Book Description
FROM THE AUTHOR
On the surface the recent interest in things Celtic by modern Christians might be seen as following another fleeting, fashion rehash. It certainly seems contemporary culture is grabbing the Celtic Tiger by the tail; Celtic anything is in. The strides of this economic ôtigerö in the late 20th Century Ireland astounded international onlookers almost as much as the deft steppers of Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, etc., so one can expect all manner of strange causes to jump onto the Celtic bandwagon. That accusation might well be leveled at the theme of this book, Celtic Christianity Yesterday, Today, and for the Future: Gleaning Wisdom from the Primitive Protestants. Some may understandably query, ôWhat in the world has Celtic Christianity to do with Protestantism?öMy unabashed answer to this is simply, ôIn relating to the world û everything.ö After studying the history of the faith one could even go so far as to claim that the ancient Celtic church was quite Protestant to its core, as I intend to show.

Thomas CahillÆs widely successful, How the Irish Saved Civilization (Doubleday, N.Y. 1995), did much to raise popular consciousness about the contributions of the Irish. That tome was valuable; it covers the period from the fall of Rome to the rise of Medieval Europe, but I do not intend to limit my scope to that period alone, nor to the role of just the Irish, important as they were to Celtic Christianity. Though it is mentioned nowhere in CahillÆs title, let us make no mistake that it was the Celtic Church of the British Isles and Ireland, and not a secular culture, that deserves credit for, as he puts it, ôsaving civilizationö. Might there be anything we moderns can glean from such an ancient approach to the faith and the world as that held by the Celtic saints? It is not only getting later on the prophetic clock; this could also be our last, best chance for renewal before a new Dark Age issues in ôThe Beastö or the ôMan of Lawlessness.ö The Gospel must go forth worldwide first, which involves us all. 1 John 2:18 begins, ôLittle children, it is the last time; and as ye have heard that antichrist shall comeàö so diligence and vigilance are essential. We have much to gain by studying both the milestones and reverses experienced by our primitive Protestant Celtic brethren. The church today, as it is, seems ill prepared to meet the threats and challenges of the 21st Century.

Be warned that the writer has not excised occasional, strong, (yet eschatologically and Biblically sound) metaphors like ôadulteryö and ôharlotryö in reference to aspects of the church, be they Protestant or Catholic. Touching on sensitive religious and historical ground, we wish to affirm our love for sincere people who happen to be of these persuasions. Many may be friends or family. It is not they, but their church hierarchies that have much to answer for, especially when those churches are hyper-hierarchical. We also admire those who question the anti-Biblical practices in their denominations. After all, who would not respect St. Francis (a protester with a budding Celtic-lifestyle if ever there was one). It is my hope that Roman Catholic (western papal) people become more catholic (small æcÆ) and less Roman. For that matter, it wouldnÆt be a bad idea if Greek Orthodox (eastern patriarchal catholic) Christians took scripture above tradition as the yardstick of true orthodoxy. The Irish especially, as they discover the facts, might even reclaim their native ecclesiastic heritage that latecomer-Rome usurped. Perhaps then all sides in PatrickÆs adoptive land might assist centuries of hate to abate.

The subject of Celtic Church history and spirituality, therefore, is more than just antiquarian whimsy or speculation. It has everything to do with the future vitality of evangelism. To put it in epic Churchillian language, our last, best hope for renewal as we enter what looks like, öàa new Dark Age, made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science.ö If we do not heed the lessons of the Celtic path and Church history, we run the risk of becoming as socially relevant and spiritually potent as Shakerism, which has become anachronistic, if not extinct. We will never be taken seriously if we are not shaken out of our lethargy and start to live lives worthy of the glorious Gospel we espouse. Celtic Christianity might be the means through which a latter-day Reformation may blossom, a magnetic force to be reckoned with into the New Millennium. As with any mixture so potent as Celtic Christianity and Evangelicalism, there is potential for great dynamic revival, and misuse. It is precisely because of these real opportunities and pitfalls that I believe a specialized book on this subject, mainly with Protestants in mind, is essential at this time. Trends sadly indicate that the god of this World has been very successful in subverting Christians and converting them to his way of life.

The first section of this book gives us an overview of the early rise of the Celtic Church from what may appear at times to be just misty speculation. This should come as no surprise though, when one considers the millennia that have passed. Many great oral and written records, extensive and reliable, (referred to in extant sources, and thus known at one time to exist) have been lost. Often it was sad misfortune, but sometimes it was through the calumnious mischief of parties whose later claims of primacy would be totally destabilized if those records were allowed to survive! Enough exists or is now coming to light, however, from which we can form a true picture of probable events and persons. The writer is prepared to find that he has exposed himself to the charge of deficiency in literary precision, but considers that to be a matter of relatively small importance. He offers his entire work of compilation and comment simply, commending it to the kind judgment of the reader.

The second section offers a critique of our modern culture and our predicament as Christians in bondage to it. If one intends to deal with a serious affliction, one must first identify it as precisely as possible through its symptoms, and seek appropriate treatment. May the diagnosis appear thorough enough without sounding like a digression or worse still, a diatribe. Surely, God considers our sickness to be quite serious; may His Spirit convict us of our chronic condition. The Celtic way can offer a potent Christian antidote.

