The Imitation of Christ (Late Medieval Attempts to Reform the Church)

Thesis: Gerard Groote (1340-1384) argues that only through a proper imitation of Christ’s behavior and a humble devotion to God for one to achieve true spiritual freedom and peace

1. Fake Religion is useless
a. There is no use in learning about the Trinity if you lack love for God and humility
b. Great Knowledge of the Bible is pointless without grace and faith
c. Try to break free of natural earthly inclinations, which displease God
d. If one truly wants to understand Christ one must strive to conform one’s life to him

2. God rewards the valiant
a. Be dead to yourself, so you can enjoy God
b. God aids those who struggle against their sins

3. Meditation on Death
a. Always be ready to die, for you do not know when the time will come
b. Live how you wish to be found at death
c. Contempt of the world, penance, the love of discipline, ready obedience, self-denial, and bearing trials for Christ’s sake will lead to a happy death
d. Never be unprepared for death

4. Intellect is dangerous
a. Many have fallen away from the faith for trying to understand things above their comprehension
b. God enjoys simple, undoubting faith
c. Those who try to search into the majesty of God will be overwhelmed with its glory
d. Submit yourself to God alone