The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis
Week 2: Book One, Chapters I–V — Vanity and the Knowledge of Truth
Read Book One, Chapters I–V of The Imitation of Christ. Primary Scripture: John 8:12; Ecclesiastes 1:2, 8; Psalm 94:12.
Previewing Week 2 of The Imitation of Christ
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 15-week guide when you’re ready.
Thomas opens his book with a blunt provocation: most of what we call education and achievement is vanity, and the one thing needful is being ignored.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Thomas opens with Christ's words from John 8: 'He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness.' He then writes, 'What doth it profit thee to enter into deep discussion concerning the Holy Trinity, if thou lack humility, and be thus displeasing to the Trinity?' What is Thomas's actual argument here? Is he against theology and learning, or is he making a more careful point?
2.In Chapter II, Thomas contrasts 'a lowly peasant who serveth God' with 'a proud philosopher who watcheth the stars and neglecteth the knowledge of himself.' Where do you see the temptation to confuse knowledge about spiritual things with actual spiritual life — in yourself, or in the Christian culture around you?
3.Thomas warns in Chapter II: 'The greater and more complete thy knowledge, the more severely shalt thou be judged, unless thou hast lived holily.' Does this frighten you or motivate you? How does it sit alongside Paul's statement that 'knowledge puffs up, but love builds up' (1 Cor. 8:1)?