Radical Examination of Thomas à Kempis' Philosophy
A centuries-old Christian devotional book, "The Imitation of Christ," penned by Thomas à Kempis, continues to resonate deeply in the religious landscape. Written in the early 15th century, the book emphasizes a Christ-centered life, personal piety, and meditation on the life of Jesus as the path to spiritual growth.
Thomas à Kempis, a member of the Brethren of the Common Life, was part of the Devotio Moderna movement—the "modern devotion" founded by Geert Groote in the late 14th century in the Netherlands. This movement aimed to make religion more accessible and practical by focusing on inner spirituality, personal devotion, and moderate asceticism.
A Widely Read and Translated Text
"The Imitation of Christ" has been translated into over fifty languages, attesting to its enduring popularity. Among its avid readers were notable figures such as Ignatius Loyola (founder of the Jesuits), John Wesley (of the Methodist movement), Dag Hammerskjold (former UN Secretary-General), and Bill Clinton (ex-President of the United States).
Origins and Location
The book was written in a 'leafy glade' just outside the city of Zwolle, which the Dutch optimistically call a mountain, and is known as Mount St Agnes (Sint Agnietenberg). Thomas à Kempis, born around 1380 in Kempen, close to the German-Dutch border, studied at the Latin School in Deventer and spent almost all the rest of his life at the former monastery of Sint Agnietenberg.
Educational Innovations
In the same quarter of Zwolle, Johannes Cele, a pioneer educationalist, developed the school model known as the 'gymnasium' or 'college.' Innovations such as setting pupils in classes according to age, holding examinations, and older pupils mentoring the younger ones were introduced during this time. The Brothers of the Common Life, to which Thomas à Kempis belonged, ran schools in the old quarter of Zwolle, teaching up to a thousand pupils from near and far.
Key Teachings
A copy of "The Imitation of Christ" is now widely recognized as a compilation of teachings, conversations, advice, and sayings within the Devotio Moderna. Examples of these teachings include, "At the Day of Judgement we shall not be asked what we have read but what we have done," and "Without the Way, there is no going; Without the Truth, there is no knowing; Without the Life, there is no living."
Significance and Impact
The book stresses the importance of imitation of Christ as a means to grow spiritually, advocating meditation on the Gospels and frequent reception of Communion as ways to strengthen faith. It had a profound impact on Christian devotional life and reform-minded spirituality on the eve of the Reformation, emphasizing discipleship beyond formal church dogma.
The book influenced notable religious figures such as St. Ignatius of Loyola, whose spirituality focused on knowing and loving Christ practically in daily life, a central theme also in "The Imitation" and the Devotio Moderna movement. It also aided in popularizing the use of the printing press for spreading spiritual literature, thus expanding its reach and reinforcing Christ-centered Christian reform ideals across Europe.
In summary, "The Imitation of Christ" is a foundational work of late medieval spirituality that encapsulates the ideals of the Devotio Moderna—personal, practical devotion to Christ that influenced major religious reformers and shaped Christian spirituality profoundly for centuries.
The Devotio Moderna movement, which Thomas à Kempis was a part of, emphasized inner spirituality, personal devotion, and moderate asceticism, aligning closely with the education-and-self-development ethos.
During his time in Zwolle, Johannes Cele, a pioneer educationalist, developed the school model known as the 'gymnasium' or 'college,' focusing on age-appropriate classes, examinations, and peer mentoring, exemplifying the education-and-self-development principles that Thomas à Kempis and the Brothers of the Common Life, to which he belonged, championed.
