Listening for the heartbeat of God

By J. Philip Newell

Book Description

In a world where many feel disconnected from the sacred, J. Philip Newell offers a pathway back to spiritual wholeness through the ancient wisdom of Celtic Christianity. This exploration reveals how Celtic spirituality embraces the fundamental goodness of creation and recognizes the divine image within every human being.

Newell traces a remarkable spiritual lineage that spans centuries, beginning with the British church of the fourth century and extending to George Macleod, the twentieth-century founder of the Iona Community. At the heart of this tradition lies a profound connection to the mystical teachings of St. John the Evangelist, who became a powerful Celtic symbol for listening to the divine presence in all aspects of life.

The book's central metaphor emerges from the intimate image of John resting against Jesus at the Last Supper, where he could hear the very heartbeat of God. This tender scene becomes a doorway into understanding how Celtic spirituality invites us to listen deeply for the sacred rhythm that pulses through creation and within our own hearts.

By weaving together biblical foundations with British Christian history, Newell presents a refreshing perspective on Celtic spirituality that speaks directly to contemporary seekers. This approach offers those yearning to revitalize their faith a way to reconnect with spiritual roots that honor both the earth's sacredness and humanity's inherent goodness.