Celtic Way

by Ian Bradley

The Celtic Way is recognised as the most authoritative, accessible and well-balanced introduction to the native Christian faith of the British Isles.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Ireland, Christian, Church History, Theology

Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Ian Bradley is a Church of Scotland minister, academic, broadcaster, journalist and lecturer. He has written over 40 books. He is currently Principal of St Mary's College and Reader in Church History and Practical Theology at the University of St. Andrews.

Reviews

[Christine Ottaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Celtic Way is a fascinating read for people such as myself who want to know more about the early Celtic Church in the British Isles. Ian Bradley says he would now describe the church in those days not as the Celtic Church but as early indigenous Christianity in the British Isles.
He gives an overview of the personalities of those times; saints known and less well known, He looks at the themes of presence and protection of these early Christians - how they saw God within creation and its wonders without falling into the syncretism of worshipping the creation. They saw God as their protector, most famously through the poem St Patrick's Breastplate, as well as present all around. The later Christians focused on God's transcendence, these Christians focused on his immanence.
Perhaps these early Christians' thinking can be summed up, as Ian Bradley does with the three p's: presence, poetry and pilgrimage. There are many examples from these times of their beautiful poetry, hymns and prayers. These were men and women as well who loved to pilgrimage - to get out their with their faith not so much as to convert pagans as to 'bring all mortals to the awareness of the love and purpose of God already present in creation.'
There is much to consider in this book and Ian Bradley concludes with a summary of where this Celtic Christianity is today.
The quote that I take is 'We need to learn from the Celts to express our faith in images rather than concepts.'

[Ana Moth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was a good starting point for my newly intensified exploration of Celtic Christianity. This copy was the second edition and included a new forward where Bradley himself admits to being a bit dewy-eyed and not recognising or addressing the more difficult aspects of Celtic spirituality, but I think it was where I needed to begin.

Things I felt I responded to but struggled to put into words were articulated well here. The emphasis on atmosphere and the spiritual (almost the supernatural). The gentleness, the peacefulness, and taking those things into the world with you. The closeness to God and to nature and the extension of that into stewardship. The quiet, contemplative and meditative nature of worship. This is what I wanted. This is what I respond to. I'm looking forward to continuing my journey.

[Timothy James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good introduction to Celtic Christianity. Starting with a history of the spread of Christianity in Britain and Ireland, the author explains how the best features of pagan practices were "baptised" and became part of Celtic Christian religious practices and belief. Subsequent chapters focus on Celtic Christian themes: Presence and Protection, the Goodness of Nature, Monks and Pilgrims, and the Power of the Imagination, before bringing the story up-to-date with a description of today's Celtic expressions of Christianity and opportunities to embrace the approaches and attitudes in worship and personal life.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great overview of Celtic Christian Spirituality. Bradley followed up this book with some others that he feels give a more balanced critique. Sometimes we have idealized Celtic Spirituality without mentioning its flaws along the way. Bradley's later books deal with these issues, but i'm glad that he chose to keep this book as it is.

There is the reality of Celtic Christian Spirituality, made up of many folks along the way with their virtues and vices. Then there is the ideal of Celtic Christian Spirituality, which is what we long for and seek to live into. i believe we should have both. This book is one that inspires me toward the ideal.

[Clare Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the historical perspective both of paganism and the ancient church practices, this book proved to be exceedingly interesting.

However from a Biblical perspective, perhaps a little off course but we shall give the author their right to poetic license and for lovers of history, both theological and secular, an interesting narrative.

[Teun de Ridder · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inspirerend om de christelijke spiritualiteit te voeden, cirkelend om de oude kernen presentie, poëzie en pelgrimage. Echter, het boek is onnodig polemisch naar klassiek christendom en gooit daarmee zijn eigen glazen in...

[Adeptus Fringilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was a good introduction to Celtic Christianity and gave me a few tips and ideas for further reading.

[Henry Haney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating overview of the history, beliefs and traditions of the early Celtic Christians.

[Danielle Shroyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars It’s a little dry but it’s a good overview.

[Ian Carmichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to Celtic christianity. Succinct, concise, restrained (rather unusual for writers on the Celtic "bandwagon"!) and helpful.