Celtic Christianity: A Sacred Tradition, a Vision of Hope

by Timothy J. Joyce

Book Overview

Celtic Christianity introduces reader to the mysterious and fascinating world of Celtic spirituality, wh ich drew heavily upon pre-Christian beliefs and culture. ' This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570751765
• ISBN13: 9781570751769
• Release Date: February 1998
• Publisher: Orbis Books
• Length: 194 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Great place to start

If you are looking for a readable, uncomplicated look at the history of Celtic Christianity, this would be a good start. Historical documentation in this area is scant, but the author uses what is available well, and sends you off thinking.

The Celtic Christian Tradition.

_Celtic Christianity: A Sacred Tradition, A Vision of Hope_ by Benedictine monk and Roman Catholic priest Timothy J. Joyce, published by Orbis Books, takes a profound look at one of the unique Christian traditions originating among the Celtic peoples. The author is of Irish ancestry and notes the unique contributions of this subtle race to spirituality and tradition. Although the book is marred by a leftist bias which overemphasizes the changes in the church which took place at the Second Vatican Council, it nevertheless provides an important survey of the spirituality arising from the Celtic peoples. The author begins by discussing the ancient Celts, a pagan people who would later easily come to embrace Christianity. The Celts included peoples spread out all over Europe, including not only the British Isles (Scotland, Wales, and Ireland) but also the Continental mainland, ranging from France, Britanny, all the way to Switzerland and Eastern Europe. Indeed, the tribe of Gauls were of Celtic origin, and the adventures of this ancient people are well known and recorded in the writings of various Romans. The origins of the Celts remain a mystery and many have suggested that they may have originated in the East and migrated Westwards. The early Celts had a unique philosophical understanding emphasizing the sacredness of place, revealed in their ruins and sacred sites. In addition, the Celts were a warlike people, although they placed emphasis on spirituality and humility unlike other barbarian tribes. When Christianity came to the Celts, it was an easy conversion. The author relates tales of the saints Patrick, Bridgit, Brendan, Columcille, and Columban. Indeed, these early saints were capable of incorporating Christianity to such an extent that Christ could be referred to as the "Great Druid". Celtic Christianity emphasized nature and monasticism. Indeed, many of the Celtic saints were responsible for bringing monasticism to the British Isles. The relationship between the Celtic Church and Rome is more complicated. While the Celts always adhered strongly to such orthodox Christian beliefs as the existence of Purgatory and the truth of the Trinity, their church structure was somewhat different from the Roman Church. Nevertheless, the Celts sought to maintain unity with the pope at Rome, although they often remained somewhat critical of his personal faults. Following this discussion of the early Celtic Church and Celtic monasticism, the author turns his attention to the crises the Celtic Church underwent. The author discusses not only the changes that took place in the church during the Middle Ages, but the subsequent events of the Protestant Reformation and Cromwell's persecution which completed devastated the Irish. Finally, the author turns his attention to Ireland's "Darkest Hour". Here, he emphasizes the poverty of this nation and the results of famine. Many of the Irish became immigrants to the United States, Canada, or Aus

Celtic Christianity, A Sacred Tradition, a Vision of Hope.

A gentle & interesting book for those exploring Celtic & /or Irish roots, & history. It provides valuable insights into understanding and recognising the Celtic traits and spirituality within us. A worthwhile read for Catholics, who, like myself, sometimes wonder! Definitely worth a second read (or more)!

3 in 1

Father Joyce has written a thoughtful and useful book. It is pure joy