Saint Patrick

Christian Encounters Series

by Jonathan Rogers

In this Christian Encounter Series biography, author Jonathan Rogers explores the life of Saint slave, shepherd, and courageous missionary.

Patrick was born the son of privilege and position, but he was only a teenager when he was taken from his home in Roman Britain by marauders and sold into slavery in Ireland. Despite his terrible circumstances, young Patrick did not give way to despair. As he worked as a shepherd in the pastures of his new owner, he kindled the faith he’d inherited from his family and eventually escaped to freedom. Then, after returning home, he experienced a dream that changed God wanted him to go back and take the Gospel to the country of his captors.

Patrick heeded the call. Both humble enough to minister to beggars and bold enough to confront kings, Patrick led the Irish through his brave and compassionate service into the Christian faith and baptized thousands. Separating the many myths from the facts, Jonathan Rogers weaves a wonder-filled tale of courage, barbarism, betrayal, and hope in God’s unceasing faithfulness. Countless miracles have been attributed to Saint Patrick, but perhaps one of the simplest and most amazing is that he won the hearts and souls of the same fierce and indomitable people who had enslaved him.

 

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Christianity, Church History, Biography Memoir, Audiobook

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2010

About the author

Jonathan Rogers grew up in Georgia, where he spent many happy hours in the swamps and riverbottoms on which the wild places of The Wilderking are based. He received his undergraduate degree from Furman University in South Carolina and holds a Ph.D. in seventeenth-century English literature from Vanderbilt University. The Bark of the Bog Owl has already found a receptive audience among Jonathan’s own six children. The Rogers clan lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where Jonathan makes a living as a freelance writer. The Bark of the Bog Owl is his first novel.

Reviews

[Karol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, interesting biography that debunked the myths and shed some light on the very real person behind the legend. The author clearly distinguished between his presentation of the few available facts regarding Saint Patrick, and when the author was making suppositions based on the facts. I wish I could have met this courageous man who returned by choice to the land where he had once been enslaved to help the people of his captors.

[Sanya Ruggiero · Rating 1 out of 5]

All I can say to anyone wishing to learn more about the life of Saint Patrick: Please DO NOT read this book by Jonathan Rogers!!!

The only good part of this book is the annex section where the original writings of the beloved Saint are included.

From start to finish, Rogers writes as one trying to poorly conceal a weird personal dislike & enmity towards the Saint.

Under the tired guise of academic rigour, Rogers tries his hardest to paint the Saint as everything - from an arrogant simpleton with misplaced ideas of grandiosity, to a whining old man with a chip on his shoulder.

He botches at least 90% of attempted interpretations of the Saint’s writings in ‘The Confession’ & ‘The Letter’; consistently creating & describing hypothetical situations as if they were fact.

The entire tone of the book comes across disrespectful, and would, if anything, do more harm to the Saint’s image amongst those unfamiliar with St. Patrick.

I began the book with the hope of reading good factual history running parallel to the known facts from Saint Patrick’s writings. This was not the case.

Rogers, being a creative writer was undoubtedly completely unsuitable for this job - which should have been given to someone with a theological history background.

Very disappointing X

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about the real St. Patrick in this book- there are many myths and legends that have been built up around the man. He was quite an interesting person and I am glad to know more about him right before we celebrate his day!

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just a great great slim little volume on St. Patrick. It hit all the highlights of a well-known but not well-known Saint, was exactly the right length, and Rogers is a fantastic writer.

It even veered seamlessly into inspirational devotional in that each part was so applicable to life.

Truly, truly a fantastic little book.

[Piper · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good basic biography of Patrick.

[Sasha Ruggiero · Rating 1 out of 5]

This author is blasphemous, garbage spewing, sarcastic, patronizing and condescending. He distorted all of the Saint’s words in an effort to try to portray him as a bad person. This author honestly sounds like he’s an agent of the Devil lol - what the actual f#%$k is his problem? If he’s not doing this on purpose then damn, he’s truly an idiot who actively attempts to misinterpret all St. Patrick’s words in a twisted and pessimistic way - it’s honestly pathetic, he sounds VERY jealous.

[Justin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a quick read and does not have much depth. If you want a quick intro to Patrick this would fit the bill, but I found it a bit frustrating as there was too much folklore and not enough history (perhaps there isn’t much to go on).

With that said both appendixes were interesting as they both are Patrick’s actual writings, The Confession, and one of his letters.

