Of The Imitation Of Christ

Rating:
Summary: A Christian Classic!
Review: One reason why this powerful book has stood the test of time is because it is full of practical wisdom that can be applied to one's life in any culture. Take for example one of the opening remarks, "He that knows himself well, becomes vile in his own eyes, and takes no delight in the praises of men." In terms of living a separated life, we're told "There is no order so holy nor place so retired that it is without temptations or adversities." The secret to overcoming, he adds is through patience and true humility.
On works of charity, he writes "For God weighs the love with which a man works rather than how much work he does."
He reminds us that God knows how to turn evil into good.
The author tells us that habit overcomes habit. In other words to overcome a bad habit, replace it with a good one.
I strongly recommend this book. It is applicable to anyone wishing to live a more abundant life.

Rating:
Summary: A Christian Classic!
Review: One reason why this powerful book has stood the test of time is because it is full of practical wisdom that can be applied to one's life in any culture. Take for example one of the opening remarks, "He that knows himself well, becomes vile in his own eyes, and takes no delight in the praises of men." In terms of living a separated life, we're told "There is no order so holy nor place so retired that it is without temptations or adversities." The secret to overcoming, he adds is through patience and true humility.
On works of charity, he writes "For God weighs the love with which a man works rather than how much work he does."
He reminds us that God knows how to turn evil into good.
The author tells us that habit overcomes habit. In other words to overcome a bad habit, replace it with a good one.
I strongly recommend this book. It is applicable to anyone wishing to live a more abundant life.

Rating:
Summary: One reason I'm no longer a Christian
Review: This book deserves the title "classic" as much as any other. At one point during the middle ages it was more widely read than the Bible. Its essential message is that when Christ said "deny yourself...and follow me" he was being literal. By which I mean: if you are not already living a saintly, self-denying, life in a soup kitchen in Calcutta you're not a Christian; just a pretender. This book caused a crisis of faith in me when I read it in college because, religious as I was then, I had no answer to it. It led me to seriously consider becoming a priest before -- with a little help from Nietzche (I wish books could have this kind of impact on me still) I decided if this is what Christianity demands....no thank you. If you are not religious I think the only point of reading this book is for its historical significance. But if you are a practicing Christian, be ready to question just how comitted to your faith you truly are.