The Law of God and Public Policy

God never intended His Law for Israel only.

Holiness is worth it, whatever it takes.

Heaven on Earth
Anonymous, “The Wish of Manchán of Liath”, 10^th century

I wish, O Son of the Living God, ancient eternal King, for a secret hut in the wilderness that it may be my dwelling.

A very blue shallow well to be beside it, a clear pool for washing away sins through the grace of the Holy Ghost.

A beautiful wood close by around it on every side, for the nurture of many-voiced bird, to shelter and hide it.

Facing the south for warmth, a little stream across its enclosure, a choice ground with abundant bounties which would be good for every plant.

A few sage disciples, I will tell their number, humble and obedient, to pray to the King.

Four threes, three fours, fit for every need, two sixes in the church, both south and north.

Six couples in addition to me myself, praying through the long ages to the King who moves the sun…

Translation, Kenneth Hurlstone Jackson, A Celtic Miscellany

This excerpt from an anonymous meditation from the afterglow of the Celtic Revival captures five aspects of the Celtic Christian experience that could greatly benefit our Christian experience today, if we could recover them.

First is that sense of artistic creativity that brings to expression the image of God in us for works of beauty and delight. Celtic Christians seem to have loved poetry and song. This poem expresses the longing perhaps of a monk in a monastery, as he looks forward what to him would be just about heaven on earth – heading off in “green martyrdom” to begin a community of his own. The sense of joy with which our poet anticipates this stage of his life is palpable throughout his meditation.

That introduces a second aspect of the Celtic Christian experience, namely, the work of mission. Celtic Christians eagerly, and often at great sacrifice, took the Gospel to new places and peoples, as well as to moribund and complacent congregations of Christians wherever they encountered them. The purpose of going off to green martyrdom would be, first, to dwell in solitude with God, seeking His will, and, second, to learn how to allow the Lord to provide for all one’s needs. But a third goal would be to attract disciples who could join in the mission of seeking the Lord and proclaiming His mercies to others.

This is the third aspect, the commitment to making disciples for the Kingdom of God. Dallán Forgaill described the disciples Colum Cille made on the island of Iona as “ladders” laid against the City of God, the means for many others to find their way into the life and light of Jesus Christ. Our monk-in-training would have been paying careful attention to every facet of his own preparation, so that he could replicate it in those who would gather to him to begin his new community.

The deep love for and appreciation of creation is the fourth aspect of the Celtic Christian experience that we glimpse here. Note the attitude toward creation of our poet. He longs for its beauty and serenity; hopes to gain the benefit of its bounty; and appreciates all the creatures of the Lord – birds, woods, fields, streams, even the sun. Celtic Christians understood creation not only as a source of beauty and sustenance, but as the “second book” of divine revelation (cf. Ps. 19.1-4). They loved the creation and saw the glory of God in it on every hand.

Finally, this poem allows us to glimpse the intensely spiritual orientation of Celtic Christians. As we have seen, they led disciplined lives of seeking the Lord in prayer, meditation, solitude, and in His revelation, both creation and Scripture. The primary purpose of a Celtic Christian community was seeking the Lord through prayer, study, worship, and work, including mission. These were not seen as onerous tasks; rather, as our poet makes clear, they were means for enjoying the Lord and preparing oneself for whatever the day might require.

We might even mention a sixth aspect of the Celtic Christian experience on display here, that of the spiritual humility of Celtic Christian leaders. While this poem alleges to be about a particular person, the composer of this sweet meditation felt no compunction to make sure the world understood he had written it. Anonymity before men was seen as a way of ensuring honor from the Lord.

Each of these aspects of Celtic Christianity is worth reflecting on deeply, to consider how we might grow in our own faith and callings through a better orientation toward and fuller immersion in the risen Lord.

T. M. Moore
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For more insight to the legacy of the Celtic Christian period, order a copy of T. M.’s book, The Legacy of Patrick, from our online store.

The Law is for always – always.

God’s Spirit will circumcise the hearts of His people.

The Law emphasizes the necessity of sacrifice.

The Law anticipates a coming King of Israel.

The Law directs us to look forward to the Kingdom of God.

The Law directs us to look for more revelation to come.