[Theron Mathis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently I won a book. I rarely win anything, so this was particularly exciting.

Thomas Nelson via Twitter had a drawing for a new book on St. Patrick. I entered and won. To turn a favor for something free, I want to offer up a very positive review.

First of all, this is a very readable book. Author Jonathan Rogers creates a compelling historical survey of the times in which St. Patrick was born. Patrick was born in Roman Britain around 385 AD. He lived on the edge of two eras. Roman culture and rule in Britain was beginning to deteriorate, and the "barbarian" populations that would come to dominate were beginning to filter into the country. He was born to this population of Roman nobility, then suddenly as a young man he was kidnapped by Irish raiders to be sold as a slave in Ireland.

Eventually, he would escape his captors only to return when he was prodded by the voice of God to bring the faith of Christ to his former slave-masters. His efforts earned him the title of Apostle to Ireland. For at the end of his life, Christianity had penetrated much of this island nation.

Apart from the historical narrative, Rogers includes Patrick's Confession and His Letter as part of the appendix. This is a nice addition to have primary sources along with the biography.

Outside of historical curiosity, the life of Patrick is inspirational. Here are several things that Rogers highlights about Patrick life that inspired me.

Even though Patrick was thoroughly Roman in culture, he brought the Gospel to the Irish and respected their Irishness. He did not make Roman culture a prerequisite to their acceptance of the Gospel. This caused some resistance from Church authorities who were fearful of barbarian influence and syncretism within the Church.
His enslavement forced upon him solitude. It was within this solitude that a rich inner life with God developed, and it was that inner life that sustained him throughout greater hardships he would endure.
In spite of charges of syncretism and watering the gospel message for Irish ears, Patrick continual demonstrates in all his writings his doctrinal orthodoxy.
He saw himself as unfit in education and eloquence to bring the Gospel to Ireland, but he did so "by default" because no one else was willing. He was convinced that his success was only due to Christ working in him.
He was a fierce defender of the defenseless. It may have been this that inflamed the love of the Irish for him.
Near the end of the book, Rogers offers this sentence that sums up Patrick's life and reason for his success: "They saw in Patrick's person-in his very presence among them-that forgiveness was possible, that hardship need not result in bitterness-and that the meek just might inherit the earth after all."

[JC · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s funny that so many years can pass one by before ever registering the notion that Saint Patrick was a real person that one could totally read about if one wanted to. I think this revelation hit me in undergrad when someone was telling me about the year when people didn't know which was the right day to go out and get wasted, because St. Patrick’s Day was moved (by the Catholic and Anglican churches) as its usual date fell within Holy Week of that year. It was only then that I was like, oh yeah, St. Patrick’s Day is a feast day in the liturgical calendar. It’s about an actual person.

I happened to have found this book, new, on sale for $1 or $2, and I saved it for seasonally appropriate March reading. And it ended up being a fairly enjoyable read, and I was surprised that some reviewers found it boring. I think Rogers handpicked some of the most sensational and funny facts to include. He did his doctorate at Vanderbilt, which I had the chance to visit last year. (Irrelevant tangent: There’s some pretty cool theology going on down there.)

Most of the book was sort of a commentary on St. Patrick’s writings, which show up in the book’s Appendix (The Confession and his letter to Coroticus), along with some tidbits from apocryphal legends of the saint. Those two works in the book’s Appendix are basically the only reliable historical record we currently have of the saint.

There are lots of things that come to us by way of legend. For example there is no historical record Patrick used a shamrock to teach anyone about the Trinity (though I still love this video about Trinitarian heresy), or that he drove the snakes out of Ireland. He was not the first to bring Christianity to Ireland, as many slaves like the teenaged Patrick would have been Christians, and he was not even the first bishop of the region. It's incredible how old the Christian tradition in Ireland really is. (Although the author claims post-Constantine, St. Patrick was the first to lure a whole people to the Christian gospel without them first being subordinated under the force of Roman rule.)

