Thomas A Kempis
Created | Updated Nov 12, 2003
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<SUBJECT>Thomas A Kempis
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<P>The German author and monk known as Thomas A Kempis was born in 1380 at Kempen, Prussia, near Cologne. He was originally named Thomas Hammerken or Hemerken.
He left school at the age of 13 and joined the Brethren of the Common Life where his elder brother John already lived. The community was founded in 1376 by Gerald Groote with the aim of prompting a return to apostolic zeal and simplicity.
Thomas was mentored by Florentius and in 1399 travelled to Zwolle in the Netherlands seeking admission to the Augustine <LINK H2G2="A591392">Augustine</LINK>, monastery at Mount St. Agnes. He was successful and joined the order, being ordained as a priest in 1413 aged 33. In 1425 he became sub-prior of his house. He died in 1471.
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<P>Thomas A Kempis wrote The Imitation of Christ, biographies of Gerald Groote, Florentius Radewyn and others, and many other devotional works. He was also known as Flavius Josephus.
<HEADER>One of my favourite quotes
<P>“Do not be influenced by the importance of the writer, and whether his learning be great or small, but let the love of pure truth draw you to read. Do not inquire, Who said this? but pay attention to what is said.”
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</GUIDE>
<HEADER>
<SUBJECT>Thomas A Kempis
<GUIDE>
<BODY>
<P>The German author and monk known as Thomas A Kempis was born in 1380 at Kempen, Prussia, near Cologne. He was originally named Thomas Hammerken or Hemerken.
He left school at the age of 13 and joined the Brethren of the Common Life where his elder brother John already lived. The community was founded in 1376 by Gerald Groote with the aim of prompting a return to apostolic zeal and simplicity.
Thomas was mentored by Florentius and in 1399 travelled to Zwolle in the Netherlands seeking admission to the Augustine <LINK H2G2="A591392">Augustine</LINK>, monastery at Mount St. Agnes. He was successful and joined the order, being ordained as a priest in 1413 aged 33. In 1425 he became sub-prior of his house. He died in 1471.
<HEADER>Writings
<P>Thomas A Kempis wrote The Imitation of Christ, biographies of Gerald Groote, Florentius Radewyn and others, and many other devotional works. He was also known as Flavius Josephus.
<HEADER>One of my favourite quotes
<P>“Do not be influenced by the importance of the writer, and whether his learning be great or small, but let the love of pure truth draw you to read. Do not inquire, Who said this? but pay attention to what is said.”
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