can I even begin to love my enemies?" Of all the people that I asked this question only this book and Bishop Fulton Sheen were able to begin to tell me how to actually start doing this. You know that you should, we all do, but how do you do it? How can you do it? The answer begins with loving God first. Remember that when Christ say to love your neighbor as yourself that he first said to love God above all else. That is the beginning of the answer, to love God above all else. Begin to truly do that, and then you can begin to start to love your neighbor. How, it is because when you truly begin to love God above all else, then you begin to see God in other people. Then you can love them when you first love God above all else. They are linked and cannot be separated. First, love God, then you can begin to learn to love your neighbor. It is this book that helped me to begin the long process of learning this lesson. I cannot stress enough how much this book is changing my life when I allow it too. For many years I have asked, how do I do this? Why can I not be better? How do I truly begin to be a Christian? The Bible, and this book, and the audio files of Bishop Fulton Sheen (and the books of as well) are what is getting me to where I need to be better than anything else or anyone else that I have ever listened to or read. If you truly want to start being happy and stop running from the hound of Heaven then get this book. If you are anything like me, then you will value it more than solid gold one hundred times the weight. It is that good and is changing me for the better that much. If you ask a priest your questions and his answers leave you wanting, then get this book. It was written I think over 500 years ago and it is still in print by many publishers and I certainly hope that it will still be in print when our Lord returns.