The Imitation of Christ (Logos Educational Edition)

My favorite of the 5 versions I've tried

Any additional comments?

I have purchased five different versions of this classic masterpiece, in audio or Audible formats, trying to find a version I really like.

My favorite version (Logos Educational Edition, Bill Creasy) is narrated by Don Ranson, who sounds like an old gentleman with wisdom and maturity, with a deeper voice, and no distracting accent. It also feels like he is personally familiar with the text and is probably himself a strong believer in God and Christ. (I did not get that feeling with all narrators.)
The Don Ranson version also contains fewer archaic English words & phrases (For example something like, 'Whatever thou willest, giveth that thy will be mine and will mine will to will for thine, for thou art....' I mean that type of KJV Shakesperian language, which is in the David Cochran Heath version. I couldn't listen to the Joe McClane version long enough to know.)

My second-favorite version is with narrator Bob Souer, who also sounds older than the other three, and has a deeper, more impactful voice.

The version narrated by Joe McClane is my least favorite of the five, because of the speaker's distracting accent. But maybe another listener who loves thick Irish accents will enjoy it.

The other version I don't like is narrated by David Cochran Heath, with a U.S. Southern accent, and a very light-hearted & cheerful tone like "everything's fine and I'm super-positive, outgoing, & cheerful." To me, this tone does not match the deep, introspective subject matter (and probably not the mindset of the 13th century monks who were the source of these meditations & prayers.)

The version narrated by Sean Runnette (translated by William Benham) seems average to me, neither great nor irritating.

I am still keeping an eye out for a completely modern translations with zero archaic language that retains a careful, reverent, serious, calm reading of this weighty material, as if it were a monk who had sacrificed decades of his life to commit to finding the wisdom which he is now sharing with the listener.

24 of 25 people found this review helpful

Divine teaching

Greatest book after the bible. Full of blessing for the faithful listener. Deep teaching for growth.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Necessary reading for every Christian

Any additional comments?

Sadly, I had never heard of this book which I have come to discover as the second most translated book in history (Bible being the first). I selected this as it was translated by Dr Creasey who I have learned a lot from through his Bible studies.

This is quite a book. It is book of prayers and proverbs. It is convicting and encouraging. I plan to reread this as a daily devotional. If I counted right, it's broken up into 118 chapters that are a page or two long that make it perfect for a daily devotional, If you struggle on how to pray, this book will show you how our prayers can be a sweet incense to the Lord.

I believe the book is something that most Catholics have. I'm not Catholic but I am a follower of Jesus. There are a few things in it that pertain to Catholic doctrine, but the vast majority centers on imitating Christ and as such I highly recommend it to any Christian seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

The narrator is very good too.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

One of the best audio books I have listened to

Sometimes audio books can be difficult to follow and you can lose focus of the reader, but this one is one of the best I have ever heard.

Life transforming

Beware! Reading this book can be a life transforming event. The reader’s resonant voice sounds like God Himself talking to you.

Excellent book, excellent narrator

I will be listening to this audiobook again, probably multiple times. It made for a wonderful Lent.

simply a very good guide for my soul. very good

will listen to this again definitely. great teachings, simple wisdom and well narrated.. highly recommend

Will certainly have to listen more than once

Excellent insight in how to live a Christian life in a world where the Way has been watered down.

Narrator's voice is a bit monotonous, but the subject matter held my interest. This goes on my list of books I listen to annually (along with the Bible, Quran, and Catechism)

By far one of the best audiobooks ever!!!

Very deep and spiritual. This book should be required reading for any Christian. Highly recommended!!!

Changed my life!

This is inspired!!! I always feel that I fall short when I pray, that my message of love and gratitude doesn't come through as fervently as I mean it. Well this set it all to rights for me. I will listen to this all the time, knowing that it was written in the 1400's makes it even more special, we as Christians are striving for the same thing!!! Thank you God for this inspired book of love for our Lord and savior Jesus Christ!!!!!