Journeys on the Edges: The Celtic Tradition

Traditions of Christian Spirituality

by Thomas O'Loughlin

Thomas O'Loughlin's fresh and original introduction to Celtic spirituality begins by questioning the very notion of a distinctively "Celtic" spirituality. Brilliantly re-examining the original sources, he argues that there is one over-arching theme giving them a unity--the idea of being "on the edge", both culturally and geographically.

Genres: Spirituality, Theology, History

172 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2000

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst most accounts from antiquity are hagiography, many modern books about the Celtic tradition are similarly romanticised and therefore nebulous and somewhat vague as to the actually theology and teachings that inspired and formed the likes of Columba, Aidan and Patrick, spiritually. What was their orthodoxy? What was the vibrant heart of their faith and belief?
This engaging book addresses that by attempting to get a grip on what the British Celtic Church of the first Millennium actually believed, sourcing referenced and influential writings from the time in order to piece together a coherent theology grounded in history and literary research.
This traces a monastic stream connecting our insular saints to the post Apostolic fathers via Gaul and specifically hinges on two C5th letters written by a French monk, Eucherius, Bishop of Lyon whose teaching closely echoes that of The Didache and is deeply rooted in Jesus' own words and The New Testament letters.
Well researched, erudite, well written, fascinating and illuminating, this is one of the best books that I have read on the subject.

The following 2 links will take you to translations of those letters cited in the book;

http://www.ccel.org/ccel/eucherius/co...
http://stshenoudamonastery.org.au/in-...

[Brian Rhea · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book. Throughout, O'Loughlin sticks closely to the sources. I was pleasantly surprised to find chapter 7 includes a translation of a small collection of brief eighth-century sermons. He also helpfully shows how the Celtic tradition receives and develops Augustine and Cassian.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent, very well written book is both an introduction to what can and can't be said about "Celtic Christianity" and a primer in doing historical theology in general. How we look to the past reveals more about our own current theological hopes, needs and dilemmas than it does about the 7th century Irish monastics. Highly recommended.