Customer Reviews

Listening for the Heartbeat of God: A Celtic Spirituality

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This excellent little book makes a good first foray into the subject of Celtic spirituality. It does this taking a generally chronological approach, giving insights about Celtic spirituality through consideration of several individuals and literary works. It begins with Pelagius, who presented a different view of the world than his contemporary Augustine of Hippo, who first articulated the spirituality that so many are rediscovering today. Then comes John Scotus Eriugena, born in the early ninth century, whom the author characterizes as possibly the greatest teacher ever produced by the Celtic branch of the church, but who none the less influenced the entire church. Then he looks at the Carmina Gaedelica, the collection of Celtic prayers and songs from the highlands and islands of Scotland in the nineteenth century. The next two chapters look at the work of George MacDonald and George MacLeod. Finally, he looks at "Two Ways of Listening: John and Peter," in which he presents a way of reconciling the two sundered traditions of European spirituality. Celtic Spirituality is a vast and deep topic, but this is an excellent introduction anyone can understand and enjoy.

I begin my review and comments on this book by quoting its last sentence: "If the Church's symbols and rituals pointed more clearly to the world as God's dwelling-place, we might then more fully rediscover that God's heartbeat can be heard in the whole of life and at the heart of our own lives, if we will only listen." No matter how one views God, I think that this idea - that God's dwelling-place is in the world - is one of the cornerstones of Celtic spirituality.

I personally found this concept both thought provoking and inspiring. Too often I think in the rush of the modern world that we forget to take time to stop and listen to the voice of God. God is not in some far off place, but is to be found in the still, small things around us on a daily basis.

The idea of God being close at hand is one that if reflected in Celtic spirituality from at least the forth century and continues even into today. In "Listening For The Heartbeat Of God" we read of:

* Pelagius
* Eriugena
* Camina Gadelica (The Songs and Prayers of the Gaels)
* George MacDonald
* George MacLeod
* St. John & St. Peter

In Celtic prayers we see the goodness or creation and an oneness with the earth, sky and sea. It comes as no surprise that the people of the Western Isles have a strong awareness and attachment to nature and the elements, for their livelihood is tied to these elements.

We also see Celtic spirituality being something that is a part of the people themselves; prayers sung or chanted during the people's daily routines. This spirituality goes beyond the four walls of the Church and is seen in the daily life of the people.

It is my belief that it is this closeness to nature and the belief that God's dwelling-place is in the world that gives Celtic spirituality its unique flavor. This is more than just a people who live close to the land and the sea. It is a knowledge of God that comes through and interaction with the universe. It is a belief that the natural world is infinitely deep and that the hand of God is seen in all things.

Quoting again from the book, we read (pp.94): "The stream of Celtic spirituality, from Pelagius in the fourth century to George MacLeod in the twentieth is characterized by the expectation of finding God within, of hearing the living voice of God speaking from the very heart of life, within creation and within ourselves." This mystical tradition stems from the Gospel of St. John, and while perhaps found in other expressions of our faith, I believe is most beautifully presented in Celtic spirituality. It is in this Celtic spirituality that we can see the light of God in all things to be glimpsed like the first rays of the morning sun, the shining of moonlight on a summer's evening, and in the heart of the Celtic people in their devotion to God.

It is my belief that this is an essential element of faith and communion with God. If we wish to find God we only need to listen for his heartbeat in the world around us!

An Outstanding Book ... Highly Recommended!

This excellent little book makes a good first foray into the subject of Celtic spirituality. It does this taking a generally chronological approach, giving insights about Celtic spirituality through consideration of several individuals and literary works. It begins with Pelagius, who presented a different view of the world than his contemporary Augustine of Hippo, who first articulated the spirituality that so many are rediscovering today. Then comes John Scotus Eriugena, born in the early ninth century, whom the author characterizes as possibly the greatest teacher ever produced by the Celtic branch of the church, but who none the less influenced the entire church. Then he looks at the Carmina Gaedelica, the collection of Celtic prayers and songs from the highlands and islands of Scotland in the nineteenth century. The next two chapters look at the work of George MacDonald and George MacLeod. Finally, he looks at "Two Ways of Listening: John and Peter," in which he presents a way of reconciling the two sundered traditions of European spirituality. Celtic Spirituality is a vast and deep topic, but this is an excellent introduction anyone can understand and enjoy.

This book has brought me into a closer relationship with God and fostered healing in my life. I am very grateful to Newell for his beautiful weaving of the glorious mysteries of God and the wholesome balance of Celtic Theology. If you are more interested in the institutionalized church, you may have problems with this book. But for those of us who are seeking a deeper meaning to life than the traditional church has to offer, this is the book for you. It will provide everyone with an avenue for deeper worship and possibly enable you to bring this back into your own individual church.

A very informative book. Dr. Newell gives a lovely overview of Celtic Christianity. I especially loved the notion of Celtic concentration on St. John because he was believed to be listening to the heartbeat of God. The collection of prayers in the book gives a clear glimpse at what the Celtic Church was before Western Church domination. I read the book with a mixture of dismay at the loss of many Celtic traditions, and joy at having the opportunity to see some traditions that survived. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring a deeper relationship with God.

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.

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!

Newell has written a nice little book on the Celtic stream of Christianity. Each chapter focuses on a key figure within the Celtic tradition, including "heretics" such as Pelagius and Eriugena, along with more recent heroes of the tradition such as writer George MacDonald and Presbyterian minister and re-founder of the Iona community George McLeod.

My complaint is that the author was far too repetitive when it came to certain themes. I thought he'd never stop saying things like "God is in everything" and "Creation is good". Over and over and over again. But then some people need to here those ideas a lot, I guess. :)

Newell adds to his growing collection of insightful works on all things Celtic. From the lives of the Celtic saints to the practices of those who follow the Celtic Way he inspires and informs. Very helpful stuff!

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.