On the Love of God: A Modern Rendition of The Imitation of Christ

by Thomas à Kempis, Swami Abhayananda

Thomas … Kempis lived in a world ravaged by the plague, political upheaval, and deep crisis in the Church - a world perhaps not so different from our own. Thomas chose to leave his embattled world for the monastery and devote his life to God. During his decades of cloistered life he wrote several books, the most enduring of which has been The Imitation of Christ. This extraordinary guide uses the life and teachings of Christ to impart timeless values of humility, service and self-sacrifice, respect and caring for others, and transcendence through devotion - all values sorely lacking in contemporary society. S. Abhayananda, an enlightened mystic who is not associated directly with any orthodox religion, has revised this text for all readers and removed specific Christian references. His desire to widen the already enormous audience for The Imitation of Christ led to this respectful revision for readers of any faith or tradition.

160 pages, Paperback

Published August 10, 2004

About the author

Thomas Hammerken (or Hammerlein -- both mean "little hammer") / Thomas de Kempis / Thomas Hamerken von Kempen was born at Kempen (hence the "A Kempis") in the duchy of Cleves in Germany around 1380. He was educated by a religious order called the Brethren of the Common Life, and in due course joined the order, was ordained a priest, became sub-prior of his house (in the low Countries), and died 25 July 1471 (his feast is observed a day early to avoid conflict with that of James bar-Zebedee the Apostle).

Thomas is known almost entirely for composing or compiling a manual of spiritual advice known as The Imitation of Christ, in which he urges the reader to seek to follow the example of Jesus Christ and to be conformed in all things to His will.