Flame in My Heart: St. Aidan for Today

by David Adam

A look at St Aidan and the Lindisfarne community, a light which shone in the Dark Ages. As the new enlightenment has passed and we seem to be in another age of darkness, the flame of faith needs to be rekindled.

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

David Adam (b. 1936) was a British priest and author and one of the best-loved figures in Celtic Spirituality.


Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[David Campton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't a detailed biography or even hagiography of St. Aidan, but then Adam would be basing such on very flimsy sources. Rather it is mixture of biographical and historical fact woven together with imagination and a devotional dimension to each chapter. Adam's literary skills are not the best I have ever come across, but the simplicity of his storytelling style belies a profound theological understanding and a spirituality well suited to the contemporary world. He perhaps makes excessive claims for Celtic Spirituality, but that is not unusual for many writing about this subject, but he does not romanticise the celtic tradition, nor does he try to tease out the complex relationship between religious and political life during this time of massive and violent change in Britain. Rather he focuses on the life and spirituality of Aidan himself, charting his course through those dangerous waters. It is for others to ponder the ambiguous position of the church to violent conquest and dynastic assassination. This short book is more devotional than historical and should be read prayerfully.

[Annelise · Rating 2 out of 5]

It deserves more than two stars but it wasn't what I wanted it to be. It isn't a history. The first church history I've read and it isn't a history!

I am most struck by the single-mindedness of Aidan and his self-denial to focus on serving others. His relationships with the kings were interesting too. But it was hard to tell how much we actually know.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful in places, but just not robust. Aidan was a brilliant man, though, and I liked to find a stronger biography.

Okay.