The Life and Legacy of Thomas a Kempis: A Deep Dive into His Spiritual Journey and Writings
- Ken Kalis
- Jul 22
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 13
I didn't meet Thomas à Kempis until I was an adult.
It was through another Catholic friend, Sir Thomas More (1478-1535).
Both men were far from me theologically, but both were profound thinkers.
More wrote just one book, but he was a political figure, executed by Henry VIII.
A Kempis knew Jesus and wrote about Him, and his work lives on.
The Anglican Church honors him on July 24
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Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471), a German-Dutch Catholic canon regular of the Augustinians, is best known for authoring "The Imitation of Christ," one of the most cherished Christian devotional books in history. Born around 1380 in Kempen, Germany, and passing away on May 1, 1471, Thomas's spiritual journey and writings have profoundly influenced Christian literature and spirituality.
Thomas à Kempis Bio
His early life was governed by education and religious devotion. After finishing school, Thomas moved to Zwolle to reconnect with his brother Johann, who had taken on the role of prior at the Monastery of Mount St. Agnes. This monastery belonged to the Canons Regular of the Congregation of Windesheim, founded by the noted cleric and mystic, Gerhard Groote. (1340-1384). Their goal was to foster a lifestyle that embodied the monastic ideals of maturity and dedication prominent during that time.
In 1406, Thomas made a pivotal choice by entering Mount St. Agnes. This decision would define his identity and spiritual perspective. It took nearly a decade before he was ordained as a priest in 1413. During these formative years, Thomas immersed himself in the rich Christian tradition. His deep commitment to faith propelled him into a prolific writing career, where he produced influential texts that would shape future generations of believers.
After his ordination, Thomas became sub-prior of Mount St. Agnes in 1429. However, his leadership faced significant challenges due to a major dispute over the appointment of the Bishop-elect of Utrecht, Rudolf van Diepholt. This conflict led to an interdict imposed by Pope Martin V, forcing Thomas and his community into exile for several years. The situation was only resolved in 1432. During this tumultuous period, Thomas received a personal calling to care for his ill brother, dedicating himself to this responsibility until his brother's death in November 1432.
Throughout these experiences, Thomas maintained a profound commitment to prayer and devotional practices. His days were often spent writing and copying manuscripts, making significant contributions to Christian literature. Remarkably, he copied the Bible four times, with one edition preserved in Darmstadt, Germany. This dedication to scripture is evident in his writings, filled with references to the New Testament.
At the Day of Judgement we shall not be asked what we have read, but what we have done.
— The Imitation of Christ, Book I, ch. 3
For man proposes, but God disposes
— The Imitation of Christ, Book I, ch. 19
As sub-prior, Thomas took on the responsibility of educating novice monks at the monastery. Between 1418 and 1427, he compiled a series of four booklets that later formed a crucial part of his larger work, "The Imitation of Christ." This foundational text has inspired countless individuals seeking a deeper connection with their faith.
The Imitation of Christ: A Masterpiece of Spiritual Writing
At the core of Thomas's legacy is "The Imitation of Christ." Written in an accessible yet profound style, this devotional classic stresses humility, self-denial, and an intense love for God. For centuries, it has been recognized as one of the most widely read Christian texts, second only to the Bible, with over 2.5 million copies sold worldwide and translations in more than 50 languages.
In "The Imitation of Christ," Thomas urges readers to devout and straightforward lives, emphasizing detachment from worldly distractions and a focus on spiritual growth. The book consists of four sections: Admonitions Useful for a Spiritual Life, Admonitions Leading to a Life of Prayer, Of the Sacrament of the Altar, and The Sacrament of Prayer.
A key theme in the work is the invitation to imitate Jesus Christ* (4BC - 30 AD) . Thomas portrays Christ as the ultimate example of humility and obedience to God's will, encouraging followers to emulate His actions in their daily lives. A profound question he poses remains highly relevant: "What would Christ do?" This inquiry serves as a foundation for the moral and ethical guide Thomas provides for those eager to deepen their faith.
An asterisk* after a name means that person is in my book SPIRITUAL LIVES.
Thomas's Lasting Influence on Christian Thought
The impact of Thoàas a Kempis stretches well beyond his lifetime. His writings have infiltrated Christian thought across various denominations and traditions. "The Imitation of Christ" has encouraged many renowned theologians, priests, and laypeople. Its themes resonate deeply with individuals seeking spiritual direction, making it a cornerstone of Christian mysticism and Pietism. Notable figures throughout history have drawn inspiration from Thomas's works. (Among them are Erasmus, Edmund Burke, John Wesley, and Søren Kierkegaard,),
The text has been particularly valued by monks, nuns, and religious leaders, providing comfort and guidance through its profound messages. Even today, many spiritual leaders recommend "The Imitation of Christ" to modern believers facing the complexities of faith and life.
In addition to its spiritual insights, Thomas's work is remarkable for its beautiful prose. His capacity to convey profound theological ideas in relatable language has contributed to the enduring appeal of his writings. Readers often find themselves deeply reflecting on its messages long after they close the book.
A Lasting Spiritual Guide
The legacy of Thomas a Kempis serves as a guiding light for those on their spiritual journeys. His life, characterized by humility, devotion, and scholarly dedication, inspires people around the world. Through his timeless work, "The Imitation of Christ," Thomas invites readers to introspect on their lives, confront their faith, and pursue a genuine relationship with God.
As individuals continue to engage with his writings, they uncover not just an exploration of Christian teachings, but also a personal guide toward a meaningful and transformative spiritual experience. In echoing Thomas a Kempis's wisdom, one discovers a call to lead a life rich in prayer, love, and the imitation of Christ.
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Oh how quickly the glory of the world passes away!
— The Imitation of Christ, Book I, ch. 3, line 6
If, however, you seek Jesus in all things, you will surely find Him.
— The Imitation of Christ, Book II, ch. 7
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O I WANT TO SEE HIM
As I journey thro’ the land, singing as I go,
Pointing souls to Calvary—to the crimson flow,
Many arrows pierce my soul from without, within;
But my Lord leads me on, thro’ Him I must win.
Refrain
O I want to see Him, look upon His face,
There to sing forever of His saving grace;
On the streets of glory let me lift my voice,
Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice.
When in service for my Lord dark may be the night,
But I’ll cling more close to Him, He will give me light;
Satan’s snares may vex my soul, turn my tho’ts aside;
But my Lord goes ahead, leads whate’er betide.
Refrain
When in valleys low I look tow’rd the mountain height,
And behold my Savior there, leading in the fight,
With a tender hand outstretched tow’rd the valley low,
Guiding me, I can see, as I onward go.
Refrain
When before me billows rise form the mighty deep,
Then my Lord directs my bark; He doth safely keep,
And He leads me gently on thro’ this world below;
He’s a real friend to me, O I love Him so.
Refrain
Words & Music: Rufus. H. Cornelius, 1916
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2
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