Published: Multiple publishers
Published: 1418
Genre: Christian Living, Theology
Recommended: Not really, but it wouldn’t kill ya (unless you take some of his advice then it might)
Weak sauce
Okay, okay, I’ll be serious now.
It was okay, but his theology (his view of God) is slightly askew in some important areas. He focuses mainly on the contemplative life, humility, and his worthlessness. The simple life. He also reflects on Jesus Christ as his only salvation and satisfaction; this was the best part of the book, however…
However, his three other emphases (as listed above) are so reflected on that I think he redefines the terms or if he doesn’t redefine the terms he places an inordinate emphasis upon them (rather it might be better to say that he places them in positions of highest authority, such that the glory of Jesus Christ seems to be diminished, logically, in his view).
He focuses so entirely on the inward life that he forgets that Christians are to be amongst the people, pointing others to Jesus Christ, and encouraging fellow believers.
He focuses so much on humility that it seems to become a source of pride for him, that humility is more to be sought than loving God, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, and standing for His truth.
He focuses so much on his own worthlessness (which is true), nevertheless he seems to revel in his worthlessness, taking pride in his worthlessness, instead of rejoicing in the fact of the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. Our worthlessness should never become a source of pride, that is sick.
And finally, because of these misplaced emphases, Kempis seems to rest more in his own efforts to be humble and loving than in Christ’s work, than in Jesus Christ. Kempis seems to steal the glory of salvation away from Christ. I say seems to, because he does acknowledge that only Christ can save, apart from Christ no one can be saved. But his words throughout this devotional seem to belie his own stated hope in Jesus Christ alone. He seems to contradict himself (kind of like official Catholic Church doctrine).
This book was okay. It does not live up to its billing as the best devotional next to the Bible (not sure who thinks it is, but that’s what it says on the back of the book). Sorry Kempis, I love contemplating too and humility, but they are not gods to be worshiped and bowed down to.
This guy was definitely a monk. No doubt about it. Kind of felt sorry for him as I read the book. He did not seem to know the true Christ. Salvation through humility and self-flagellation. But who knows, hopefully he was a sheep. Not a good book though. Some good one-liners, but really a poor book. Not soul-edifying.
Author Bio: Thomas à Kempis was born around 1380 in the Lower Rhine region of Kempen, Germany and died in 1471. He was a monk with the Brothers of the Common Life. They favored the simple life. Sad. Jesus’ life was not simple, why should ours be? Get moving, share the gospel, and “enjoy the drama J-Dub, enjoy the drama.” (Thanks Wikipedia)
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