Journeys with Celtic Christians Participant

';The early Christians of Ireland developed an expression of thefaith characterized by deep devotion and fascinating stories,' Newmansaid. ';It offers rich insights for modern issues such as promoting acaring society, relating to the natural world and welcoming strangers.' Writers often use the metaphor of journey or pilgrimage to describe theChristian life. What distinguishes this book and its development of thattheme is its invitation to readers to experience their personal faithjourneys through Celtic lenses. Pilgrimage is part of the DNA of CelticChristians. The faith spread and flourished in Ireland, Scotland, Wales,and Northern England between the 5th and 11th centuries because saintslike Patrick, Brigid, and Columba traveled extensively, preaching,teaching, and founding monasteries. Soon small groups of Christiansbegan to go out from these locations and begin new Christiancommunities.By connecting historical information with their current lives andconcerns, readers will be encouraged to consider the many wayspilgrimage has shaped their personal faith. They will discover the valueand contributions of fellow travelers on the faith journey and how theyassist and shape that journey. By recalling how Celtic Christianscelebrated and marked significant moments in their lives of faith,readers will discover ways they can develop this practice. They willaffirm the importance of both offering and receiving hospitality on thefaith journey, a discipline that was critical to the Celts. They willalso have opportunities to deal with difficult life journeys such astransitions and opportunities for forgiveness, and the importance ofblessing one another in a world that values polarization overcooperation and competition over community. With an introduction thatsets the tone and introduces the theme and six chapters related todistinctives of Celtic Christianity, this book is ideal for small groupswhose members want to grow together in their spiritual understandingsand commitments.