Journeys with Celtic Christians Participant
“The early Christians of Ireland developed an expression of the faith characterized by deep devotion and fascinating stories,” Newman said. “It offers rich insights for modern issues such as promoting a caring society, relating to the natural world and welcoming strangers.”
Writers often use the metaphor of journey or pilgrimage to
describe the Christian life. What distinguishes this book and its
development of that theme is its invitation to readers to
experience their personal faith journeys through Celtic lenses.
Pilgrimage is part of the DNA of Celtic Christians. The faith
spread and flourished in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Northern
England between the 5th and 11th centuries because saints like
Patrick, Brigid, and Columba traveled extensively, preaching,
teaching, and founding monasteries. Soon small groups of Christians
began to go out from these locations and begin new Christian
communities.
By connecting historical information with their current lives and
concerns, readers will be encouraged to consider the many ways
pilgrimage has shaped their personal faith. They will discover the
value and contributions of fellow travelers on the faith journey
and how they assist and shape that journey. By recalling how Celtic
Christians celebrated and marked significant moments in their lives
of faith, readers will discover ways they can develop this
practice. They will affirm the importance of both offering and
receiving hospitality on the faith journey, a discipline that was
critical to the Celts. They will also have opportunities to deal
with difficult life journeys such as transitions and opportunities
for forgiveness, and the importance of blessing one another in a
world that values polarization over cooperation and competition
over community.
With an introduction that sets the tone and introduces the theme and six chapters related to distinctives of Celtic Christianity, this book is ideal for small groups whose members want to grow together in their spiritual understandings and commitments.