Thomas à Kempis and “The Imitation of Christ”: who he was, how it ranks, and how it affects Christian life

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis is the world’s most widely read Christian devotional book after the Bible. Originally written in the 15th century, it is still a best-seller today, guiding Christians of all denominations with timeless insights on humility, prayer, and spiritual development.

Who was Thomas à Kempis?

Thomas à Kempis was a German-Dutch canon regular of the Devotio Moderna, a movement whose focus was practical piety, interior prayer, and imitation of Jesus in daily life. He was born in Kempen (near Düsseldorf) around 1380 and spent most of his life in the Netherlands, where he died at the Agnietenberg monastery near Zwolle in 1471.

He is credited as the probable author of The Imitation of Christ, one of the most popular books in Christian literature.
Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica, New Advent

What is The Imitation of Christ?

Written in Latin in the early 15th century and circulated first as manuscripts within the Brethren of the Common Life, The Imitation of Christ is a brief manual on the spiritual life. The book is traditionally arranged in four short “books”: advice for the Christian life, the interior life, interior consolation, and love of the Eucharist. The brief chapters are intended to be read slowly and thoughtfully, not as Scholastic study.
Sources: Wikipedia, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Christian Classics Ethereal Library

How is the book rated for sales and religious influence?

Through centuries, The Imitation of Christ has been termed the most widely read Christian devotional book next to the Bible.

Encyclopaedia Britannica calls it “one of the most influential books of Christian literature,” and scholarly and general accounts tend to treat it as second only to the Bible among Christian devotional classics. Because it has been published in thousands of editions over more than 600 years, exact lifetime sales cannot be verified, but its position as having unparalleled reach in Christian piety is well established.
Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Wikipedia

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How The Imitation of Christ helps a Christian grow

1) It trains the heart in humility and repentance

Kempis begins with self-knowledge before God: desire obscurity over praise, embrace humility, and take Christ as the pattern rather than the world. This “downward” journey quiets the heart, breaks pride, and makes room for grace. The tone is pastoral and practical, aiming for inner change rather than outward performance. The chapter structure creates small, everyday steps that culminate in long-term transformation.
Source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library

2) It centers discipleship on the inner life

The book warns that outward busyness can crowd out the one thing necessary: fellowship with Christ. By practicing silence, Scripture reading, and examination of conscience, readers learn to center their day on the presence of God. This was the hallmark of the Devotio Moderna: ordinary people following Jesus in ordinary tasks, with extraordinary seriousness.
Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica

3) It redirects affliction as a school of love

In the “interior consolation” passages, Kempis speaks gently to the suffering soul. Affliction is not rejection but a summons to deeper trust and conformity with Christ. The book guides believers from complaint to gratitude, from anxiety to surrender, by repeatedly appealing to Jesus’ words and deeds.
Source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library

4) It leads to the altar

The final section focuses on holy preparation for, and participation in, the Eucharist. For non-sacramental readers as well, the emphasis on awe, thanksgiving, and Christ’s presence nurtures a richer worship life and sharper conscience. The devotional structure forms the whole person: head, heart, and habits.
Source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library

5) It affords a structure tailored to modern calendars

Chapters are short, self-contained, and easily paired with a psalm or Gospel reading. One chapter can be read in morning devotions, with one theme carried into the day. That “little and often” rhythm makes devotion habitual rather than sporadic. Summary articles and study aids agree that brevity and simplicity are central to its enduring appeal.
Source: EBSCO

Suggestions for reading it today

• Use a readable translation. Modern English versions differ; preview a few to find one you’ll actually read.
• Read slowly. Treat each chapter as a prayer, not an essay.
• Pair with Scripture. Kempis often quotes the Gospels; let the Bible lead.
• Journal one resolution. End each reading with a single action for the day.
• Expect resistance. The book challenges pride, vanity, and haste, so discomfort is natural. That is often where growth begins.

Bottom line

Thomas à Kempis wrote for ordinary Christians who wanted to love Jesus with their entire hearts.

Six centuries later, The Imitation of Christ still serves as a pathway into that life. It has long been recognized as the best-selling Christian devotional after the Bible, and on Amazon today it continues to hold strong ranks across multiple Christian categories. For a historic guide to humility, prayer, and lasting joy, this classic is unmatched.
Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Wikipedia, Amazon

Sources

• Encyclopaedia Britannica, biography of Thomas à Kempis and summary of The Imitation of Christ.
• Wikipedia, author and book entries for dates, composition, and reception.
• C. S. Lewis Institute on the book’s influence and “second-best-seller” claims.
• The Catholic Company and Crisis Magazine commentary.
• EBSCO Research Starters on themes and devotional use.
• Christian Classics Ethereal Library online text.
• Amazon product pages for Best Sellers Rank as of August 25, 2025.