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Thomas a Kempis

Thomas a Kempis. The Imitation of Christ. Regions of the Netherlands. The Brethren of the Common Life. Founder: Geert (Gerard) Groote (1340-84) Born in Deventer Studied in Paris Travelled to Avignon Began promising career with plural benefices Conversion in 1374

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Thomas a Kempis

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  1. Thomas a Kempis The Imitation of Christ

  2. Regions of the Netherlands

  3. The Brethren of the Common Life Founder: Geert (Gerard) Groote (1340-84) • Born in Deventer • Studied in Paris • Travelled to Avignon • Began promising career with plural benefices • Conversion in 1374 • Ordained a deacon, preached sermons in diocese of Utrecht advocating reform • Donated house to group of laywomen • Helped found Augustinian congregation at Windesheim (near Zwolle) to provide institutional support for Brethren

  4. The Brethren and the DevotioModerna • “Newly devout”: pious laymen • Late medieval context: orders of friars, tertiaries, Beghardsand Beguines, mysticism • Brethren of the Common Life • Laymen and women collected into houses • Supported themselves by copying manuscripts (men), sewing (women) • Lived simple livesdevoted to prayer and service, without vows • Influenced by the piety of Geert Groote

  5. Features of Modern Devotion • Conversio: turning toward • Resolutio: resolve in changing one’s life • Exercitium: spiritual exercise or training • Profectusvirtutem: progress in virtues • Charitas: Christian love • Humilitas: removing pride • Obedientia: submission to God’s will, conforming to Christ • Cor: “heart”-emphasis on interiority • Ardent: being on fire with love, having caught the spark • Puritascordis: purity of heart • Above all: Christ-centered

  6. Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471) • Born near Dusseldorf, Germany • Studied in Deventer • Entered Monastery of Mount St. Agnes at Zwolle (founded by Groote) • Authorship of Imitation of Christ attributed to him

  7. Questions to consider • What is the Imitation's disposition toward learning and the intellectual life? This is an interesting question in light of the involvement of the Brethren in education. • How does this work reflect and respond to issues that were central to the period in which it was written? • What impression do you get of the author's understanding of human nature? • What is the role of suffering in this form of spiritual life?

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