The historical Saint Patrick was born into a a fairly well-off Roman family that was living in a Roman colony in Britain. He was a ‘preacher’s kid’ as his father was a priest in the Catholic Church. Patrick was captured at the age of sixteen by marauders, and sold into slavery in Ireland. Six years later, he ran away from his owner, traversing two hundred miles across Ireland to a coast from which he would take a boat back to Britain. Two hundred miles of land where there were rumoured to be cannibals roving about and people practicing human sacrifice. St. Jerome writes about these cannibals while he was passing through Ireland as a youth, though scholars are not sure how reliable this testimony was as St. Jerome did not witness the actual act of cannibalism but was only told by Irish soldiers there that they ate humans. Classical writers, including Caesar, write about druids who practiced human sacrifice, but many scholars think its Roman prejudice against the so-called barbarians. (Btw, did anyone catch the Anglican druid from Saskatchewan talking on CBC Tapestry.)

Anyways, after escaping St. Patrick almost wasn’t allowed on the boat he was to take when he arrived at the coast, but finally was admitted because of a last minute change of heart by the ship's captain (who possibly had intentions of selling him as a slave when they reached their destination). Of that day he makes it onto the boat, Patrick writes, “I refused to suck the breasts of these men, out of fear of God.” That’s a direct quote. A friendship/submission custom some suppose, though evidently shocking to Patrick who likely had not heard of such a thing. Can you imagine you arriving at your rideshare in an unfamiliar country and this being asked of you? What a life St. Patrick lived.

He eventually was captured again as a slave, and again escaped. After returning to his home in Britain, he entered ministry, even though he was hopelessly ‘unlearned’ and people made fun of him. He felt called back to Ireland to bring the gospel there, and made his way by forging alliances with rulers, paying out bribes, and (without Church authority) independently excommunicating Coroticus who violently killed and captured Irish Christians (the irony being Corticus identified as a Christian himself).

There’s so much more in this book, and I think it’s worth a read if you feel like getting a little sense of the person behind the seasonal festivities. It might even pair well with some Guinness, which I learned last year is not vegetarian. I can’t resist sharing one more relevant thing from the book that I absolutely loved. There’s an apocryphal legend in Jocelin’s “The Life and Acts of St. Patrick” that details Patrick’s conversion to vegetarianism! Haha, he’s basically supposed to be fasting, but craving some meat, hides some to snack on later. A man with eyes on the back of his head appears to him and tells Patrick he saw what he did. Patrick is devastated, and after being comforted by his guardian angel, swears that he won’t eat meat for the rest of his life. Haha.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his introduction to Saint Patrick, Jonathan Rogers debunks the countless legends that have arisen around the life of the revered saint. Noting how comic some of those legends are, Rogers refers to the 19th-century Irish poet Aubrey de Vere’s description of their predominant characteristics as being those of “brightness and gladsomeness.” However, Rogers also finds that “Patrick’s comic reversals can seem cruel to modern sensibilities.” Even when the humor is obvious, Rogers points out that the point of the tale might be obscure.

Rogers regrets that the historical record pertaining to Patrick’s life is so brief, largely coming from two autobiographically inclined documents that, together, are fewer than 20 pages in length, namely his Confession and his Epistle to the Christian Subjects of the Tyrant Coroticus. This biography of the life and times of Patrick compares the legends surrounding Patrick with the historical facts that are known about the period in which he lived, as well as the biographical details that can be gleaned from his own writings. He also uses the legends of Patrick to illustrate and give color to the few facts that are known about the saint.

Rogers’ discursive style takes the form of an ongoing dialogue with the reader. Evidence of such a style can be seen in the following excerpt from Saint Patrick: “Perhaps we shouldn’t make too much of that [Patrick’s disclaimer of his knowing the true God at the age of sixteen]. It is not unusual, after all, for a teenage boy to reject the faith of his parents. On the other hand, it is possible that young Patrick didn’t know the true God because neither his father the deacon nor his grandfather the priest knew the true God.” The logical way in which Rogers presents his material can be seen in the signposting that he uses, such as his concluding Chapter One with an acknowledgement that he will return to the discussion of Patrick’s childhood sin “in a later chapter.” By providing such guidance to the reader, Rogers achieves coherence in the text which adds to the fluency and ease with which he expresses himself. Indeed, he appears to be totally at home with his subject matter, making Saint Patrick both an enjoyable and an informative read. Small wonder that Rogers writes so competently, as he holds a Ph.D. in 17th-century literature from Vanderbilt University.

Concluding the biography with appendices containing Patrick’s previously mentioned writings, as well as annotations to the various chapters, Rogers proves himself a sound chronicler of the Christian faith, as well as a raconteur of note. This lively text should appeal to both youngster and adult alike, and should serve as a welcome addition to any home, school or college library.
 

