Celtic Christian Books, What inspires you?

Seeking to learn of what really Celtic Christianity is today and how it can relate to me now - I've been buying books.

To be honest, I have been mostly disappointed with what I have seen so far. Some books have been:
Anam cara - John Donohue
Christ of the Celts - J. Philip Newell, plus other titles by this author.
Celtic Christianity - Joyce

Most of them seem (and this may sound harsh) to require that I disregard the authority of the Word of God and accept a mixture of Christianity and New Age.

One exception has been The Celtic Way of Evangelism by Hunter, this is a more historical work but very excellent reading.

Thoughts?

I too read "Celtic Christianity' by Joyce awhile back. A good read, but like you said it mixes in some of what sounds like New Age stuff.

I'll tell you how I feel, tho, about Christianity and the Celts... other reading has pointed out that the Celts & peoples of Ireland, England, Scotland were perhaps pagan but when Christianity arrived on their shores they were some of the most enthusiastic embracers of the faith. Sincere, true, and devoted. You've read about St. Patrick, St. Brigid, etc., ah they are such inspirations to me even now.

Personally as my own faith in Christ has grown and matured over the years, I've come to see that He's a lot bigger than the denomination I belong to... He's bigger, all encompassing, and He makes himself known to all peoples in a variety of ways. Evidence of Him is all around us, in the trees and stars and nature - it's His handiwork! Glorious. Some people worship nature, and now I just see it as a bit misguided but well-intentioned... I always hope that thru an appreciation of nature that some day they will be faced with His true presence.

TassieCelt, it's been a long time since I spoke to you. Good to see you.

I've found this to be quite common when speaking of Celtic Christianity. It seems as though the tenuous reach of Rome, while beneficial in some ways, also prevented them from ensuring that the doctrines of the church remained orthodox. Authentic Celtic Christianity often appears to be a mix of Christianity and Druid- or nature magic.

Stephen Lawhead has written a great deal about the Cele De, as well, and while his writing tends to the historic fiction, much of what he writes is culled from his own meticulous research.

I'm definitely interested in finding other books on what characterized the Celtic Christian church, however.