The Celtic Way to Christ

The Celtic Way to Christ

(Gal 6:7-8) Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

In Christ there is no East or West,

In Him no South or North;

But one great fellowship of love

Throughout the whole wide earth.

In Him shall true hearts everywhere

Their high communion find;

His service is the golden cord,

Close binding humankind.

Join hands, then, members of the faith,

Whatever your race may be!

Who serves my Father as His child

Is surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both East and West,

In Him meet North and South;

All Christly souls are one in Him

Throughout the whole wide earth.

John Oxenham, 1908

Gospel reading: Luke 12:22-34.

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also

Ireland and the British isles are the only lands where Christianity was the chosen way. There were no conquerors that forced the conversion of the people living there. Celtic Christianity is unique and still offers a very balanced way of understanding our relationship to God. Celtic Christianity is characterized by extreme holiness, a love of God and man, and wanderlust from the need to bring the light of Christ to the world. Religious fundamentalism is not the Celtic Way. Fundamentalism is a 20th Century movement, it is a narrowing of God's teachings and sadly a great deal is lost by seeing the Bible this way. It is a desperate response to the rapidly changing, social landscape we are all experiencing. It is fear that drives most people to become fundamentalists. Fundamentalism is not getting back to basics as is often proclaimed by its proponents. Fundamentalism is in direct opposition to the teachings of Jesus. The Celtic way can help one regain balance and rhythm. It can bring the joy and wonder back into Christian spirituality. A respect of all of God's creation is one of the cornerstones of the Celtic Way. Simplicity and humility are the correct path to understanding how to live a Christian life. The Celtic way of prayer and faith will guide you through the roughest storms.

Jesus teaches us that we should not be consumed by fear. He tells us we should not be anxious about the future. Faith transcends knowledge. If we truly believe in Him we do not need crutches. Despite the frightening changes and social upheaval we must stand fast. When we see horrible things happening in this life we know that Jesus will carry us through the eye of the storm to the other side. If we react only to the winds that blow we cannot function as disciples of Christ. If we are so wrapped up in the details we will never see the bigger picture. If we are to be evangelists like the Celts and spread the good news we have to be alive and focused. Jesus came to be the New Covenant. His life made all things new. Look at the Gospels, please? Each is an account written by a different individual. Each one brings to us different aspects of the life of our Lord and each emphasizes different teachings and parts of the story of His life. If you get caught up in the petty details you can say, " these books contradict each other so they must be inaccurate and flawed". If we take literally word for word these stories it is easy to become confused and miss completely what is being said. Understanding Gods word takes wisdom.

Pro 1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

Jesus was well educated as were all rabbis. We know that as a youth Jesus studied the scriptures in the synagogue. We know he enjoyed exchanging ideas with the other men who gathered to study the word of God. We also know Jesus matured and came of age with a great deal of struggle. He spent time in the desert wrestling with the powers of darkness and finally emerged victorious. His cousin, John the Baptist also encouraged Jesus and proclaimed the New Kingdom. Understanding the scriptures takes a life time of study and prayer today, as it did back then. Taking every line in the Bible literally is completely missing the point. The Holy Bible is a collection of Books written over hundreds of years. There is nothing static about the Bible. You can trace the progress and maturation of the Hebrew people by reading the scriptures. There in its pages you can see mankind struggling and moving both towards and away from the light. Fundamentalism generally is suspicious of scholarship and interpretation. It rejects the need for discussion and understanding of history.

Fundamentalism tries to put forth a formula for salvation. It tries to make a failsafe path for people who embrace it. Fundamentalist Christians often go by the label "Born Again Christians". If we are truly to be born again in Jesus we can't use crutches. Narrow interpretations of the teachings of Jesus cannot prevent us from stumbling. Jesus tells us we are to "Love the lord our God with all our heart and mind and soul." Notice He says "Mind". God created man in His image. We have the freedom to choose the way. He tells us that only through Him can we reach the Father. We know each individuals path takes a different turn in its struggle to be one with God. No where in the Bible does God tell us we should turn off our minds. Faith does not mean we should ignore our brains and suspend reason. When Jesus tells us to do something he tells us why we should do it. Jesus was lovingly referred to by his followers as teacher. The word Rabbi means teacher. Jesus opened the eyes of sinners as no prophet ever had. Jesus told us to " Love our Neighbors as ourselves". Following these laws you cannot go astray. Fighting over unimportant things like evolution and getting all ensnared with debates as to whether " good works" or faith are more important can only cause us to loose sight of the true meaning of the life of Christ and what He died for.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

-Proverbs 1:7

Purely legalistic interpretation of the Holy Scriptures can only lead one down a slippery slope into the abyss. Understanding the spirit of the law as well as the letter of the law takes wisdom and understanding through His eternal love. This is the greatest stumbling block in modern Christian life. If you follow the Celtic way you can be guided in the spirit and enjoy deeper understanding of the scriptures. Jesus used parables to illustrate clearly how we should live throughout the New Testament. Christian fundamentalism completely takes a person down the wrong path. It cannot lead one to true understanding of the teachings of Jesus. Only with wisdom can a person understand God's law. Wisdom is sorely lacking in today's Christian communities. It brings only great sadness to see Christians bickering over petty little points in the Bible. If the Church is to survive it can only do so through the faith and wisdom given directly by God to the pure of heart. We must open our hearts and minds to His Way not our own. One need not be a scholar to understands Gods love. The teachings of Jesus make the way plain.

