The Imitation of Christ · Concept
Humility and Self-Denial
A profound emphasis is placed on lowly self-knowledge, considering oneself as nothing, and practicing complete self-denial and obedience as the surest path to God and true spiritual peace.
A profound emphasis is placed on lowly self-knowledge, considering oneself as nothing, and practicing complete self-denial and obedience as the surest path to God and true spiritual peace.
Emphasized through the contrast between deep theological discussion and the need for humility to please the Trinity.
The chapter's core teaching: true wisdom is to know oneself as lowly and to think nothing of oneself.
The chapter teaches that a lowly knowledge of oneself is a surer way to God than deep learning, and that true greatness lies in humility.
The chapter teaches that humility and obedience to God make a person wise and peaceful, and warns against stubbornness in one's own opinions.
Characters
Chapters
- With how great reverence Christ must be received
- II
- That it is profitable to Communicate often
- IV
- Of the dignity of this Sacrament, and of the office of the priest
- Of the Examination of Conscience, and Purpose of Amendment
- IX
- That the devout soul ought with the whole heart to yearn after union with Christ in the Sacrament
