Christ of the Celts: The Healing of Creation

by J. Philip Newell

Overview

Christ of the Celts

"I explore the Celtic image of Christ as the Memory of what we have forgotten. He remembers the dance of the universe and the harmony that is deep within all things. He is the Memory also of who we are."
—from the Prelude

"Diagnosing the human soul with a longing for peace in the face of fear and fragmentation nurtured by global political forces and fundamentalisms, Newell offers the ancient traditions of Celtic Christianity as a way forward in healing humankind and the earth."
—Publishers Weekly

"This graceful, wise, and important book is a superb introduction to the treasures of Celtic Christianity for our time."
—Marcus Borg, author, The Heart of Christianity

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780470183502
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	05/02/2008
Pages:	160
Sales rank:	537,518
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

J. Philip Newell is a poet, scholar, and teacher. Formerly Warden of Iona Abbey in the Western Isles of ­Scotland, he is now companion theologian for the ­American Spirituality Center of Casa del Sol at Ghost Ranch in the high desert of New Mexico.

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Table of Contents

Prelude vii

Chapter 1: The Memory of the Song 1

Chapter 2: A Forgotten Tune 17

Chapter 3: The Rhythm of the Earth 31

Chapter 4: Empty Notes 47

Chapter 5: The Sound of Love 61

Chapter 6: Paying the Piper 77

Chapter 7: The Hymn of the Universe 93

Chapter 8: Broken Cadences 107

Postlude 123

Notes 133

The Author 139

Editorial Reviews

Diagnosing the human soul with a longing for peace in the face of fear and fragmentation nurtured by global political forces and fundamentalisms, Newell offers the ancient traditions of Celtic Christianity as a way forward in healing humankind and the earth.An international retreat leader who is the former warden of Scotland’s Iona abbey, the author of Listening for the Heartbeat of God argues we discover unity as we become connected to one another and “allow ourselves to be surprised by the Presence that is within creation and within the human soul.” Drawing on ancient and contemporary sources both within and outside the conventional Christian canon, Newell is critical of, and offers alternatives to, ancient Christian doctrines like creation ex nihilo (out of nothing), original sin and substitutionary atonement. Although the volume has some winning and touching anecdotes about the writer’s own spiritual journey and heroes, it is frustratingly gauzy in parts. Written with an inviting sensitivity to other faith traditions, this introduction to a “Celtic Christ” will most likely appeal to those who find Christ-tinged creation spirituality in an interfaith context appealing. (May) (Publishers Weekly, March 2008)

Countless Americans already know Newell's inspirational voice — calling to them to re-engage their spiritual senses through popular books like Listening for the Heartbeat of God. Now, Newell takes a startlingly different approach toward readers and offers a full-fledged manifesto that seeks to reshape the way most Western Christians think about the core of their faith.—(http://www.readthespirit.com/explore/2008/05/166-conversatio.html)

From the Publisher

Diagnosing the human soul with a longing for peace in the face of fear and fragmentation nurtured by global political forces and fundamentalisms, Newell offers the ancient traditions of Celtic Christianity as a way forward in healing humankind and the earth.An international retreat leader who is the former warden of Scotland's Iona abbey, the author of Listening for the Heartbeat of God argues we discover unity as we become connected to one another and "allow ourselves to be surprised by the Presence that is within creation and within the human soul." Drawing on ancient and contemporary sources both within and outside the conventional Christian canon, Newell is critical of, and offers alternatives to, ancient Christian doctrines like creation ex nihilo (out of nothing), original sin and substitutionary atonement. Although the volume has some winning and touching anecdotes about the writer's own spiritual journey and heroes, it is frustratingly gauzy in parts. Written with an inviting sensitivity to other faith traditions, this introduction to a "Celtic Christ" will most likely appeal to those who find Christ-tinged creation spirituality in an interfaith context appealing. (May)

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