# The Imitation of Christ (c. 1418)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/1418-the-imitation-of-christ
Location: Netherlands
Themes: Theology

Thomas à Kempis writes The Imitation of Christ, a devotional classic. At this point in the timeline (c. 1418), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Martin V (11 November 1417 – 20 February 1431). His claim was contested by Antipope Benedict XIII.

## Why it matters
The Imitation of Christ mattered because it shaped how Christians understand God, Christ, salvation and the church.

Pope at the time: [Pope Martin V](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-martin-v)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — The Imitation of Christ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Imitation_of_Christ)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — The Imitation of Christ](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=The+Imitation+of+Christ)
- [Wikipedia — Medieval Church (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church#Middle_Ages)