Spirituality as Process: Four Dimensions of Following Christ in The Imitation of Christ

The Imitation of Christ of Thomas a Kempis (†1471) is a true classic of Christian spirituality. The devotional work consists of four books: ‘Counsels Helpful for the Spiritual Life’, ‘Counsels Concerning the Interior Life’, ‘Inward Exhortation to Holy Communion’, and ‘Book On Inner Consolation’. Thi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Pansters, Krijn (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Peeters 2023
In: Studies in spirituality
Year: 2022, Volume: 32, Pages: 287-302
IxTheo Classification:CB Christian life; spirituality
FA Theology
KAF Church history 1300-1500; late Middle Ages
NBF Christology
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Summary:The Imitation of Christ of Thomas a Kempis (†1471) is a true classic of Christian spirituality. The devotional work consists of four books: ‘Counsels Helpful for the Spiritual Life’, ‘Counsels Concerning the Interior Life’, ‘Inward Exhortation to Holy Communion’, and ‘Book On Inner Consolation’. This article offers a spiritual analysis of the 25 chapters of the first book for the purpose of the modern use of this medieval bestseller in the context of personal and professional growth. It focuses not on static theological statements but on aspects of the spiritual process of advancing on the way to Christ. More specifically, it looks at four distinguished dimensions of following Christ: devotion (devotio), virtue (virtus), desire (desiderium), and dedication (diligentia, etc.). The purpose is threefold. First, these four inward dimensions suggest four interrelated ways of going forward, progressing, and growing spiritually. Second, they demonstrate a dynamic approach not only to spiritual fulfilment but also to spiritual texts. Third, they direct our attention to spirituality as a progressive, ongoing process.
ISSN:0926-6453
Contains:Enthalten in: Studies in spirituality
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.2143/SIS.32.0.3292462