Listening for the Heartbeat of God: A Celtic Spirituality

I begin my review and comments on this book by quoting its last sentence: "If the Church's symbols and rituals pointed more clearly to the world as God's dwelling-place, we might then more fully rediscover that God's heartbeat can be heard in the whole of life and at the heart of our own lives, if we will only listen." No matter how one views God, I think that this idea - that God's dwelling-place is in the world - is one of the cornerstones of Celtic spirituality.I personally found this concept both thought provoking and inspiring. Too often I think in the rush of the modern world that we forget to take time to stop and listen to the voice of God. God is not in some far off place, but is to be found in the still, small things around us on a daily basis.The idea of God being close at hand is one that if reflected in Celtic spirituality from at least the forth century and continues even into today. In "Listening For The Heartbeat Of God" we read of:* Pelagius* Eriugena* Camina Gadelica (The Songs and Prayers of the Gaels)* George MacDonald* George MacLeod* St. John & St. PeterIn Celtic prayers we see the goodness or creation and an oneness with the earth, sky and sea. It comes as no surprise that the people of the Western Isles have a strong awareness and attachment to nature and the elements, for their livelihood is tied to these elements.We also see Celtic spirituality being something that is a part of the people themselves; prayers sung or chanted during the people's daily routines. This spirituality goes beyond the four walls of the Church and is seen in the daily life of the people.It is my belief that it is this closeness to nature and the belief that God's dwelling-place is in the world that gives Celtic spirituality its unique flavor. This is more than just a people who live close to the land and the sea. It is a knowledge of God that comes through and interaction with the universe. It is a belief that the natural world is infinitely deep and that the hand of God is seen in all things.Quoting again from the book, we read (pp.94): "The stream of Celtic spirituality, from Pelagius in the fourth century to George MacLeod in the twentieth is characterized by the expectation of finding God within, of hearing the living voice of God speaking from the very heart of life, within creation and within ourselves." This mystical tradition stems from the Gospel of St. John, and while perhaps found in other expressions of our faith, I believe is most beautifully presented in Celtic spirituality. It is in this Celtic spirituality that we can see the light of God in all things to be glimpsed like the first rays of the morning sun, the shining of moonlight on a summer's evening, and in the heart of the Celtic people in their devotion to God.It is my belief that this is an essential element of faith and communion with God. If we wish to find God we only need to listen for his heartbeat in the world around us!An Outstanding Book ... Highly Recommended!

After participating in a week-end of reflection by John Philip Newell, I decided to invest in this book...not much of an expense, actually. It is rooted in the very early history of Christianity in Ireland, pre-dating Patrick & Brigid. Newell is both an academician and a mystic. Not only does he bring to the fore the deeply rooted Druid world view intertwined with the primacy of John the apostle (as different from the institution's preference for Peter), he provides inspiring reflections from that tradition. One chapter includes a number of very old Celtic prayers again capturing both the love of nature and the love of Christ. I am second generation Irish-American. Typical of some immigrants of the early twentieth century, all things Irish were not verbally addressed in favor of assimilation. This books provides me with language to describe the beautiful spirituality of my parents and their parents that included blessings for any and all occasions. I think this book is a treasure and highly recommend it.

This book shows how Celtic Christianity, exemplified first by Pelagius, was suppressed as a heresy - and how, as a result, western Christianity lost some of its sense of the goodness of nature and of the goodness of humans.Newell, from Scotland himself, is never bitter or negative about the losses suffered by those who revel in the glories of creation - in spite of the terrible oppression of many who have carried this tradition. Rather, he suggests that we need to add the Celtic perspectives back to the ideas that have prevailed, sometimes to our detriment as a species, over the last 1500 years or so.If you are new to Newell's work and want to explore his books, I have two recommendations:1. Do so! His voice and method embody the philosophy's he describes; and2. Start with this book. It is brief, clear, loving, and hopeful.

Absolutely my favorite so far on the subject. It was as if the author had written it from my own papers : ) I know that sounds arrogant but what I am saying is his understanding and writing follow the same path as my learning. For that I thank my abbot and his many years of teaching. Honestly this book, as small as it is, nails the essence of Celtic Christianity and it was so right that I bought two more copies for friends and family. It also encouraged me to go back and re-edit some of my own papers because of the inspiration I got from it. If I could have scored it higher I would have. Great Job!

I like the book thus far, having read the introduction and 1st chapter. The clear explanation of the challenge the early church faced from an other than salvation based theology is presented in a clear and very easy to understand manner. The basics of Celtic Christianity sound very appropriate for our time: care of creation because God is in all and equality for all persons, especially women. Recommended for anyone reaching beyond traditional understandings.

I have long been drawn to the spiritual philosophy that was Celtic Christianity which believes that mankind is at it's core good and that the spark of God resides in all creation. After reading several good books on the subject I have to say this book was the most accessable to me. A true teacher is able to explain complex subjects in a way that a novice can understand and J. Philip Newell is definitely a true teacher of this subject. For me Christianity as understood by the Celtic mind and soul is by far the most enlightened view of the teachings of Jesus and it's suppression over the centuries has been a great loss to humanity. I only hope that books like these and the stirring in the souls who are drawn to this form of Christianity mark a resurgence of this beautiful, enlightened view of God, Jesus, mankind and the earth.