The Imitation of Christ: Classic Devotions in Today's Language,

by James N. Watkins, Thomas à Kempis

When does a classic become new, fresh and extremely relevant? When it is taken from an outdated format and and sculpted into devotions that are readable, searchable and understandable. The Imitation of Christ has been in print for over 500 years for a good reason. It is powerful, beautiful and heart piercing. James Watkins has taken those words and reworked them into ninety daily readings, arranged by topic. Whether for daily devotions or for sound insight into a particular issue, Watkins’ paraphrase blends the ancient with the modern to introduce this classic to a new audience, speaking to all Christians with credibility and authority and using inclusive language not found in the original.

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Leather Bound

Published February 7, 2017

Reviews

[Sheryl Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always looking for good devotional books. I picked this one up for three reasons. 1. I have heard Thomas A. Kempis quotes used in sermons and was curious to learn more about his writing and thoughts. 2. I like the New Living Translation of the Bible which is what was used as the scripture references. 3. I met the author at a writing conference.

I liked the book. It was a small leather bound book. The devotion lengths were just right and easy to follow. They showed a great insight in A. Kempis's writing.

[Terry Burger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my all-time favorite book, bar none. Every paragraph offers a contemplative invitation to dive deeper into Christ’s love for each of us individually. I chose “no end date” on my review because I try to re-read a chapter a day (which takes under 5-minutes generally as the chapters are typically 2-4 pages) to keep my spiritual well-being at the forefront of my life. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to grow exponentially in their faith and understand the true purpose of life.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Watkins edits and updates one of the most widely-read Christian classics. He does a fine job, capturing the most pertinent messages of Thomas a Kempis in a small volume of essays, suitable for daily devotions.

His organization of each is with chapter groups for humility, wisdom, obedience, discipline, patience, and other virtues the original author intended. At the end of each essay, which interprets the original manuscript into modern language, is the 'book' and 'chapter' from which it's taken.

I think readers who've read the original, especially those who are familiar with The Imitation of Christ from repeated readings, will find Watkins' version true to the original. For anyone who hasn't read the original out of fear they would find it difficult to understand, they should be just as inspired in their spiritual life with this 'translation' as they would with the original.

Personally, I won't be replacing my copy of a Kempis' work with the updated version Watkins provides, but I recommend it to anyone who's a first reader. The power of a Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" for centuries provided spiritual focus for every aspect of life, the road map God intended for us to follow His Son. These 90 updated excerpts are only the beginning. Perhaps a second edition will be forthcoming.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

For several years I've had a desire/goal to read the spiritual classics, but feared they would be beyond my comprehension. Enter James N. Watkins contemporary version of Thomas A Kempis's "The Imitation of Christ." The ancient truths are balm in this troubled and troubling era. I'll be coming back to these again and again - and eagerly anticipating Watkins's next release in which he modernizes the writings of other spiritual giants.

[Wendy Hu-Au · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overall devotional but I wish the language could be updated to be more gender inclusive.

[Jane Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Imitation of Christ by Kempis is an ancient classic which Watkins
Provided a very clear interpretation for new generation Christians. I will read
Occasionally just turn to a topic and reread. Very enjoyable.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading this book on and off for over 30 years, so seeing that it was being up dated with today’s language I thought would give it a try. Being someone of an old school sort of person I made sure to keep an open mind just like I do when I read the book normally. The book is a meditation tool and one to help you in your journey on being Christ like. Forgiving people, getting out of yourself and giving to others. To look inside of yourself and how you can improve to be a better person. How to set your mind before you read the bible. You get my point. Originally this book was written over 500 years ago by a monk and has been updated occasionally. I have the Thomas O’Keefe edition which is probably the one that most people have if they have this book at all. I found this new updated translation to be enlighten and opened my eyes to passages that I have over time just read over and allowed my mind to drift. So this is a good book for that, and I cannot find fault for anyone who wants to get people to read this book. I think of this book that much. Just because you change the wording does not change the meaning that comes across from reading this book. A very good book! I got this book from netgalley. I gave this book 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Imitation of Christ: Classic Devotions in Today's Language, is an updated version of the classic devotion by Thomas a Kempis.James N. Watkins has paraphrased this work to make it more understandable by today's readers. Its main focus is to help the reader look at their own relationship with Christ. There are several topics throughout to help us with our journey with Christ. The sections are Imitating Christ, then Imitating Christ's Character. Included in the second section are wise, trusting, self-sacrificing, humble, peaceful and so much more.

I was given this book by Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A centering and convicting read

This book expresses a faith that is foreign in its wholehearted devotion. I don't often hear about the practice of despising worldly things for the sake of Christ. And so throughout the book I found myself arguing with it even if I was challenged in my comfortable Christianity.

[Kathrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful

A wonderful way to start the day - 90 reminders of what is really important. I re-read it constantly. And sometimes at the end of the day too.