Celtic Christianity and Nature: The Early Irish and Hebridean Traditions

Love of nature is often described as a characteristic feature of Celtic Christianity. Low describes how native beliefs about nature were rejected, transformed, or restated as the peoples of early medieval Ireland and the Hebrews made Christianity their own. With close reference to the period, including extensive primary source material, Low examines the importance of the land, hills and mountains, water, trees, fire, the sun, and the elements in early Christian and biblical imagery. She shows medieval writers' awareness of biblical parallels often overlooked today, addresses the fear of "paganism" in outdoor worship, and familiarizes the reader with new ways of thinking about the relationship between Christianity and primal religions. At a time when Celtic Christianity has been increasingly romanticized, this extremely readable book will prove a useful resource for anyone seeking an environmentally friendly theology of nature.