Celtic Treasure: Unearthing the Riches of Celtic Spirituality

by Liz Babbs

The deep riches of the ancient tradition of Celtic spirituality are unearthed in this illuminating resource. Weaving together the stories and wisdom of the ancient Celts, it explores the contemporary relevance of prayer and solitude, creation and creativity, and community and hospitality as it demonstrates how each of these ancient paths can enrich the future. Other topics include Celtic saints; the God of Creation; and celebrating life.

Genres: Nonfiction

80 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reason for Reading: I am Catholic and am interested in the early Church, especially the Saints.

Well, honestly, I didn't know what to expect from this book. What was Celtic Spirituality? Was it some new age thing or Christian? Upon opening the little book I was immediately met with Scripture and St. Patrick's Breastplate along with stunning photography of Christian ruins from the 1st millenium in Ireland and Scotland. This is a lovely, hand-sized gift book printed on quality paper. A delight to read and look at. The book is about the history of the Celtic Christians in the first millennium and though it is never mentioned this is, in other words, the early history of the Catholic Church in Ireland and Scotland. Everything that is mentioned, the history, the saints, the prayers, the places, the way of life are all from the beginnings of the Church in this part of the world, when the Celts were converted to Christianity. The book is full of scripture and Saint's prayer's (my favourite part), and even quotes from C.S. Lewis and Chesterton. The author herself has written her own prayers and poems which are very nice and full of Christian love. A nice book.

When I was finished I googled one of the modern day communities mentioned in the book that practiced Celtic Spirituality, just to know what it was. It's not something I'm interested in but I'm happy we share the same history. My church is decorated with Celtic crosses on it's outside architecture as our patron saint is Saint Patrick and we have his Breastplate inside the church.

[kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book for what's in it, but I'd have liked it more if it connected Christian spirituality with the pre-Christian history. That was what I thought this was going to be about and while I wasn't disappointed, I do wish it had included that so many of the sacred places actually pre-date the saints. That would have been more interesting, imo.
I'd have also liked to know what the photos were depicting, where the scenes were or what they were. Some simple notations on the photos or artwork would have added so much to the book. Also, I'd have liked to hear the songs that were posted in the book, but the accompanying CD wasn't included so I don't know if that would have added to my enjoyment and understanding or not.
This would make a good gift, I think, for someone perhaps needing a word of encouragement or peace.

Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways.

[Susan (aka Just My Op) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for this little treasure. This is a sweet, little gift book, a nice stocking stuffer or friendship gift for Christians in the Christmas season, or for anyone interested in Celts. It is short at 80 pages and the format is one that is frequently found in card and gift shops: about 6" x 6.1" and hardback. It is filled with lovely photography as well as poems, prayers, Bible quotations, and information on Celt history and sprituality. For its little size, it packs a good deal more information that most gift books like it, and is a nice introduction to Celtic spirituality.

I received this book in a first reads giveaway, and the giveaway informtaion mentioned an accompanying CD. I did not receive the CD so cannot judge it.

[Christy Trever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celtic Treasure by Liz Babbs is a study of the history of Christianity in Ireland along with stunning photographs of the region. Babbs discusses the faith of the Celts including their focus on finding God in nature, their belief in monasticism and their hospitality. Each short chapter uses Scripture, quotes from Irish saints, along with poetry by the author to emphasize the point, bringing it home to readers. This charming book is perfect for readers interested in the faith of this beautiful country.

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the one I won from the giveaways feature. I was really excited to receive this. The pictures in it are beautiful, and I think the author did a great job of putting it all together. The only thing was that it just wasn't for me-was thinking it was more about Celtic Spirituality, as in, the religion of the ancient Celts. This was pretty much entirely Christian themed, which is fine, but like I said, just not for me. I'll certainly pass it along to another Goodreads reader who will have a better use for it though! Thanks!

[Susy Flory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a small but mighty book. It's a gift book with gorgeous photos of Ireland. But it's also unique, featuring great content including historical information on early Celtic Christianity, along with the author's own original, contemplative Celtic prayers. I met author Liz Babbs earlier this year at a writers conference. She's a missionary for the Church of England and lives with passion, boldness, and joy.

[Annamarie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just realized that I've only posted some status updates of this book. What a disappointment this book was. It was entirely about Christianity on the British Isles without any reference to the vast spiritual history that existed long before Christianity arrived there. This is just one more fluffy book trying to take advantage of the western world's fascinations with all things "celtic" and bland religious writings.

[Bruce · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a small gift book. Within its 80 numbered pages are lovely pictures of natural landscapes, abbey ruins, and Celtic designs. One of the chapters provides short biographies of Celtic saints with some prayers attributed to them. The author has also written some excellent poetry that she intersperses with her prose. The Celtic Spirituality is definitely a Christian Catholic Spirituality. At this time of year, this would make a lovely gift for those attuned to this type of work.

[Wyndy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed with this mini coffeetable book. I call it a mini coffeetable book because it has the content and designs arranged like a coffeetable book but is hand sized. The pictures are calming, soothing, and very much like I imagine that land, the poetry and ancient prayers interesting, and the description of the spiritual places intriguing. It made me want to learn more about the Christian history of the Celts and visit their spiritual places.

[Sandy Mckenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a small gift book. Within its 80 numbered pages are lovely pictures of natural landscapes, abbey ruins, and Celtic designs. It is a unique, featuring great content including historical information on early Celtic Christianity, along with the author's own original, contemplative Celtic prayers. I liked it, but overall I thought the photos and graphics were more impressive than the substance.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a small book (about 6 inches square and 80 pages) filled with interesting information about Celtic Spirituality. It is beautifully illustrated and filled with poems and quotes to give a good appreciation of the subject matter. Would make a good gift for a stocking stuffer or something similar.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this on first reads. This was a lovely read filled with insight and beautiful pictures. With thirst for knowlege concerning early European history and that particulary of the happenings of the church after Christ's death I found this book informative and well writen.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful gift book, a nice shape and size, and very attractive. The photography is wonderful, backing deeply thoughtful verse, mostly original. There is no CD included, though, as indicated in the synopsis above (at least in my copy).

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book that touches on several aspects of Celtic spirituality. I liked it, but overall I thought the photos and graphics were more impressive than the substance.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely gift book.

[Willa Guadalupe Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly lush & lovely book-

[❀Aimee❀ Just one more page... · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures, interesting information. Great for anyone interested in all things Celtic.