> From: Frans vanLiere [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
>
> Thank you, Julia, point well taken. I did not intend to use "Celtic" in
> "Celtic Church" as other than a geographical denotation, but you did make
> me
> aware of the fact that students might misinterpret this use of the term. I
> guess "Celtic Christianity" suggests less of an organizational structure.
> Or
> "Christianity among the Celts". But that's such a mouthful!
>
Using the term "Celtic" suggests that this approach to Christianity
was characteristic of all Celtic groups when it was actually characteristic
only of those churches and monasteries founded or strongly influenced by
Irish monks. The forms and approaches originated among the Irish and were
carried elsewhere by them. It would be accurate and appropriate to use the
phrase "medieval Irish approach to Christianity," while allowing for the
fact that there were variations even among the Irish.
Francine Nicholson
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