Yours in Christ,

Beth Maxwell Boyle

Gospel reading: Mark 12:13-17

13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Hero'dians, to entrap him in his talk. 14 And they came and said to him, "Teacher, we know that you are true, and care for no man; for you do not regard the position of men, but truly teach the way of Passover. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 15 Should we pay them, or should we not?" But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, "Why put me to the test? Bring me a coin, and let me look at it." 16 And they brought one. And he said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said to him, "Caesar's." 17 Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they were amazed at him.

Matthew 22:35-40

A lawyer, asked [Jesus] a question to test him. Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest? He said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets

Suggested Readings

The Celtic Way of Evangelism

by George G. Hunter III

Holy Ground

by Deborah K. Cronin

Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

by John O'Donohue

Celtic Christian Spirituality, an Anthology of Mediaeval and Modern Sources

by Oliver Davies and Fiona Bowie

Listening to the Heartbeat of God, A Celtic Spirituality

by J. Phillip Newell

The Celtic Vision

by Esther de Waal

The Celtic Saints

by Nigel Pennick

Celtic Prayers

by Robert Van De Weyer

The Celtic Year

by Shirley Toulson

Every Earthly Blessing, Rediscovering the Celtic Tradition

by Esther De Waal

Celtic Blessings and Prayers, Making all things Sacred

by Brendan O'Malley

Celtic Blessings, prayers for Everyday Life

by Ray Simpson

Christian Thought

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only

because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” --C. S. Lewis

'Feuch air fear coimhead Israil

Cadal chan aom no suain.'

(The Shepherd that keeps Israel

He slumbers not nor sleeps.)

