Imitation of Christ: Classic Devotions in Today's Language

Rachel Watkins reviews the TAN Classics edition of The Imitation of Christ, a spiritual masterpiece presented in a modern format.

“I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.” This phrase might be familiar to you as it is the conclusion of the gospel of John where he is relating all the many more things Jesus did that he did not include. This same is true of books about Jesus. There is not a library in the world that could contain books, both nonfiction and fiction, about the life and ministry of Jesus, not to mention his followers and what they have written to this very day. New books are being written regularly trying once again to explain, teaching and elaborate on who Jesus is and what He teaches and how that impacts us as individuals and the society as a whole. Whew! As another familiar adage tells us, "Too many books, not enough time," or even not enough shelves. But is every book written about Jesus is worth our time? Surely not.

We are blessed therefore in our faith to have books we can rely on as classics. Books that have stood the test of time, proven over and over again by generations of Catholic philosophers, theologians and learned laity as trustworthy in its teachings. One of these treasures is The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis. Over the years I have picked up and put down this book more than once, never completing it. Part of this problem is certainly on me, but it may also be due to its age—more than 600 years old. From its length, writing style, format and even language, I found it a struggle. Until now.

Imitation of Christ

TAN Classics has given us a new format for exploring the truths of this treasure. Edited by from the original Latin by Right Rev. Richard Challoner, D.D. this edition’s title page tells us, “To which are added practical reflections and a prayer after each chapter.” In other words, they have given us 114 chapters (a page and a half at a time) of Kempis’ writings followed by a paragraph of explanation or elaboration along with a beautiful prayer.

TAN has done a marvelous job breaking down the Imitation into short readings that can be done in one sitting including a prayer to send you on your way. At first, I tried reading this new approach through cover to cover as a typical book, but realized that wasn’t making the best use of it. Reading one chapter at a time is manageable and each one has more than enough to fill your soul. I have had the book over a month now, reading three or four a week, making note of what strikes me in my prayer journal and letting its truths settle in before moving to the next.

There are also two indexes. One index is entitled, “Index of Lessons, Suitable to the Different States of Life and Spiritual Necessities of the Faithful” which directs us to specific sections dealing with such topics as “To Obtain Interior Peace” as well as “For those who are given to too much talking.” There is an Index to Prayers including “For Patience” and “On the Happiness of Heaven.” They make a good reference for a specific mood or challenge you may find yourself in and need dependable advice or admonition to do better.

Interestingly, there are two retreats offered for Devotion for Holy Communion: one for three days prior to receiving Holy Communion and one for six days following Holy Communion. These retreats collect specific sections of the book together to allow you to focus on the gift of the Eucharist. As someone blessed to have Daily Mass easily available, I am not quite sure if I will find a use for these, but I am very grateful that while Thomas à Kempis and his first readers did not have access to daily Communion, we do. In the end, I am most grateful for having found a translation that made this true spiritual classic accessible for me.

We have many trustworthy sources to help illuminate our faith including modern online resources: websites, blogs, YouTube, and more. However, it is also so wonderful to be able to have access to masterpieces that have helped formed generations of saints for centuries. While many may dismiss such books as no longer relevant in our fast-paced modern world, TAN has done a wonderful job distilling this treasure into quick, manageable pieces that will linger with you a long time and help you in your own attempt to be an imitation of Christ.

Ask for Imitation of Christ: Classic Devotions in Today's Language at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, TAN Books.

A Note from the Publisher:

The Commentaries is a podcast series from TAN in which you’ll learn how to read and understand history’s greatest Catholic works, from today’s greatest Catholic scholars. In every series of The Commentaries, your expert host will be your personal guide to not just read the book, but to live the book, shining the light of its eternal truths into the darkness of our modern trials and tribulations. Future seasons of The Commentaries will delve into The Interior Castle, St. Augustine’s Confessions, The Dialogue of St. Catherine of Siena, and many more.

To download your free Classic Companion PDF and for updates about new seasons, expert scholars, and exclusive deals for The Commentaries listeners, sign up at TANCommentaries.com. And for more great ways to deepen your faith, check out all the spiritual resources available at TANBooks.com and use Coupon Code COM25 for 25% Off your next order.

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