Catholic Book Reviews | The Imitation of Christ

[@duromusabc]

I read it everyday along with the Catholic Bible - awesome little book

[@ConvincedCatholicism]

@@duromusabc awesome

[@vivacristorey4363]

This book was a favourite of St Dominic Savio and was often recommended by St John Bosco. My caveat to the scrupulous would be that, even though it is a great book and very edifying, it was intended for those in religious orders - since we in the world must to an extent be social. Edit: I don't mean by this that the laity and secular clergy cannot benefit from the book. Quite the contrary. I simply mean that there are a few elements in the book on solitude that would be more directed toward those with religious vocation. This actually came up in the life of St Dominic Savio. He was trying to be alone with God whenever possible for a time, but St John Bosco told him to take part in recreation and to not neglect his companions - which from then on, out of obedience, he did so. I say that story to show the effect it can have on pious souls who might misunderstand the religious context for solitude. The lives of the saints definitely don't trump Christ's doctrine. However, they do inspire and edify us by reminding us of all the many examples of Christ's Mystical body the Church working in every age of history. In that sense I don't see the difference. The saints are living examples of Christ. We should go straight to the source for sure. But befriending the saints helps with that because, just like our Lady, they always point us to Him.

[@ConvincedCatholicism]

Several Saints beyond those were fans of the book as well. St. Therese of Lisieux as well

[@terrysbookandbiblereviews]

One of my favorite books. I started reading it long before becoming Catholic. It helps you to be more like Jesus but this side of Heaven we are going to stumble thankfully Jesus is a merciful God.

[@ConvincedCatholicism]

Glad it was able to spread out beyond Catholicism. Amen to that! Our God is an Awesome God

[@charlesbotensten]

I have one from 1954, from my grandfather, it’s very direct in language, I read it on the subways of NYC

[@ConvincedCatholicism]

As someone who grew up 15 mins from the city, I can say that is a place that needs Christ. A lot of the miracles Christ performed on the blind, deaf, lame, possessed, etc. could have been performed on the Q or D. A lot of Pharisee/better than you types on those cars.

[@Reddishbrownhorse]

This is such a treasure of a book. I first read the abridged version from Catholic Book Publishing Company which I later gave to my mom. I now have a full sized paperback copy as well as the zippered leather copy from TAN which I read sporadically. Highly recommended!

[@ConvincedCatholicism]

How abridged could it even be?

[@Reddishbrownhorse]

@@ConvincedCatholicism I’m not sure how much is cut out but to give you an idea, the abridged version is the size of “Everyday is a Gift” you recently reviewed.

[@ConvincedCatholicism]

@@Reddishbrownhorse thanks!

[@AmericanShia786]

John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, was influenced by The Imitation of Christ. Swami Vivekananda, the 19th Century Hindu Philosopher, carried a copy of The Imitation of Christ and the Bhagavad Gita with him at all times. He was the founder of the Vedanta movement. I have the TAN imitation leather zippered edition, and I carry it around with me. I personally believe the story the Thomas Kempis was buried alive is just a legend. Thanks for doing a video on The Imitation of Christ. That book, the Anglican Office Book, the Catechism, The Melkite Publican's Prayer Book 4th Edition, and the Father Lasance New Roman Missal might be my top five Roman Catholic books. That's an eclectic list. However, I have used the Coverdale Psalter on and off for 25 years. If the Anglican Office Book is not Catholic enough, then I would use the Challoner Revision of the Douay Rheims bible for devotions. The Roman and Byzantine Catholic traditions are both beautiful to me.

[@vivacristorey4363]

You might consider looking into the Ordinariate divine office editions. It uses the Coverdale Psalter and has approval by Rome. It was made for the Anglicans who asked to come back into the Catholic Church while still being given much of their patrimony that developed during their separation.

[@carlose4314]

I had bought it to read during my breaks at work because the chapters are pretty short.

[@ConvincedCatholicism]

Yeah they can easily be read in one day or so

[@KJSCalderon]

You can't go wrong with TAN books. (Pls review some books by Marian Press)

[@ruthgilmour8399]

Thank you!

[@vivacristorey4363]

I can answer your question about the scratch marks on the coffin, assuming that the legend is true. In the past, bodies used to be exhumed to look for signs of sanctity. This was part of the process for the cause of canonization. Some form of incorruptibility was being looked for. This is no longer required for all sorts of reasons, including because cremation is now allowed for Catholic burial. The scratches on a coffin lid would hinder a cause because it would mean that he might have been accidentally buried alive. Scratch marks indicate panic. Panic does not guarantee that someone despaired in their last moment, but it increases the risk of it. So basically, because of signs of last moment panic, without divine intervention, the cause would have been brought to a halt. However, the cause could be restarted if a cult formed around his invocation with the usual two miracle requirements. I hope that helps.