One Foot in Eden: A Celtic View of the Stages of Life

By J. Philip Newell

Book Overview

Written by the former Warden of the Iona community, this book reflects on the stages of life as seen by Celtic tradition. Step by step the author describes our pilgrimage from the invitation of birth, through the passions of youth and adulthood, to the wisdom of experience, to death's return to God. Each stage has its own grace that can be awakened at any time and that can release our inborn passion and creativity, the traces of the divine image woven into the very fabric of our being. This Celtic focus is unique among today's "life stages" books. One Foot in Eden concentrates on the Celtic celebration of the essential goodness of life--not to deny evil and sin but to rejoice in redemption. Drawing from the Benedictine tradition of meditation, from lectio divina, from Celtic saints, and from Celtic literature, the book helps brush away our layers of confusion to find what is deepest and truest in each of us. Each chapter is a graceful meditation on a stage of life, ending with an exercise that can be used by either individuals or groups--perfect for spiritual seekers, those interested in their heritage, those interested in creation spirituality, as well as members of prayer groups, seasonal parish programs, and small faith communities. +

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0809138697
• ISBN13: 9780809138692
• Release Date: July 1999
• Publisher: Paulist Press
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.37 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Life companion

A mirror for all stages of life, wisdom that might come from a valued friend. A good 'hand hold' for those dark times, and a reminder that maintaining personal peace is the only way. A very well read man who seasons his writing with spicy quotes anywhere from one to ten! A leader who is very much one of the people.

One Foot in Eden

This is such an insightful book that, after having my mother also read it, I decided to use it to facilitate a multi-generational book discussion that is being well received. We ARE blessed at every stage of life, and John Philip Newell definitely helps us feel that. This is just one of many must-read books by Newell.

Get you Celtic feet wet

This is a great book for getting your Celtic feet wet. If you are not sure about Celtic theology then this book can get you started. It introduces the reader to basic Celtic theology. That's what it did for me. This book shines a light on the stages of life. Not really stages but seasons. They aren't something really dictated by time or age, but my walk with God and where one is in relation to God. Overall, it's a good, quick, read that is also deep and insightful.