Celtic Christians Celtic Crosses Blessings Prayers Carols Links RamsHorn Index	HOME \| home Folk Music Index \| Christian Thought \| Christmas Carols \| A Shepherds Songbook \| Celtic Christian Links and Lore \| Celtic Christians \| The Celtic Way to Christ \| Women in the Church \| Fundamentalism \| I am the vine \| Blood Thirsty Christians??? \| The Great Fundamentalist Hoax \| My Problem with Christianism \| Who Owns Christianity? \| Celtic Crosses \| Rams Horn Crosses \| Dives and Lazarus \| Rossyln Chapel \| Psalm 46 Stroudwater \| The First Presbyterian Church \| Stobo Kirk \| John 25 \| What Christians Don't Know About Israel
	The Celtic Way to Christ (Gal 6:7-8) Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. In Christ there is no East or West, In Him no South or North; But one great fellowship of love Throughout the whole wide earth. In Him shall true hearts everywhere Their high communion find; His service is the golden cord, Close binding humankind. Join hands, then, members of the faith, Whatever your race may be! Who serves my Father as His child Is surely kin to me. In Christ now meet both East and West, In Him meet North and South; All Christly souls are one in Him Throughout the whole wide earth. John Oxenham, 1908 Gospel reading: Luke 12:22-34. Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also Ireland and the British isles are the only lands where Christianity was the chosen way. There were no conquerors that forced the conversion of the people living there. Celtic Christianity is unique and still offers a very balanced way of understanding our relationship to God. Celtic Christianity is characterized by extreme holiness, a love of God and man, and wanderlust from the need to bring the light of Christ to the world. Religious fundamentalism is not the Celtic Way. Fundamentalism is a 20th Century movement, it is a narrowing of God's teachings and sadly a great deal is lost by seeing the Bible this way. It is a desperate response to the rapidly changing, social landscape we are all experiencing. It is fear that drives most people to become fundamentalists. Fundamentalism is not getting back to basics as is often proclaimed by its proponents. Fundamentalism is in direct opposition to the teachings of Jesus. The Celtic way can help one regain balance and rhythm. It can bring the joy and wonder back into Christian spirituality. A respect of all of God's creation is one of the cornerstones of the Celtic Way. Simplicity and humility are the correct path to understanding how to live a Christian life. The Celtic way of prayer and faith will guide you through the roughest storms. Jesus teaches us that we should not be consumed by fear. He tells us we should not be anxious about the future. Faith transcends knowledge. If we truly believe in Him we do not need crutches. Despite the frightening changes and social upheaval we must stand fast. When we see horrible things happening in this life we know that Jesus will carry us through the eye of the storm to the other side. If we react only to the winds that blow we cannot function as disciples of Christ. If we are so wrapped up in the details we will never see the bigger picture. If we are to be evangelists like the Celts and spread the good news we have to be alive and focused. Jesus came to be the New Covenant. His life made all things new. Look at the Gospels, please? Each is an account written by a different individual. Each one brings to us different aspects of the life of our Lord and each emphasizes different teachings and parts of the story of His life. If you get caught up in the petty details you can say, " these books contradict each other so they must be inaccurate and flawed". If we take literally word for word these stories it is easy to become confused and miss completely what is being said. Understanding Gods word takes wisdom. Pro 1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Jesus was well educated as were all rabbis. We know that as a youth Jesus studied the scriptures in the synagogue. We know he enjoyed exchanging ideas with the other men who gathered to study the word of God. We also know Jesus matured and came of age with a great deal of struggle. He spent time in the desert wrestling with the powers of darkness and finally emerged victorious. His cousin, John the Baptist also encouraged Jesus and proclaimed the New Kingdom. Understanding the scriptures takes a life time of study and prayer today, as it did back then. Taking every line in the Bible literally is completely missing the point. The Holy Bible is a collection of Books written over hundreds of years. There is nothing static about the Bible. You can trace the progress and maturation of the Hebrew people by reading the scriptures. There in its pages you can see mankind struggling and moving both towards and away from the light. Fundamentalism generally is suspicious of scholarship and interpretation. It rejects the need for discussion and understanding of history. Fundamentalism tries to put forth a formula for salvation. It tries to make a failsafe path for people who embrace it. Fundamentalist Christians often go by the label "Born Again Christians". If we are truly to be born again in Jesus we can't use crutches. Narrow interpretations of the teachings of Jesus cannot prevent us from stumbling. Jesus tells us we are to "Love the lord our God with all our heart and mind and soul." Notice He says "Mind". God created man in His image. We have the freedom to choose the way. He tells us that only through Him can we reach the Father. We know each individuals path takes a different turn in its struggle to be one with God. No where in the Bible does God tell us we should turn off our minds. Faith does not mean we should ignore our brains and suspend reason. When Jesus tells us to do something he tells us why we should do it. Jesus was lovingly referred to by his followers as teacher. The word Rabbi means teacher. Jesus opened the eyes of sinners as no prophet ever had. Jesus told us to " Love our Neighbors as ourselves". Following these laws you cannot go astray. Fighting over unimportant things like evolution and getting all ensnared with debates as to whether " good works" or faith are more important can only cause us to loose sight of the true meaning of the life of Christ and what He died for. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. -Proverbs 1:7 Purely legalistic interpretation of the Holy Scriptures can only lead one down a slippery slope into the abyss. Understanding the spirit of the law as well as the letter of the law takes wisdom and understanding through His eternal love. This is the greatest stumbling block in modern Christian life. If you follow the Celtic way you can be guided in the spirit and enjoy deeper understanding of the scriptures. Jesus used parables to illustrate clearly how we should live throughout the New Testament. Christian fundamentalism completely takes a person down the wrong path. It cannot lead one to true understanding of the teachings of Jesus. Only with wisdom can a person understand God's law. Wisdom is sorely lacking in today's Christian communities. It brings only great sadness to see Christians bickering over petty little points in the Bible. If the Church is to survive it can only do so through the faith and wisdom given directly by God to the pure of heart. We must open our hearts and minds to His Way not our own. One need not be a scholar to understands Gods love. The teachings of Jesus make the way plain. Yours in Christ, Beth Maxwell Boyle Gospel reading: Mark 12:13-17 13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Hero'dians, to entrap him in his talk. 14 And they came and said to him, "Teacher, we know that you are true, and care for no man; for you do not regard the position of men, but truly teach the way of Passover. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 15 Should we pay them, or should we not?" But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, "Why put me to the test? Bring me a coin, and let me look at it." 16 And they brought one. And he said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said to him, "Caesar's." 17 Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they were amazed at him. Matthew 22:35-40 A lawyer, asked [Jesus] a question to test him. Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest? He said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets Suggested Readings The Celtic Way of Evangelism by George G. Hunter III Holy Ground by Deborah K. Cronin Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom by John O'Donohue Celtic Christian Spirituality, an Anthology of Mediaeval and Modern Sources by Oliver Davies and Fiona Bowie Listening to the Heartbeat of God, A Celtic Spirituality by J. Phillip Newell The Celtic Vision by Esther de Waal The Celtic Saints by Nigel Pennick Celtic Prayers by Robert Van De Weyer The Celtic Year by Shirley Toulson Every Earthly Blessing, Rediscovering the Celtic Tradition by Esther De Waal Celtic Blessings and Prayers, Making all things Sacred by Brendan O'Malley Celtic Blessings, prayers for Everyday Life by Ray Simpson Christian Thought “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” --C. S. Lewis 'Feuch air fear coimhead Israil Cadal chan aom no suain.' (The Shepherd that keeps Israel He slumbers not nor sleeps.)