Christ of the Celts: The Healing of CreationISBN: 978-0-470-18350-2
Hardcover
160 pages
May 2008, Jossey-Bass
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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 God argues 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 God. Now, 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)