The Imitation Of Christ

One of the most influential and well-loved books of Christianity, The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis appears here in Penguin Classics in a new translation by Robert Jeffery, with an introduction by Max Von Habsburg, notes, a chronology and further reading. The Imitation of Christ is a passionate celebration of God's love, mercy and holiness, which has stimulated religious devotion for over five hundred years. With great personal conviction and deep humanity, Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471) demonstrates the individual's reliance on God and on the words of Christ, and the futility of a life without faith, as well as exploring the ideas such as humility, compassion, patience and tolerance. Thomas spent some seventy years of his life in the reclusive environment of monasteries, yet in this astonishing work he demonstrates an encompassing understanding of human nature, while his writing speaks to readers of every age and every nation. Thomas à Kempis was born at Kempen near Dusseldorf in 1380. He received the priesthood in 1413. Thomas wrote many other devotional works besides The Imitation of Christ, his masterpiece, as well as biographies of Gerald Groote and Florentius Radewyn. He died in 1471. The Very Revd Robert Jeffery was born in 1935 and ordained in 1959. He has written on matters of Church history, spirituality, mission and ecumenism. In 1978, he became Archdeacon of Salop, and was Dean of Worcester from 1987-96 and subsequently Canon and Sub-Dean of Christ Church, Oxford. He retired in 2002 and is an Hon Doctor of Divinity of Birmingham University. Max von Habsburg is the author of Catholic and Protestant Translations of the Imitatio Christi 1425-1650 (2011).

Prayer is a subject that is of vital interest to Christians of all ages. We are constantly asking questions such as: What is prayer? Why should we pray? For what and for whom should we pray? How should we pray? The author provides answers to these and many other questions from the thought of a master of prayer, Saint Augustine of Hippo: over 500 Augustinian texts about prayer woven into a little summa about how to improve one's prayer life.

Five Christian Devotionals in one book: 'The Imitation of Christ' by Thomas A Kempis, 'Confessions of Saint Augustine,' 'Jesus The Christ' by James E. Talmage, 'The Book of Ruth' from the Douay Rheims Bible and 'How To Become Like Christ' by Marcus Dods. Each classic Christian work has been newly revised, formatted and expertly curated with introductions, detailed footnotes and other annotations that bring these works to life for today's Christians. These FIVE Christian books will help you create a life changing and closer relationship with God. This collection explores topics such as effective prayer, developing better relationships with people, overcoming difficult circumstances, and much more. For a limited time,buy the print edition and get the digital version FREE. Scroll up and grab a copy of this book today! Five Christian Classics for one unbeatable low price! THE IMITATION OF CHRIST by Thomas à Kempis “The more humble and obedient to God a man is, the more wise and at peace he will be in all that he does.” 'The Imitation of Christ' is one of the best known Christian books on devotion. Through its realistic delineation of the complexities of human existence, and in its soul-building optimism about the benefits of aspiring to a Christ-shaped life, 'Imitation' clearly deserves the accolade of "Spiritual Classic." Although written early in the fifteenth century, the many short meditations that comprise this work remain strikingly fresh and relevant for modern readers. "Religion's second-best seller." -- Walter Elwell, describing 'The Imitation of Christ' as second only to the Bible in sales and popularity among religious readers. THE CONFESSIONS OF ST. AUGUSTINE Translated by E. B. Pusey “You are my Lord, because You have no need of my goodness.” Designed to show the details of the soul's progress, from enjoyment of the beauties outside itself to a study of its own nature and finally to joy in the knowledge of God, 'Confessions' by Saint Augustine, was the first work in literature to be concerned entirely with an introspective analysis of the author's own spiritual and emotional experiences. Its original title was "Confessions in Thirteen Books," and it was composed to be read out loud with each book being a complete unit. The work outlines Augustine's sinful youth and his conversion to Christianity. It is widely seen as the first Western autobiography ever written, and was an influential model for Christian writers throughout the following 1,000 years of the Middle Ages. JESUS THE CHRIST James E. Talmage Elder Marion G. Romney said, , "One who gets the understanding, the vision, and the spirit of the resurrected Lord through a careful study of the text Jesus the Christ by Elder James E. Talmage will find that he has greatly increased his moving faith in our glorified Redeemer." THE BOOK OF RUTH The book of Ruth is one of the most moving accounts in the Bible, a story of love and loyalty that is a stark contrast to today's cynical, throwaway society. This short book, only four chapters, shows how God uses people in amazing ways. HOW TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST by Marcus Dods Marcus Dods was a minister of the Free Church of Scotland (1843-1900) and noted Bible scholar. Christians have rediscovered this short but moving devotional in the digital age and have found it a rich, inspired guide in their daily quest of striving to be more like Christ.

