ReviewsThis SkyLight Illuminations edition is based on John Wesley's popular The Christian's Pattern, a 1741 abridgement of the Christian classic by Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471). The selections have been annotated and explained by Paul Wesley Chilcote, academic dean and professor of historical theology and Wesleyan studies at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio. In the introduction, Chilcote discusses the text as an exploration of affective spirituality which stems from the heart. Thomas a Kempis wants believers to imitate Jesus Christ by growing into his full measure. He presents two dispositions as having a central role in Christian formation -- humility and purity. The Imitation of Christ is divided into four sections: * The Life of the Soul * The Interior Life * The Comfort of the Heart * The Sacrament of Holy Communion In his astute commentaries on pages opposite the text, Chilcote covers this devotional work's Biblical roots and its wide-ranging influence over the last 500 years. We found a lot to ponder in these pages including the idea that comparing ourselves to others and trying to control them are two roadblocks to peace in life; that spiritual maturity comes from grace and not our own efforts; that solitude is a worthy spiritual practice; that the true test of goodness is to love the unlovable; and that Jesus provides the perfect model for putting others first., This SkyLight Illuminations edition is based on John Wesley's popular The Chrstian's Pattern, a 1741 abridgement of the Christian classic by Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471). The selections have been annotated and explained by Paul Wesley Chilcote, academic dean and professor of historical theology and Wesleyan studies at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio. In the introduction, Chilcote discusses the text as an exploration of affective spirituality which stems from the heart. Thomas a Kempis wants believers to imitate Jesus Christ by growing into his full measure. He presents two dispositions as having a central role in Christian formation -- humility and purity. The Imitation of Christ is divided into four sections: * The Life of the Soul * The Interior Life * The Comfort of the Heart * The Sacrament of Holy Communion In his astute commentaries on pages opposite the text, Chilcote covers this devotional work's Biblical roots and its wide-ranging influence over the last 500 years. We found a lot to ponder in these pages including the idea that comparing ourselves to others and trying to control them are two roadblocks to peace in life; that spiritual maturity comes from grace and not our own efforts; that solitude is a worthy spiritual practice; that the true test of goodness is to love the unlovable; and that Jesus provides the perfect model for putting others first., "Shows the enduring value ... for Christians today. A tested guide to simplicity and purity in following Christ, this spiritual classic gets at the heart of the Gospel, even as it moves the hearts of its readers." -Ann W. Astell, president, Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality, University of Notre Dame "[A] generous and wise representation of a spiritual masterpiece.... Does not simply offer help in reading this pivotal contribution to Christian devotion. [It] encourages readers to make their own discoveries and offers them the tools needed for the effort." -The Reverend Dr. Frederick W. Schmidt, director of spiritual formation and Anglican studies, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University; author, What God Wants for Your Life "A splendid edition of one of Christianity's timeless classics.... Will be richly appreciated by readers of Christian spirituality as well as spiritual pilgrims along the Christian way." -Dr. John R. Tyson, visiting professor of church history, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School "[A] wonderfully accessible translation and helpful commentary ... helps us to experience why it speaks with great relevance to generation after generation, across all cultures." -Trevor Hudson, author, Journey of the Spirit "Words of Christ's vision for human life are given to us in astonishing clarity: sacrifice, surrender, mystery, hospitality, grace, love, fellowship, union. If you seek to be a follower of Christ, you will find solace and guidance in this work of great generosity." -Dwight H. Judy, PhD, professor emeritus of spiritual formation, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; author, Discerning Life Transitions "Are you wondering how to cultivate your life in God? Slow soaking in Paul Chilcote's readable version of The Imitation of Christ can guide ordinary, hungry followers into a likeness to Jesus, just as Thomas à Kempis knew by experience." -Dr. Sharon Rowland, spiritual director; Renovaré and Ignatian Spirituality Institute alumna "Invites the reader into a space of reflection where Christ can breathe new life into us. With his fresh inflection of this classic work, Chilcote reminds us that the practices that have sustained the people of Christ across the centuries still have the power in our own time to make us more like Jesus: not by mimicking him, but by opening ourselves fully to his presence in our lives." -Jan Richardson, director, the Wellspring Studio; author, Sacred Journeys: A Womans Book of Daily Prayer "Robust enough for the serious scholar and yet accessible to the hesitant seeker. It should be in the hands of all who desire to build or maintain a vital connection with God. [It] will stay on my desk with other treasured devotional classics." -Bishop Rueben Job, retired United Methodist bishop; author, Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living "This masterpiece ... enables us in those dry spells when we perceive God's absence to reaffirm with bold faith God's eternal presence. [It] needs to be kept ready at hand and close to our heart." -Susan Muto, PhD, dean, Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality "Will warm the reader's heart.... Provides a great service to the church." -Gary W. Moon, MDiv, PhD, executive director, Martin Institute and Dallas Willard Center, Westmont College; author, Apprenticeship with Jesus "Invites [us] into a conversation between two men of God on the indispensable theme of Christlikeness. Read this book and be 'more like the Master' for having done so!" -Dr. Steve Harper, professor of spiritual formation, Asbury Theological Seminary, This SkyLight Illuminations edition is based on John Wesley's popular The Chrstian's Pattern, a 1741 abridgement of the Christian classic by Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471). The selections have been annotated and explained by Paul Wesley Chilcote, academic dean and professor of historical theology and Wesleyan studies at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio. In the introduction, Chilcote discusses the text as an exploration of affective spirituality which stems from the heart. Thomas a Kempis wants believers to imitate Jesus Christ by growing into his full measure. He presents two dispositions as having a central role in Christian formation - humility and purity. The Imitation of Christ is divided into four sections: - The Life of the Soul - The Interior Life - The Comfort of the Heart - The Sacrament of Holy Communion In his astute commentaries on pages opposite the text, Chilcote covers this devotional work's Biblical roots and its wide-ranging influence over the last 500 years. We found a lot to ponder in these pages including the idea that comparing ourselves to others and trying to control them are two roadblocks to peace in life; that spiritual maturity comes from grace and not our own efforts; that solitude is a worthy spiritual practice; that the true test of goodness is to love the unlovable; and that Jesus provides the perfect model for putting others first., "Shows the enduring value ... for Christians today. A tested guide to simplicity and purity in following Christ, this spiritual classic gets at the heart of the Gospel, even as it moves the hearts of its readers." --Ann W. Astell, president, Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality, University of Notre Dame "[A] generous and wise representation of a spiritual masterpiece.... Does not simply offer help in reading this pivotal contribution to Christian devotion. [It] encourages readers to make their own discoveries and offers them the tools needed for the effort." --The Reverend Dr. Frederick W. Schmidt, director of spiritual formation and Anglican studies, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University; author, What God Wants for Your Life "A splendid edition of one of Christianity's timeless classics.... Will be richly appreciated by readers of Christian spirituality as well as spiritual pilgrims along the Christian way." --Dr. John R. Tyson, visiting professor of church history, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School "[A] wonderfully accessible translation and helpful commentary ... helps us to experience why it speaks with great relevance to generation after generation, across all cultures." --Trevor Hudson, author, Journey of the Spirit "Words of Christ's vision for human life are given to us in astonishing clarity: sacrifice, surrender, mystery, hospitality, grace, love, fellowship, union. If you seek to be a follower of Christ, you will find solace and guidance in this work of great generosity." --Dwight H. Judy, PhD, professor emeritus of spiritual formation, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; author, Discerning Life Transitions "Are you wondering how to cultivate your life in God? Slow soaking in Paul Chilcote's readable version of The Imitation of Christ can guide ordinary, hungry followers into a likeness to Jesus, just as Thomas à Kempis knew by experience." --Dr. Sharon Rowland, spiritual director; Renovaré and Ignatian Spirituality Institute alumna "Invites the reader into a space of reflection where Christ can breathe new life into us. With his fresh inflection of this classic work, Chilcote reminds us that the practices that have sustained the people of Christ across the centuries still have the power in our own time to make us more like Jesus: not by mimicking him, but by opening ourselves fully to his presence in our lives." --Jan Richardson, director, the Wellspring Studio; author, Sacred Journeys: A Womans Book of Daily Prayer "Robust enough for the serious scholar and yet accessible to the hesitant seeker. It should be in the hands of all who desire to build or maintain a vital connection with God. [It] will stay on my desk with other treasured devotional classics." --Bishop Rueben Job, retired United Methodist bishop; author, Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living "This masterpiece ... enables us in those dry spells when we perceive God's absence to reaffirm with bold faith God's eternal presence. [It] needs to be kept ready at hand and close to our heart." --Susan Muto, PhD, dean, Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality "Will warm the reader's heart.... Provides a great service to the church." --Gary W. Moon, MDiv, PhD, executive director, Martin Institute and Dallas Willard Center, Westmont College; author, Apprenticeship with Jesus "Invites [us] into a conversation between two men of God on the indispensable theme of Christlikeness. Read this book and be 'more like the Master' for having done so!" --Dr. Steve Harper, professor of spiritual formation, Asbury Theological Seminary
Dewey Edition23
SynopsisLet Jesus's example of holiness, humility and purity of heart 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 Kempis (c. 1380-1471), this spiritual classic focuses the contemporary God-seeker on a religion of the heart--a vital connection with God in our innermost being. It advocates the cultivation of virtues, like humility and purity of intention, by inviting the spirit of Jesus to dwell richly in our lives. It emphasizes the need to translate that life of love into daily action. Now you can experience the timeless wisdom of this spiritual classic with no previous knowledge of late medieval Christianity. This SkyLight Illuminations edition, based on John Wesley's popular 1741 abridgment, renders these meditations on the life and teachings of Jesus in a way that is accessible to the contemporary reader. A substantive introduction and facing-page commentary places the work in its original context; clarifies the text's roots in the Bible, the early Church, and medieval mysticism; and explains its influence--spanning five hundred years--on spiritual luminaries from saints to popes and its continuing significance today., This spiritual classic focuses the contemporary God-seeker on developing a vital connection with God by inviting the spirit of Jesus into our lives. Helpful commentary clarifies the work's biblical and medieval roots and its continuing significance today., Let Jesus's example of holiness, humility and purity of heart 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 (c. 1380-1471), this spiritual classic focuses the contemporary God-seeker on a religion of the heart--a vital connection with God in our innermost being. It advocates the cultivation of virtues, like humility and purity of intention, by inviting the spirit of Jesus to dwell richly in our lives. It emphasizes the need to translate that life of love into daily action. Now you can experience the timeless wisdom of this spiritual classic with no previous knowledge of late medieval Christianity. This SkyLight Illuminations edition, based on John Wesley's popular 1741 abridgment, renders these meditations on the life and teachings of Jesus in a way that is accessible to the contemporary reader. A substantive introduction and facing-page commentary places the work in its original context; clarifies the text's roots in the Bible, the early Church, and medieval mysticism; and explains its influence--spanning five hundred years--on spiritual luminaries from saints to popes and its continuing significance today.
LC Classification NumberBV4821.C45 2012