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Patrick likely lived between the 380s and 490s. Not much is known about his life - only what he wrote in his two letters.

The book covers lots of history of the Roman Empire, Ireland, their myths and lore, and how “barbarians” were viewed (there are some notes about terrors done in battle / raids, promiscuity, drunkeness).

There are lots of myths about Patrick, and the author points out some flaws in those based on Patrick’s writings. He also highlights similarities of character between the myths and real life. (The author is not Catholic).

Quotes from the book:

“Where he became the first Christian missionary to take the gospel to barbarians beyond the borders of the Roman Empire. Before Patrick, Christianity had never spread in any significant way outside the Roman Empire. Ireland was the first country ever to submit to the teachings of Christ without first submitting to the sword of Rome.”

“Perhaps the most miraculous thing of all was that, even as he brought the gospel of Christ to bear on the Irish, Patrick left their Irishness intact. The Irish didn’t have to become Roman in order to become Christian.”

“Surely whatever privileges Patrick’s family enjoyed as members of a ruling class, would have been tempered by a deep sense of loss. They had inherited a rich cultural heritage but now it was slipping away. On every side their wealth and their physical safety was threatened.”

“Far from wallowing in self pity, Patrick celebrated his enslavement - the very shock he needed to bring him to his senses. Throughout his confession, Patrick’s language is shot through with the confidence that, whatever his circumstances, God was doing good things in his life. He viewed his kidnapping and slavery as God’s direct work. […] His enslavement, he believed, was a hard mercy, but a mercy nonetheless.”

[Andrew Micah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently some people don’t like this book, and for a lot of different reasons, some of them contradictory. Some people think it makes Patrick too human; others, out of a dislike for Patrick himself; others, that it is too much of a plain history book; others, that it includes too much folklore. It is, however, a very well written little book that has about as much to say about Patrick as can be said historically, and portrays him as I’m sure he would have wanted to be known—a faithful man who was mightily saved by God and used by God in spite of his weaknesses. Without putting too much stock in the legends, it considers them as reflections on the deeper meaning of Patrick’s life. Great little read!

[Gailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"They saw in Patrick's person -in his very presence among them - that forgiveness was possible, that hardship need not result in bitterness- and that the meek just might inherit the earth after all."

Some of the reviews on here are very harsh on the author, and I'm not sure why. He does a great job at piecing together the historical Patrick. Where there is mystery, he does his best to propose solutions without being too dogmatic. He also presents Patrick as a man whose greatest strengths could be weaknesses also.

I have a renewed appreciation for the historical Patrick that shines brighter than some of the legends attempt to depict him.

[Kathleen B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’ve all heard of St. Patrick and a few of the stories associated with the man. Here is a biography that tells truth from myth in an engaging way. I learned a great deal about the man and had fun reading many myths I hadn’t heard. This would be a fun read for middle or high schoolers. Add it to your homeschool curriculum as a read aloud and create a unit study on Ireland for the whole family.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readable and interesting. Love how it blended historical fact (via what evidence we have and two original writings from Saint Patrick, as well as information about the culture and time) and legend. Not a full account, but a solid brief read.

[Brandon Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but brief

I understand this wasn’t intended to be a complete biography and that St. Patrick did not have a ton of writings, but it seemed to very quickly fly through his life and left me wanting more. Aside from that, it was a helpful work to be introduced to the Saint.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short overview biography of Saint Patrick. I did not get a good feel for what he was like until I got you the end of the book, where two of his writings were reproduced. He sounded like Paul the apostle. I would like to read a longer biography that does justice to Saint Patrick.

[Tyler C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read about a Saint I knew little about (outside of clovers and pots of gold).

That said, the author misrepresents the Church as it existed during Patrick’s time often. It's very anachronistic in that way.

[Ricky Balas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, quick overview of the man that became St Patrick.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, accurate and intriguing.

A quick study in one of the most fascinating followers of Jesus.

