Barnabas File

I was first introduced to Celtic Christianity over thirty years ago when I heard Professor George Hunter make a presentation based on his book, The Celtic Way of Evangelism.     Hunter argued that the Celtic church converted Ireland from paganism to Christianity in a remarkably short period, and then proceeded to send missionaries throughout Europe.    He observed that its strengths provide a basis of effective evangelism in our time.   Celtic Christianity is a fascinating blend of early Christian beliefs and practices with the indigenous spiritual traditions of the Celtic peoples of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall. There are some key elements of the strategy that resonate with our contemporary culture and churches might consider as they seek to impact individuals, affinity groups, and communities with the Christian message.   First, the emphasis on monasticism.  Monasteries were the heart of Celtic Christianity. They were not just pla...