An overview of Celtic spirituality and its implications for us today.
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136 of 140 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
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.
59 of 61 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
God's Heartbeat Can Be Heard in the Whole of Life and at the Heart of Our Own Lives, If We Will Only Listen.
November 26, 2005
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
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!
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!
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
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.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome book!
Love this book. It is so enlightening on early church history and the fight to think the slightest bit differently. This book was eye opening.
Published 3 days ago by kdlilie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Celtic theology
A theological viewpoint that should be resurrected and seriously considered in faith circles. The book reminds of us church history that has been overlooked for too long.
Published 13 days ago by Samuel Kirk
5.0 out of 5 stars
A balanced approach to spirituality
Well balanced and well written. Newell shows how a balanced approach (creation and the church)is needed to maintain a stable and healthy spirituality. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Barkon355
5.0 out of 5 stars
topic interesting
have not had a chance to read the book but we were looking for something for our small group and this sounded like a great possibility. can.t wait to read.
Published 4 months ago by Linda S. Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars
Listening for the heartbeat of God
Eyeopening, worth reading, historic, a refreshing read of the split between Celtic and English religion. I read this book on my own and with a centering prayer group.
Published 4 months ago by KM
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Implications of a "Good" Creation
It was wonderful to re-think the Augustinian/Pelagian controversy from a new point of view that placed the disagreement in its historical context.
Published 5 months ago by Dr. Steve Graham
5.0 out of 5 stars
Crystal
My book came on time in great shape. I can't wait to dive in and "Listen for the Heart Beat of God".
Thank you
Thank you
Published 7 months ago by Ruth Fort
5.0 out of 5 stars
Listening for the Heartbeat of God touches your soul
I found myself smiling as I read the ideas in this book. The thougths are so simple and so touching without interpretations of scripture that leave me confused.
Published 17 months ago by Carolyn M. Jenkins
5.0 out of 5 stars
God Before me, God Above me, God Behind me
J. Philip Newell is a popular writer on Celtic spirituality. "Listening to the Heartbeat of God" (1997) is a wonderful introduction to the magic and depth of Celtic Christianity. Read more
Published on December 13, 2010 by Andrew Dahlburg
5.0 out of 5 stars
Informative and Engaging
This book is the perfect combination of detailed information and brevity. An easily readable book that gives a broad overview of the philosophy and history of Celtic Christianity. Read more
Published on August 29, 2010 by Pablo Rafael
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