In final sections I reveal more Celtic Christianity history and practice that is certain to inspire and challenge us. These vital history lessons can greatly profit us today that their loss might be our gain that the same mistakes be not repeated by our modern church on into the 21st Century.

Some treasures of the Celtic Way of Christianity are detailed and put into clearer perspective. Not all that the Celts did would be sensible or even advisable to us today, but we can still employ much and gain inspiration from their example. While remaining on our guard against Pantheism, we can benefit from the Celtic Christian philosophical perspective, for example. There is great potential for misunderstanding when speaking of joining creation in worshipping God. Celtic Christians were not ôat one with the creationö worshipping it as if it were the Creator. They were ardent Trinitarian Monotheists who sang with creation in declaring GodÆs handiwork. They werenÆt afraid of it, or abusers of it, or disconnected from it in the way many of us tend to be. Why are we so alarmed at the thought of feeling at one with the earth (GodÆs created system) and forget what Jesus warned us about, which was being at one with the world (manÆs created system). This worldly oneness is something we are hardly aware of, yet a growing sense of spiritual poverty in the midst of material abundance is keenly felt. We moderns are desperately in need of the help of our ancient brothers for a deepening of our own devotions and lives, as well as for enriching our corporate worship in service to God and man.

We must redeem the time and ensure that as the Celtic Path is recovered, it is done in a way that is Biblical. Only when tempered by the Word and the Holy Spirit can Celtic Christianity bequeath to us its powerful spiritual legacy as God would intend. We might then fulfill its original mission begun so boldly. That mission was ChristÆs Great Commission in spreading the Gospel of the Kingdom of God in this world. That will only happen externally if ChristÆs Kingship is first allowed to expand completely within us. Our Lord offers to us an exciting opportunity and challenge. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good content
This book takes a good look about Celtic Christianity, and although the author is a little critical, he brings up many valid points.I wouldn't base your entire views of Celtic Christianity on this book, but it is definitely a worthwhile read.Of course, I am a little biased, because the author was my English teacher in middle school. :) ... Read more

Book Description
Christ in Celtic Christianity gives a new interpretation of the nature of Christianity in Celtic Britain and Ireland from the fifth to the tenth century. The written and visual evidence on which the authorsbase their argument includes images of Christ created in and for this milieu, taken from manuscripts, metalwork and sculpture and reproduced in this study. The authors challenge the received opinion that Celtic Christians were in unity with Rome in all matters except the method of Easter reckoning and the shape of the clerical tonsure. They find, on the contrary, that the strain of the Pelagian heresy which rooted itself in Britain in the early fifth century influenced the theology and practice of the Celtic monastic Churches on both sides of the Irish Sea for several hundred years, creating a theological spectrum quite distinct from that of continental establishments. MICHAEL W. HERREN is Professor of Classics and Distinguished Research Professor at York University (Toronto), a member of the Graduate Faculty at the Centre for Medieval Studies in the University of Toronto, and an Honorary Member of the Royal Irish Academy; SHIRLEY ANN BROWN is Professor of Art History and a member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at York University. ... Read more

Book Description
The history and development of Celtic Paganism and Celtic Christianity specifically in Wales, but also in relation to the rest of the British Isles including Ireland, from the Iron Age to the present day-a study of the transition between the old pagan religions and Christianity. This can be clearly seen in the history of early Christianity in Roman Britain and in the later development of Celtic Christianity when pagan and Christian beliefs co-existed, albeit in an uneasy and sometimes violent relationship. The influence of Celtic Christianity on the Arthurian legends and the Grail romances is also addressed. 169 pages.

PAGANISM; RELIGION; CELTIC; CHRISTIANITY; HISTORY; NEW AGE; SUBJECT: OCCULT ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of 25 Irish hymns in celebration of the rich heritage of Celtic Christianity. ... Read more

Product Description
Irish music from traditional sources and original songs from ancient prayers. Companion music book for "Saint Patrick: The Contemplative Celt" and "Abbess: Songs of Saint Brigid". Simple arrangements with guitar chords and explanations of the songs. A collection of 25 hymns in celebration of the rich heritage of Celtic Christianity. ... Read more

Book Description
This study guide for Christian groups looks at some of the insights that come from Celtic spirituality and challenges us to look afresh at our own relationship with God, to each other and to God's world. ... Read more

Book Description
Edward C. Sellner tells of the tradition of the Celtic anamchara or " soul friend," the loving mentor who promotes the spiritual growth of those he or she guides, in his original and insightful Stories of the Celtic Soul Friends. Here, punctuated by the stimulating stories of the four leaders of the early Celtic church--St. Patrick, St. Brigit, St. Columcille and the relatively obscure St. Colman of Land Ela--the author traces, celebrates and demonstrates the tradition's immediacy to our own faith, lives, and work, holding Jesus as the perfect exemplar. Mentors, teachers of religion, pastors, counselors, and anyone embarking upon a spiritual journey, should find this a beneficial, as well as invigorating, read. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Disappointing. Not Spiritual. Author has an agenda.
This is a sadly disappointing book. I wanted to read an exciting book about ancient spirituality but instead read a neo-catholic uber-bore. ... Read more