Book Review: The Imitation of Christ

[June 11, 2026]  The winter months have evolved into the heat and humidity of summer; that is a good thing.  I admit that I have no excuse for failing to provide a recent book review for my readers to enjoy [yes, it’s harder to pick up a book when the good weather draws us outside]. But like all these past reviews, the point is to encourage a more expansive list of important books to read.  And to read doesn’t mean finding the time to read, it is more critical to make the time to read.  Reading changes us in ways that scientists who study the human brain have yet to fully understand.  I encourage reading and I should do more as well.  Today’s book, or actually a series of books, is The Imitation of Christ and I believe it is one we all should explore, regardless of our personal beliefs, attitudes toward Christianity, or aptitudes.

The Imitation of Christ, written around 1418–1427 by the Augustinian monk Thomas à Kempis, is a devotional classic emphasizing interior spirituality, humility, and direct imitation of Jesus. Structured in four books, it prioritizes personal transformation over external forms, urging readers to detach from the world and conform to Christ.

It’s the most widely read Christian devotional book after the Bible, with over two thousand editions and with translations into nearly as many languages as the Bible, and hundreds of millions of copies historically.  His life reflected the very humility and devotion he wrote about, and his legacy has left a profound mark on Christian spirituality

Core Theme: Imitation of Christ and Contempt for the World
Book 1 opens with the call to follow Christ: “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness.” True wisdom lies in emulating Christ’s life rather than worldly pursuits. “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity, save to love God, and Him only to serve.” Riches, honors, fleshly desires, and long life without virtue are fleeting. Readers must turn their hearts from visible things to the eternal, rejecting self-will for God’s will.

Humility and Self-Knowledge
Humility is foundational. “That is the highest and most profitable lesson, when a man truly knoweth and judgeth lowly of himself.” Pride and intellectual vanity hinder grace. A humble rustic serving God surpasses a proud scholar. Self-distrust, acknowledgment of frailty, and kind judgment of others foster wisdom. Avoid rash judgment, idle talk, and over-familiarity. True greatness is charity and counting earthly honors as nothing.

Interior Life and Detachment
Book 2 shifts inward. Peace comes through humility, patience, and bearing the Cross. A pure mind and simple intention matter more than external actions. Love Jesus above all; seek intimate friendship with Him. Few truly embrace the Cross, yet it is the royal road to perfection. Adversity, temptation, and suffering purify the soul when borne patiently in imitation of Christ. Solitude, silence, and recollection allow God to speak clearly.

Divine Consolation and Dialogue
Book 3 presents a dialogue between Christ and the soul. Truth speaks inwardly without words. Grace must be hidden under humility. All things refer to God as final end. Desires require examination and moderation. Patience grows through struggle against concupiscence. True comfort resides in God alone, not creatures. Self-denial and resignation yield freedom of heart. Divine love proves the true lover through trials.

The Eucharist and Union with Christ
Book 4 centers on the Blessed Sacrament as the summit of devotion. Devout communion unites the soul to Christ, strengthens against temptation, and nourishes spiritual life. Preparation demands purity, humility, and fervent desire. The Eucharist provides intimate encounter with the crucified Lord, fostering love and obedience.

Practical Counsels for Spiritual Progress
Throughout, à Kempis stresses Scripture reading, prayer, obedience, and zeal for amendment. A good life outweighs deep theological discussion. Fear of God and contrition surpass knowledge. Resist temptation through vigilance; value adversity for growth. Shun curiosity about others; focus on self-amendment. Monastic ideals: solitude, compunction, meditation on death and judgment that apply broadly to cultivate interior recollection.

Timeless Appeal
The book synthesizes medieval mysticism, Scripture, and Church Fathers into practical guidance. It rejects worldly ambition for inner conversion, self-abasement for union with God, and external observance for heartfelt love. Second only to the Bible in readership, it has guided millions toward spiritual aspiration through its ardent yet sound call to holiness.

Main ideas converge on one path: withdraw from vanities, embrace humility and the Cross, seek Christ inwardly, and rest in God alone. This fosters peace, virtue, and eternal life.

Highly Recommended.  Obviously.

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Please read my books:

1. “55 Rules for a Good Life,” on Amazon (link here).
2. “Our Longest Year in Iraq,” on Amazon (link here).