5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful guide and review of spiritual living

E.M.C. · March 9, 2024

This book demonstrates both spiritual and intellectual depth in examining the history of ancient Irish Christianity. .The reader is not only.introduced to legendary figures, but also invited to experience the relationship to God as they.understood it.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Reminder Regarding Wisdom

L. · November 20, 2024

I enjoyed this audiobook. I was amazed at the depth of study that was obvious within the manuscript. I was surprised by some of the information which increased my knowledge regarding the subject matter. I thought Brendan Curran's narration was fine as his performance was easy to follow and his voice was pleasant to hear. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting journey into Irish/Christian history

M.@.B.w.B. · May 23, 2016

The Roots of Irish WisdomLearning from Ancient VoicesBy Cindy ThomsonThe Roots of Irish Wisdom explores not only the influence that Christianity had upon Ireland and her development as a nation, but the Christian influence that Ireland shared with the rest of the world - especially Western Europe.The Irish fascination with the triad made the idea of the Trinity a well received truth. This also resulted in many facets of Christianity being presented within the aspect of the triad. Due to the isolated nature of Ireland as an island state Christianity flourished there while in the majority of Europe it was stifled during the Dark Ages. This was the Golden Age of Christianity as it was presented directly to the Irish people.Roots takes a close look at both the saints of Ireland and the traditions that not only promoted the spread of Christianity across the island but helped return it to the people of Europe after the Roman Empire fell to its own instability. Patrick's influence is well known - born in the 4th century he never embraced his Christian upbringing until he was taken as a slave to Ireland. There having lost everything he opened his heart, his, mind and his eyes to all that Christ offered him. But it wasn't until he returned to the land that enslaved him that he shared the message of God to a land ready to hear and embrace the gift of salvation. Patrick's return brought a time of upheaval and chaos as the old pagan ways struggled against this Christian God - a God who was a Trinity. Patrick's influence on the whole of Ireland is honored and celebrated by both Catholics and Protestants.The second saint Roots looks at is Brigid who lived in the late 5th / early 6th century. Brigid, a woman shrouded in mystery, was known for her giving to the poor. She cared for the refuges who came to Ireland from the instability that was consuming both the Roman Empire and Western Europe - no small feat at the time in which she lived. This giving spirit came from the belief the that the Lord resided within all who were poor. A good deed is never forgotten and this is the legacy of Brigid's life.Some lesser known saints and their lives and influences as missionaries from Ireland to the rest of Europe are explored. Irish monasteries nurtured the Christian faith - these centers housed and trained thousands who helped spread Christianity from Ireland into the darkened regions of Europe who had fallen under pagan influences with the collapse of Rome. Learning Scripture was of vital importance and these centers were where Scripture was recorded and preserved - the most noted being The Book of Kells. The monasteries were also known for their high crosses - stone crosses which were carved to share the Biblical story with the common person who could not read.This is a book that packs a great deal of information into a few pages. For those who are interested in either Irish history or Church history this is a fount of information that you'll want to turn to again and again. I was especially intrigued with the accounts of the Book of Kells, the high crosses and prayer. It is amazing how the very isolation that first kept Christianity from Ireland was the very thing that kept its message safe while the rest of Europe fell into the Dark Ages.I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating audiobook on ancient Ireland

K.S. · January 14, 2023

I tend to love everything Irish so I was really looking forward to listening to this book. I was not disappointed! Author Cindy Thomson takes the strands of Irish history and wraps them around the listener until the listener feels like part of the narrative. It makes history sing.The book starts by telling the stories of the three official patron saints of Ireland: St. Patrick, St. Brigid, and St. Columba. She tells what is true, and also refers to what is myth and legend. When it is legend, she weighs in on the likelihood of it coming from a germ of truth. The book spends quite a bit of time on the three patron saints. Then it talks about some of Ireland's other saints.What I think makes the book truly special is that author Thomson, fills the chinks of the stories with Scripture verses, poems, short stories, prayers, quotations, and songs. She included one of my favorite hymns, "Be Thou My Vision." All those extras make you feel very close to the story.She also talks about the school of bards that was established, and how that taught the art of story-telling and singing in a time when books were a rarity. Story-telling, singing, and playing instruments was very dear to the Irish people. She emphasizes how important it was to the Irish to be helpful to others and not just hoard things for yourself.Finally, I would be remiss to not mention the narrator, Brendan Curran. Mr. Curran has a pleasant voice that makes listening a pleasure. He enunciates well. Thankfully, he does not have one of those sleepy voices that lull you to sleep, so this book is safe to listen to in the car.

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy, quick, read/historical reference about the ancient Irish Church

D.A. · January 27, 2020

Wonderful, concise, informative historical background to the ancient Irish church. This isn't just of interest to Roman Catholics as the historical context predates the Reformation. This church history is a common denominator to all Christian churches. In fact, having met the author at book signings and conversed with her, she herself is not Catholic. It is also a great contextual reference for her other books Brigid of Ireland and The Pages of Ireland.