THE IMITATION OF CHRIST (Stanley Duru)

NAME OF STUDENT:              DURU NKEMDILIM STANLEY

TITTLE OF BOOK:                   THE IMITATION OF CHRIST (By Thomas Kempis)

 

ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL AUTHOR

Thomas Kempis was born in Germany, precisely in Kempen. Much is not known about his biography. What we do know about him, however, is that he was an Augustinian monk and a member of a religious community known as Groot’s Brethren of the Common Life - a religious order which comprises lay individuals who share all things in common as was the practice of the early church. This group derives its name from its founder, Gerard Groot whose teaching of returning the heart to Jesus Christ through meditation was one of the main sources of inspiration for Thomas Kempis in his spiritual writings. From a historical standpoint, it is said that any member of the group who wish to serve God full time could do so by becoming a monk and joining one of the monasteries as was the case of Thomas Kempis who later became the author of one of the helpful spiritual books of all time – The Imitation of Christ.

I desire to fashion my life on Christ's model!

MOTIVATIONAL STATEMENT

Among the list of spiritual books listed for study purposes in the course outline on Spiritual Theology, “The Imitation of Christ” by Thomas Kempis appeals more to me. My reason for studying and meditating on this book is because its contents resonate with my ardent desire to fashion my entire life on Christ’s model in this world. Besides, being someone who upholds humility, simplicity and selfless service for humanity as a value, studying this book gives me the opportunity to facilitate and nurture these values in me, leaving me with “undisturbed peace of mind” as Kempis alluded in chapter two of the book. Also, I find spiritual encouragement in studying and reflecting on this book owning to the fact that Kempis talks a lot on steadfastness in following the footsteps of Christ. Above all, Thomas Kempis’ concern for the spiritual progress of its reader is my main aim of studying this book. Besides, whatever must have made this piece of writing - The Imitation of Christ still relevant today is worth reflecting upon. I would be very surprise not to find this book on the book shelf in every house of spiritual formation considering its relevance on the spiritual journey of personal intimacy with Jesus Christ.