The Imitation of Christ

by Chilcote, Paul Wesley, Ph.d.

• ISBN13: 9781594734342
• ISBN10: 1594734348
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-09-07
• Publisher: Skylight Paths Pub

Summary

One of the most influential Christian spiritual handbooks¿second only to the Bible¿can be a companion on your own spiritual journey. Next to the Bible, The Imitation of Christ is the most widely read devotional work within the Christian community. Thought to be compiled by fifteenth-century cleric Thomas à Kempis, this spiritual classic focuses on the interior life, the cultivation of humility, purity of intention and the centrality of the sacramental meal in the life of the Christian disciple. While many English translations of the Imitation have been published over the years, there are few modernizations of the English text available. This SkyLight Illuminations edition is based on John Wesley¿s popular abridgment and renders these meditations on the life and teachings of Jesus accessible to the contemporary reader. A substantive introduction and facing-page commentary place the work in its original context; clarify the text¿s roots in the Bible, the early Church and medieval mysticism; and explain its influence¿spanning five hundred years¿on spiritual luminaries from saints to popes and its continuing significance as a timeless spiritual classic.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. xi
Introduction	p. xv
The Life of the Soul
The Imitation of Christ	p. 3
Humility	p. 5
Truth	p. 7
Prudence	p. 9
Scripture	p. 11
Vanity and Pride	p. 13
Peace	p. 15
Temptation	p. 17
Works of Charity	p. 21
Long-Suffering	p. 23
Holy Forebears	p. 25
Solitude and Silence	p. 29
Discipline	p. 31
Mortality	p. 33
The Consequences of Sin	p. 37
Transformation	p. 39
The Interior Life
The Interior Life	p. 43
Humble Submission	p. 47
Peace and Goodness	p. 49
Simplicity and Purity	p. 51
Self-Understanding	p. 53
A Good Conscience	p. 55
Love of Jesus	p. 57
Friendship with Jesus	p. 59
Divine Comfort	p. 61
Gratitude	p. 65
The Cross of Christ	p. 67
The Royal Way	p. 69
The Comfort of the Heart
Christ Speaks	p. 75
The Internal Voice	p. 77
God's Word	p. 79
Truth and Humility	p. 81
Divine Love	p. 83
Free Grace	p. 87
God's Service	p. 89
Human Desires	p. 91
Entrusting All to God	p. 93
Resting in God	p. 95
Causes of Peace	p. 99
Dangers in Self-Absorption	p. 101
God's All-Sufficiency	p. 103
Freedom of Heart	p. 105
Brokenness in Life	p. 107
Wisdom	p. 109
Eternal Life	p. 111
Surrender	p. 113
True Self-Knowledge	p. 115
Nature and Grace	p. 117
The Optimism of Grace	p. 119
Self-Denial	p. 121
Encouragement	p. 123
Deep Mysteries	p. 125
Hope and Trust in God Alone	p. 127
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Reverence for Christ	p. 131
God's Goodness and Love	p. 135
Frequent Communion	p. 139
A Table of Blessing	p. 143
The Dignity of the Sacrament	p. 147
Examination of Conscience	p. 149
Sacrifice and the Meal	p. 151
Offering All to God	p. 153
An Essential Meal	p. 155
Preparation for Communion	p. 159
Union with Christ	p. 163
Communion	p. 165
Humility and Sacramental Devotion	p. 167
Yearning for God's Grace	p. 169
Fervent Love	p. 173
Notes	p. 176
Suggestions for Further Study	p. 177
Comparison of Editions	p. 178
Scripture Index	p. 182
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