Celtic Christianity: A Sacred Tradition, a Vision of Hope

by Timothy J. Joyce

Excellent Book

Genres: Religion, History, Nonfiction, Theology, Ireland, Christianity, Spirituality

194 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1998

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it's an above average introduction to the subject and explains some cultural nuances.

[Linda Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was my first introduction to Celtic Christianity apart from hearing the term tossed around with little description of what it is. Joyce takes you through the various stages of Celtic Christianity and provides hope that Christians will be able to bring some of the traditions into the current faith practices.

The book was insightful for me in the way Joyce shared the diminished effect of this Christian tradition particularly among the Irish. That information partnered with the history of what was happening in Ireland at the time provided rich insight into the culture of the Irish people.

Not a light read but definitely a good resource for one interested in Celtic Christianity.

[Jeff Noble]

Celtic Christianity: A Sacred Tradition, a Vision of Hope by Timothy J. Joyce (?)

[Benjamin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's always fascinating to read about the Celtic Christians, in my opinion. Their perspective on life with Christ, in Christ, brings vitality to my own walk.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating read about how Christianity came to Ireland and how it developed in sync with growing - yet unchanging - ideals of the Celtic culture. Well-researched and well-written, but a bit dry and heavy. I give it three stars mostly because of the dense nature of the writing - more a scholarly thesis paper than a book.

[sage ☾]

"to wish to learn from the celtic christian is to wish to sense the passionate presence of god in all of life. it is to find god in the ordinary events of life, love, eating, working, playing."

everything is holy, everything is sacred, everything is worthy of worship.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful overview of the influence Celtic Christianity has had on our lives in the Christian west.

[Marilee Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opener for me!

[Mir]

Joyce argues that the cult of heroes was transferred to Christ, and the "warrior spirit was channelled into an intense and passionate spirituality that insisted on penance and heroism."

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been interested in Celtic Christianity for several years, but what little I knew about it was primarily from hearsay. I'd pick up random facts or experiences about the ancient tradition from what others would tell me or sporadic bouts of research. So I was happy to finally get a healthy introduction that starts at the beginning and gives me enough information about all its various facets that I feel very equipped to continue my education down a bit more clear a path.

Easily my favorite sections of the book were chapters 2 and 3. These explore the richness of Celtic Christianity in its heyday. I found different characters, events, and traditions that I'm excited to research more in-depth.

One of the troubles I've had in explaining this interest of mine is simply explaining what Celtic Christianity is. On the one hand, it seems fairly obvious to define it as the singularly evolved branch of Christianity that was a result of the geographic isolation and cultural richness of Ireland and its surrounding areas that flourished until the 12th century. While that gives a solid textbook understanding of the church, it hardly does it justice, largely because the character of the church is more about the feeling, rather than textbook facts. I think the best summation of Celtic Christianity came towards the end when Joyce is paraphrasing Noel Dermot O'Donoghue: '...Celtic spirituality is threefold (what else!): ascetic, mystical, and visionary. It is a way not so much of doing things as of seeing things. It is a way to see God, Christ, church, prayer, morality, ritual, humanity, the world in a richer and deeper way than many of us have previously experienced. Since Celtic spirituality is principally a way of seeing, sensing, and understanding, it can be adapted to our own lives today.'

[Arthur Keith]

The only complaint I have is that the author overlooks the struggle Celtic Christians had when confronted with Roman need to be the one in charge. Celtic Christianity was different from Roman Catholicism, not a part of it until it was forced to be later on.