[Kelly Hohenstern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and engaging. Learned a lot

[Shane Ryan Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short bio that focuses on the true history of Patrick rather than the myths and legends. The appendices include his autobiographical confessions and an open letter he had penned.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saint Patrick
In honor of Saint Patrick’s day I read a book about the real man: Thomas Nelson’s Christian Encounters Saint Patrick by Jonathan Rogers. All my blogger friends check out Booksneeze.com, where you can get free books for reviewing them on your blog like I just did! I also review everything I read on Goodreads.
The Christian Encounters series aims to make Church History more accessible to a wider audience. This little book did just that. It includes lots of historical and factual information in a book that is easy to read and enjoy. I had read (the much weightier) How the Irish Saved Civilization and am fascinated by Saint Patrick. This book upfront tells you that not a whole lot is know about the man, and what we know comes from two letters written by Patrick (which wonderfully are included at the end of the book). Rogers fills in gaps with informed speculation (admittedly) and historical information. And he also includes lots of the myths and legends surrounding Patrick. I learned some new things; Patrick was not the first to bring Christianity to Ireland, there were already some British believers there; Patrick, though a bishop, was against the hierarchy and took his orders straight from God (which can be dangerous or earth changing). It shouldn’t be surprising, but I was, in how much scripture Patrick quoted in his letters and also how the faith has remained true over 2000 years. Patrick lived in the 400s but one could take his words as a modern day frontier missionary.
This book is great for anyone who is interested in Patrick. Because it is quick read, it would be a good choice for a student biography review. And it is a wonderful encouragement to keep listening and following God. Patrick gave up everything, except his faith, to return to the land of his former enslavement. God rewarded him for his zeal. His boldness and dedication to reaching the ends of the earth for Christ is amazing, and it makes me wonder, who will be the Patrick for some countries in our time!

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was first inspired through biography 10 years ago when I was given a thin book about Jonathan Edwards. Since that time I have always found it inspiring to read the condensed biographic versions of the lives of those who championed the cause of Christ. For that reason I was excited and intrigued that Thomas Nelson Publishers had released a new series of Christian biographies called "Christian Encounters."

The first title of the series that caught my eye was the volume on Saint Patrick by Jonathan Rogers. With the recent rise in the popularity of Celtic-style Christian practices (with the exception of running nude into icy cold waters of the ocean), I wanted to get a good overview on the life of the most celebrated Celtic missionary, so the short (100 page) biography on Saint Patrick seemed a good place to start.

There has developed around this figure, who commands his own day in the United States (March 17), a great deal of folk lore - so much, in fact, that it's hard to separate fact from fiction. The author acknowledges that up front. He also informs the reader that there are two primary documents which are thought to be written by Saint Patrick that yield all the historical insights that are constructed about his life. When it's all said and done, we can conclude with some degree of confidence that Saint Patrick was raised in Britain, kidnapped and sold into slavery by Irish pirates, escaped, and sensed God's call to return to the Irish people (barbarians at the time) with the message of hope and love. He faced immense persecution from the Irish as well those from his own land, but endured through it all, leaving the world a better place for having lived a life of sacrifice in the service of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most people recognize the name of St. Patrick on account of the holiday on March 17, and most people are familiar with his connection with Ireland. But how many know the story of St. Patrick himself? Christian Encounters: St. Patrick, by Jonathan Rogers, represents a short introduction to St. Patrick's life and work.

The author tells many of the legends that are associated with Patrick and works to uncover the truth of the story. There are only two works that seem to come from his hand-- his Confessions and Letter to Coroticus (translations of which are provided in appendices to the book). Rogers uses these, along with later biographies and accounts of Britain and Ireland of the day, to tell the story of Patrick.

While Patrick was most likely not the miracle worker proclaimed by the legends surrounding him, what he did accomplish was no less amazing. Born in Britain during the tempestuous end of Roman control of that area, he was captured and enslaved by Irish raiders at the age of 16. After escaping and entering the priesthood, Patrick voluntarily returned and went about teaching Christianity to the Irish. He was doing what was thought to be impossible during those days-- the conversion of the pagan heathen, taking Christianity beyond the boundaries of the Roman Empire. Despite opposition, both from within and without the Church, he was largely successful in his endeavor. Ireland was won for "Catholic" Christianity, and whereas it had been barbaric, it would prove to be the savior of civilization during the upcoming Dark Ages.

The book is short and readily accessible and does well at presenting the story of Patrick as honestly as can be expected. Gaps in knowledge and difficulties in understanding are admitted. Overall it is a great resource for understanding Patrick, his times, and his role in promoting Christianity in Ireland.

