One Foot in Eden: A Celtic View of the Stages of Life [Paperback]

J. Philip Newell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1999

Written by the former Warden of the Iona community, this book reflects on the stages of life as seen by Celtic tradition. Step by step the author describes our pilgrimage from the invitation of birth, through the passions of youth and adulthood, to the wisdom of experience, to death's return to God. Each stage has its own grace that can be awakened at any time and that can release our inborn passion and creativity, the traces of the divine image woven into the very fabric of our being.

This Celtic focus is unique among today's "life stages" books. One Foot in Eden concentrates on the Celtic celebration of the essential goodness of life--not to deny evil and sin but to rejoice in redemption. Drawing from the Benedictine tradition of meditation, from lectio divina, from Celtic saints, and from Celtic literature, the book helps brush away our layers of confusion to find what is deepest and truest in each of us.

Each chapter is a graceful meditation on a stage of life, ending with an exercise that can be used by either individuals or groups--perfect for spiritual seekers, those interested in their heritage, those interested in creation spirituality, as well as members of prayer groups, seasonal parish programs, and small faith communities.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A delightful book on the unique spirituality found in each stage of life. --Spiritual Book News

A richly meaningful book, concise and clearly written with many allusions to poetry and to ancient Celtic prayer. --Jane Keep

The poetry and insight encourage the reader to perceive the created order, life passages, and the human person in Christ. --Rev. Mary Earle, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, San Antonio, TX

About the Author

J. Philip Newell is a Church of Scotland minister. Formerly the Warden of the famed Iona Community, he is now Warden of Spirituality for the Anglican Diocese of Portsmouth, England. Among his books are Paulist Press's Celtic Prayers from Iona and Listening to the Heartbeat of God.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press; 1 edition (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809138697
• ISBN-13: 978-0809138692
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #232,624 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get you Celtic feet wet, May 15, 2009

By 

A. D. Oltmann - See all my reviews
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This review is from: One Foot in Eden: A Celtic View of the Stages of Life (Paperback)

This is a great book for getting your Celtic feet wet. If you are not sure about Celtic theology then this book can get you started. It introduces the reader to basic Celtic theology. That's what it did for me.

This book shines a light on the stages of life. Not really stages but seasons. They aren't something really dictated by time or age, but my walk with God and where one is in relation to God.

Overall, it's a good, quick, read that is also deep and insightful.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One Foot in Eden, November 16, 2009

By 

Janice Friedlund - See all my reviews
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This review is from: One Foot in Eden: A Celtic View of the Stages of Life (Paperback)

This is such an insightful book that, after having my mother also read it, I decided to use it to facilitate a multi-generational book discussion that is being well received. We ARE blessed at every stage of life, and John Philip Newell definitely helps us feel that. This is just one of many must-read books by Newell.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life companion, May 17, 2010

By 

Cheryl L. Devecka "catlady" (pittsburgh, pa) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: One Foot in Eden: A Celtic View of the Stages of Life (Paperback)

A mirror for all stages of life, wisdom that might come from a valued friend. A good 'hand hold' for those dark times, and a reminder that maintaining personal peace is the only way. A very well read man who seasons his writing with spicy quotes anywhere from one to ten! A leader who is very much one of the people.