The Book of Creation: An Introduction to Celtic Spirituality

J. Philip Newell is a minister in the Church of Scotland, poet, scholar, and teacher. In this slim but rich volume Newell introduces the reader to Celtic by guiding her or him on a journey through the seven days of creation. The Celtic spiritual tradition looks not only to the Bible for inspiration, but to Creation itself. He begins with an introduction that places the Celtic church and tradition in the context of the wider church, both Catholic and Protestant. Each of the succeeding seven chapters takes its point of departure from each of the seven days of creation, through the themes of light, wildness, fecundity, harmony, creaturiness, image, and stillness. After a discussion of how the Celtic spiritual tradition treats each of these themes, the chapter ends with an exercise of meditation based on centering prayer. The sources for this spiritual gem come from the Bible and the works of Celtic Christians from Pelagius and Eriugena through George MacDonald, with a host of other works thrown in, including materials from the Carmina Gadelica. This wonderful little book is great for study and for prayer.