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wear green, have a Guinness & kiss me (well, if I was Irish). This is all you really hear about on Saint Patrick's Day. Well, I guess you get the occasional, "it is about a guy who brought Christianity to Ireland." If you are anything like me, I am not satisfied with responses like that. I want to know more. Why do whole nations celebrate Saint Patrick's Day? It was this question that led me to want to know more...well, and the fact that I will be traveling to Ireland this fall. So, I came across this little book about Saint Patrick. I think the author of this book, Jonathan Rogers, does an excellent job in sorting through the legends that surround Saint Patrick and instead offers historically based evidence & theories on the life & ministry of this saint. When I began reading this book, I had a very little frame of reference for Saint Patrick. However, after reading the book, I feel very pleased with the knowledge I have gained, not just about the saint himself, but also about the history and anthropology of the time, places & people that effected his life. Rogers bases his book off two written documents from Patrick, that he quotes & references throughout the entirety of the book. The original translated documents are also included in the appendices. This book was fairly short & a pretty easy read. I enjoyed the knowledge I gained about Saint Patrick and also learning the history behind the time period he lived in, which sets such a beautiful context for insight into his life. History lovers should enjoy this one. So, before Saint Patty's day rolls around next year, I would encourage you to pick up this book and then when you raise your glass of Guinness you will have a real reason to celebrate...someone worth celebrating. :)

[M.G. Bianco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. I read the whole book in one day. It is short (102 pages, not counting Introduction or Appendices) and very accessible.

The author picks up on St. Patrick's own views that he was a 5th Century Paul.

Paul was a missionary to the Gentiles. He took the Gospel to a group or class of people that the Jews didn't believe were people--they were subhuman, barbarians, in their eyes. Hence, believing Jews argued that for the Gentiles to be Christians they had to become Jews (see, largely, Galatians).

Patrick was a missionary to the Irish. He took the Gospel to a group or class of people that the Romans didn't believe were people--they were subhuman, barbarians, in their eyes. Hence, believing Romans argued that for the Irish to be Christians they had to become Romans.

Just as Paul showed that the gospel of Jesus Christ was greater than any class or nation of people, Patrick showed that it was greater than any empire of people.

Similarly, as Paul argued that his authority as an apostle (Gal 1) came directly from God, Patrick taught the same thing. This led him, at one point, to attempt to excommunicate believers in Britain for the crimes they were committing against Irish Christians.

I enjoyed this book very much, I could see parallels today to the way some Christians feel about using military might to Americanize or Democratize people groups (think Middle East) rather than evangelizing them with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Both Paul and Patrick would be appalled at such thinking.

[Lauren Monsey Nagel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I also found out that everything that I thought I knew about St. Patrick, I really didn't. Many people assume that he was from Ireland. Patrick was actually born in Britain and was the son of a Roman aristocrat.
This book's introduction starts out by going over the many tales and legends that have followed this man, St.Patrick. There were some that I was familiar with and many more I was not. Patrick did not chase the snakes out of Ireland nor did he use the clover leaf to teach about the Holy Trinity. There were no leprechauns following him anywhere.
In fact, Patrick was kidnapped as a sixteen year old boy and then taken to Ireland to be sold as a slave. He was captive for six years and worked as a shepherd. Ireland was a barbaric and uncivilized island in those days. Patrick must have been shocked and frightened many times while he was in captivity there. The physical conditions were quite harsh as his work environment consisted of days of snow, ice and rain. The long days working as a shepherd had allowed him plenty of time to think. Despite it all, Patrick felt the presence of a Creator, watching over and protecting him, and he realized that this was God.
As Patrick drew closer, he felt God's presence more.
Patrick's story is an amazing journey which chronicles his return to Ireland. He obeys God and returns to bring Christianity to the people of Ireland. It was dangerous and challenging but quite miraculous because Patrick did it.

[Freda Mans-Labianca · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of my favorite things to read is biographies. Although with this particular book, I was mildly disappointed. There is so much I felt I could learn about Saint Patrick, and I did, but it was like reading a history book.
I believe all the information given is truth, and I enjoyed the things I learned about the man who was Saint Patrick. I just couldn't get past a sense of boredom throughout reading it. It was really hard to get myself through it, and it's a small book.
I don't think I will be recommending this one any time soon. Unless the situation calls for it.

[Stan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan Rogers has written a very readable introduction to the life of Saint Patrick. He follows Patrick's own writings (Confession and Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus), steering clear of most of the legends written well after Patrick's death.

He paints a clear picture of Patrick as a man and missionary. In a couple of places he extrapolates from Patrick's writings scenarios that Patrick didn't quite spell out. He does acknowledge that these extrapolations are theories.

A good introduction that many people could read in one sitting. Enjoy!