I received this book “Water from an Ancient Well” as an e-book to review for being a part of SpeakEasy. I must say I wasn’t sure what to expect when starting this book but very quickly realized that it had a depth that was true to the subject matter. The author does an excellent job in leading the reader along the shores of the ancient land introducing us to the ancient Celts. The further along you read the deeper you find yourself in the ancient world of the Celtic Christians who truly knew Christ in all things. If I were to describe in one word the ancient Celtic Christians it would be “aware”.
“Water from an Ancient Well”, is refreshing in the sense that it is very much Christ centered. You will get some history of the ancient Celts – from there influences, outlook on life, to there everyday awareness of the presence of Christ. Every part of there day was used as a way to turn to the Lord. The subtitle of the book is Celtic Spirituality for Modern Life and the author does a tremendous job gleaning from the life of the Celtic Christians and presenting practical applications for our modern lives today.
I am finding more and more how different groups of Christians throughout the years from various traditions have made valuable contributions to the body of Christ. We as the body of Christ would be wise to receive from the still fresh and rich supply of Christ that springs forth from the testimony of the lives of the Celtic saints. The author Kenneth McIntosh does an excellent job making that testimony accessible and practical to us today.
Although this book is more than a devotional I found it to be similar in depth and content as “Practicing the Presence” by Brother Lawrence, “Letters of a Modern Mystic” by Frank Laubach and “Longing for God” by Richard J Foster as well as other similar writings.
Let me also say I really enjoyed this book because it showed how the Celtic Christians lived and breathed Christ as their life. They saw Christ in all things and all things pointed to Christ. I have found this to be the most liberating reality to know Christ as my life and not just a part of my life. This book shows what that looks like and looked like in the lives of the Celts and how we can experience that ourselves today.
Seth,
Thanks for the review. It sounds like an interesting read. Though, I was wondering if it is geared toward mainly the Christians, or everyone. I guess, what I am asking is if it is filled with Christian terms/words, or is it more of a read for all people in Christ. Interesting though, I never specifically thought about the ancient Celtic people in Christ before this moment, as just those saints in that area and at that time. Very interesting, indeed!
Kat,
It definitely highlights the influences and ways the Celtic Christians lived out their faith in Christ. They seem to have a more holistic approach similar to what we are coming to know. They definitely have their own traditions and ways and in that since it is very interesting to learn of another culture and see how they expressed Christ in their everyday life. Definitely worth the read if you want to learn about them and since the book is very Christ centered it is uplifting and encouraging.
Seth, let me say I am looking forward to reading this book. Thanks for the firsthand assessment and your general thoughts on reading this book. It’s not really knowing “about” Christ, but knowing his life in us. And you have pointed to the relevance this book has in it’s subject matter. I am reading a book by David Lamb called “God Behaving Badly”. I can’t wait to send you my synopsis of it. It comes from a different angle and addresses different things, but I’m sure you will find it intriguing. Thanks again bro. Great post!
Thanks David for your comment. I look forward to hearing about your thoughts on David Lamb’s book I am briefly familiar with it. As always I miss you and think of you often. Hope to talk soon.