Written by J. Phillip Newell, one of the foremost experts on Celtic spirituality, this moving book offers a reflection on the "forgotten" Jesus, the Christ of the ancient Celtic tradition. Drawing on the gospels of Thomas and the Acts of John and on the writings of Irenaeus, Eriugena, and Teilhard de Chardin, the author ignites us with the possibilities that can come from understanding this ancient spiritual tradition. The Celtic Christ offers new hope for achieving harmony, healing, and renewal for human beings and for all of creation.

Newell connects the Celtic tradition with our more conventional Christian beliefs and offers a vision of concern for healing creation and the environment—for the presence of the sacred in nature and all creatures. This was the essence of the ancient Celtic vision of Christ. As an ever-unfolding mystery of life rather than a one-time event, the Celtic tradition encourages us to reverence the matter of our bodies and the earth. Newell's Celtic Christ is interwoven with the Creation—they share the same center, the same Heartbeat. The book also explores the notion of salvation in the sense of the oneness of the universe. This is salvation that comes from the wellbeing of the whole rather than only the welfare of the individual.

Christ of the Celts shows us a new picture of who Christ is today combined with the ancient reverence for harmony with God and nature.

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 Godargues 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 GodNow, 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)

In "Christ of the Celts," Newell brings together a new vision of who Christ is today with the Celtic reverence for harmony with God and nature.

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

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.

'Prelude.

Chapter 1: The Memory of the Song.

Chapter 2: A Forgotten Tune.

Chapter 3: The Rhythm of the Earth.

Chapter 4: Empty Notes.

Chapter 5: The Sound of Love.

Chapter 6: Paying the Piper.

Chapter 7: The Hymn of the Universe.

Chapter 8: Broken Cadences.

Postlude.

Notes. \n

'