Drawing on the wealth of the Church's living tradition, Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, calls on all of us to turn to St. Joseph, entrust ourselves, our Church, and our world to our spiritual father's loving care, and then watch for wonders when the Universal Patron of the Church opens the floodgates of Heaven to pour out graces into our lives today. Definitely a book for our time, Consecration to St. Joseph is dedicated to meeting the challenges of the present moment and restoring order to our Church and our world, all through the potent paternal intercession and care of St. Joseph. This book has everything you need to take your love and devotion to St. Joseph to a whole different level: a thorough program of consecration to St. Joseph; information on the 10 wonders of St. Joseph; and prayers and devotions to St. Joseph. Accessible, motivating, this book will kick off a great movement of consecration to our spiritual father and change the world.

The spiritual classic by À Kempis, the second most widely read spiritual book after the Bible, has had an astonishing impact on the spiritual lives of countless saints, peasants, and popes for centuries. Even today, the soul-searching words of the fifteenth-century cleric Thomas À Kempis continue to resonate, unbounded by time or geography. Drawing on the Bible, the Fathers of the early Church and medieval mysticism, his four-part treatise shrugs off the allure of the material world, blending beauty and bluntness in a supremely spiritual call-to-arms. This beautiful translation by Ronald Knox and Michael Oakley is considered by many teachers, writers, and readers to be the best English translation ever, and one that greatly enhances the life-changing insights of Thomas À Kempis. Illustrated. "If we could construct a composite picture of all great Christians-Catholic or non-Catholic-of the last five hundred years who found The Imitation substantially beneficial, enlightening, and inspiring, we would need no further proof that familiarity with this great classic is an integral part of a mature spiritual life and even a path to holiness." -Father Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R., Author,

In this book St. Patrick testifies to us of his conversion, trials, and tribulations in seeking, surrendering, and suffering for Christ. Even though most of us do not dare attempt to aspire to reach the heights of St. Patrick, it is important to realize that God made each and every person an individual - not to be like another - but rather to be like Christ. He made each person unique and endows each of us with different gifts and graces. This is why we study and admire other followers of Christ but we are not to try to be exactly like another. In growing in virtue - yes. But God has a very specific wills and assignments for each of us. Nevertheless it is helpful to study and reflect on the virtues of others like St. Patrick.

THE IMITATION OF CHRIST.... A cornerstone book in our rich Christian literary heritage. Audio Excerpts Download Color timeline Detailed index Author biography Illustrations Study guide Sensitively revised in modern English One of an expanding collection Thomas Kempis leads the honest seeker as deeply into the inward life with Christ as it is possible for a human being to go, allowing the reader to draw away from the noise and clamor of the everyday world to personally experience Jesus' promise: ''Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you'' (John 14:27). It took Thomas a Kempis seven years to write this book by hand over five centuries ago. Since then, The Imitation of Christ has been translated into more languages than any other book except the Bible, and is acclaimed by people of all faiths to be one of the greatest spiritual books ever written. This Christian masterpiece is sensitively revised, contains more than 1,000 scriptural references and notes, and features a section of devotional meditations.