J Philip Newell - Böcker

Newell explores the way Celtic spirituality is characterised by listening for God within ourselves, others and the whole of creation. He illustrates his book with writings such as the Carmina Gadelica, a collection of traditional folk poetry.

Following the pattern of his bestselling Celtic Benediction, Philip Newell provides lyrically beautiful and profoundly theological prayers for morning and evening for each day of the week. Each begins with a Beatitude and is followed by a Prayer of Awareness, Scripture readings for meditation, a Prayer for the Life of the World and a Prayer of Blessing. It is richly illustrated throughout. Their theme could hardly be more critical. Divisions between Jews, Christians and Muslims are at the centre of much of the world's most serious places of conflict. Yet all three share the same spiritual descent from the household of Abraham. Praying With the Earth articulates the longings for peace that are closer to the heart of the world's spiritual traditions than their divisions. Morning and evening we open ourselves to the wisdom of our inherited Scriptures, to be enriched by others' understanding of the one God whom we call by different names, and especially to pray for peace.

This profound and challenging book clears away centuries of misunderstanding, confusion and shame about the human body. Jewish and Celtic Christian insights help us discover its sacredness and transform our assumptions about love, beauty and sexuality.

For many Christians, the world equates with "worldliness" and it is to be avoided for fear of damage to their spiritual health. Celtic Christianity differs from this in that it sees in all creation the reflection of God's goodness and beauty which sin might mar, but can never destroy. This book explores the Celtic view of creation and each chapter focuses on an aspect of God revealed in creation to transform our view of created matter.

The Celtic spiritual tradition is marked by the belief that what is deepest in us, beyond the distortions of ignorance or wrongdoing, is the image of God. Its second major characteristic is a trust in the essential goodness of creation, which it regards as a revelation of God, thus avoiding the pitfall of separating spirit and matter. The simple prayers of "Each Day & Each Night" are the new expressions of the old worlds and imagery of Carmichael's collection. It is hoped that they will help us realise anew that the life of heaven is inseparably woven into the life of earth.