St Patrick's Ireland: An Introduction to Celtic Christianity
Christianity in Early Medieval Ireland
Ratings 4.78 / 5.00
What You Will Learn!
- An overview of Celtic Christianity from 400 to 650 AD
- An introduction to Early Irish Saints and Hagiographical Writing
- An appreciation of the contribution of Early Irish Christianity
- The historical development of the Early Irish Church
Description
Ireland has a rich Christian history and culture dating back to the fifth century when St Patrick and other missionaries evangelised the island of Ireland. Ireland was never part of the Roman Empire and the culture of Christianity that developed in this rural and agrarian society without towns was distinct from other parts of Europe.
This course introduces students to this fascinating and unique early Christian culture and heritage through learning about the key figures in Early Christian Ireland from the fifth to the seventh centuries, the Golden Age of the Irish Church.
Led by an Irish medieval historian and author, students will have the opportunity to read original source material written in Early Christian Ireland as well as availing of additional resources and videos to deepen their knowledge and learning. The course is based on courses taught by the instructor at Trinity College Dublin and Boston College on Early Christian Ireland and Early Medieval Ireland.
In this course you will explore:
The real St Patrick and his remarkable original writings
Whether St Brigid was a Celtic Goddess or a historical person
Traditions associated with St Brigid and the earliest accounts of her life
The influence of St Columba/ Colum Cille in Ireland and Scotland
The voyaging Irish monks who travelled as far as the Faroe Islands and Iceland
The travels of St Columbanus in Europe and his original writings
The course is suitable for all those interested in Ireland and Irish Christian culture and heritage.
Who Should Attend!
- All those interested in learning more about Celtic Christianity and Early Christian Ireland
