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There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
- Psalm 46.4
So still, my brethren, give ear to our words, in the belief that you will hear something needful, and refresh the thirst of your mind from the streams of the divine fountain of which we now wish to speak...
- Columbanus, Sermon XIII, Irish, 7th century
I’m frequently asked what it is about the Celtic period that I find so interesting and instructive.
Many things, among them their compelling spiritual vision, the strength and courage of the leaders, their devotion to the Word of God and sound learning, their commitment to a Biblically-informed culture, their love for creation, and their zeal for missions.
The period of Celtic Christianity is terra incognita for most Christians, and part of my burden is to spark interest in this ancient stream of the faith. We hope that these thrice-weekly glimpses into the mind and heart of Celtic Christians bring you something needful to refresh the thirst of your soul. Let us know if they do.
The river of God’s grace that flows through the corridors of history is comprised of many streams, all tributaries to the grand tradition of Christian orthodoxy. It was the genius of the Protestant reformers of the 16th century to insist that all doctrinal claims be demonstrated from Scripture and supported by the writings of the Church Fathers, or rejected as unreliable innovations.
The reformers were completely unaware of the Celtic Christian movement. I can’t think of a single reference in their works to any of the Celtic saints, prior to Eriugena (9th century), or any awareness on the part of the early reformers of the contribution of Celtic Christians to the progress of the Kingdom. But I’m certain that, had Luther, Calvin, Bucer, and the rest had access to the writings that have come to light in the past 200 years or so, they would have drunk deeply from this ancient stream and found it more compatible with their views than not.
The ancient streams of the faith hold much to nourish our faith today. We hope you enjoy drinking from this one.
Give ear, O my people, attend to my word,
Dark sayings and parables sent from the Lord,
Things we have before by our fathers been told,
Which we would not dare from our children withhold.
Thank You, Lord, for those who have gone before, clearing roadways and suffering hardships for the sake of Your Kingdom. Adapted from Oengus mac Oengobann, Féilire Oengusso
T. M. Moore, Principal
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If you would like to learn more about the period of Celtic Christianity, order the book, The Legacy of Patrick, from our online store. Or write to T. M. and he'll send you a free bibliography of resources covering the period of the Celtic Revival.