What do you think of "The Imitation of Christ"?

[Virgil the Roman]

I have a very helpful spiritual book; entitled, "The Imitation of Christ", authored by Thomas a Kempis. Have any Orthodox heard of this particular book? What are your thoughts upon it? I have found it a source of immense humility and a great boon to my spiritual life towards turning to our Saviour Jesus. I was curious as to what or not Eastern Orthodox approve of this book. I wish to know.

Thank you kindly.

Christ's Peace!

 

[Coralie]

I haven't read the book since I've never been Catholic (I converted from Protestant to Orthodox). However, I found this for you:

Latin for 'nous'

Perhaps it will help you, I skimmed it and it seemed interesting.

In terms of imitating Christ... well Orthodox theosis is a deeper path than that, I feel -- at least if I take it simply on the words of the book's title. One can't just imitate Christ. One has to live through the sacraments and become like Christ, day by day, with God's help. But perhaps that's what Thomas a Kempis meant? Since I haven't read the book I don't know.

God bless you brother, it's nice to have you visiting with us. Let me just warn you -- lately we've had some Catholic trolls in here trying to proselytize and rabble-rouse -- don't be offended if some TAWers approach Catholic-themed threads with trepidation or defensiveness, just persevere and you will get your answers.

Also, please do go to your local Orthodox Church and ask the priest your questions. We are just laypeople here, it's important you get good information from your parish priest IRL.

 

[Virgil the Roman]

That is okay. I understand. I am well aware that some seem to push the concept of "Reunion" prematurely. It is tempting for some individuals to forget that the Holy Ghost works in His time, not ours; hence, any coporative re-union between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches may very well take centuries. Potentially, it may very well never take place till the Apocalypse.

Alas, some in their zeal have seemed to misplaced their charity or proper decorum at times (I, myself, am not guiltless of doing this very thing in times past. Hence, I ask only that you retort with charity and loving-kindness as our Saviour would have us do.)


Forgive me.

 

[hungrytiger]

I've been reading it. Some of it seems quite beautiful to me. Some of it I know I don't understand. Some of it seems to be from a different perspective. Like some of the stuff about sin seems to be coming more from like what I understand the Catholic understanding of original sin to be than the Orthodox understanding. Though maybe that's just me not knowing what I'm talking about.

Anyway, I appreciate how it doesn't seem to over intellectualize things. I haven't finished it yet, but it does seems to me to be a prayerfully written book and while it may have some errors, I think there's a lot of good in it.

Part of why I thought I'd try reading it is because I read an interview of Sister Gavrilla, spiritual daughter of Mother Gavrilla, where she said that Mother Gavrilla would hand out copies of The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis because there were many references in it to the Gospel. You can read the full interview here if you like TEXTS IN ENGLISH | The Obedience of Love: An Interview with Sister Gavrilia

I don't know if that's helps you much with your question or not, but I thought I'd offer what I could.