Customer Reviews: Read 15 more reviews...
 Still applies today October 10, 2008
I read this along with attending a study group led by our parish (Episcopal) priest.
Part of the first chapter was 'thick', but I found the book as a whole to be a concise image of history and theology.
 listening in a new way..... September 28, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Not long ago a friend of mine who is a spiritual director gave me this book. She suggested that the beliefs outlined in the Celtic Christian tradition overlaid my own belief structure.
I was thrilled...and grateful...as I read the book to realize there is a place in the Christian tradition for what I know to be true. My sense over the years has been that much of Christianity has been hijacked through the Roman Church, and the history Newell relates confirms this. His closing chapter, suggesting that much is to be gained from both the perspective of Peter (the church as community) as well as John (God in and throughout Creation), went a long way in resolving the tensions I have felt for years. Highly recommended if you often find God in Creation more than within the wall of the "church". Thank you DR Newell!
Restores to us the God who is love June 13, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The book is exactly what one needs, if the punitive and controlling factions of Christianity have driven one away. There is another way to know God: The generative and intimate God of the Celtic Church, who permeates all creation.
 Disappointed March 19, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I opened this book with hopes but was disappointed. The earlier chapters on Pelagius and Eriugena were interesting. As the argument moved on, though, it seemed Celtic spirituality sounded merely like the progressive theology in the church today. I wondered if calling it "Celtic" was just a way to make it sound more exotic. I also didn't care for how Augustine and Calvin(ism) were treated as the villians of the drama. I'm guessing the matter is more complicated than this.
The theme of approaching God through nature is a valuable one, and I appreciated that aspect of the book. For a better treatment of the contemplation of nature within the context of Christian spirituality, I recommend Diogenes Allen's Spiritual Theology.
Christianity at it's best February 14, 2008
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
I have long been drawn to the spiritual philosophy that was Celtic Christianity which believes that mankind is at it's core good and that the spark of God resides in all creation. After reading several good books on the subject I have to say this book was the most accessable to me. A true teacher is able to explain complex subjects in a way that a novice can understand and J. Philip Newell is definitely a true teacher of this subject. For me Christianity as understood by the Celtic mind and soul is by far the most enlightened view of the teachings of Jesus and it's suppression over the centuries has been a great loss to humanity. I only hope that books like these and the stirring in the souls who are drawn to this form of Christianity mark a resurgence of this beautiful, enlightened view of God, Jesus, mankind and the earth.
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