Imagine a brand of Christianity which would proclaim the glories of nature as an essential dimension of the faith, which would favor poems and stories over theological tracts, which would emphasize deeds over creeds, which would downplay central authority and celebrate egalitarianism, which would number women among its saints and spiritual leaders.

Does this sound like some faraway future ideal for Christianity? Well, it is far away. These are all part and parcel of Celtic Christianity as practiced in the British Isles and Ireland from 500 to 700 A.D.

In Celtic Fire: The Passionate Religious Visions of Ancient Britain and Ireland editor Robert Van de Weyer has brought together an inspiring collection of prayers, poems, songs, and narratives from some of the great figures of late antiquity including Patrick, Brigid, Brendan, Columba, and Hilda.

Imagery from nature is dominant in these earthy selections, along with a keen appreciation for signs of God in the ordinary. Listen to the following meditation: "Anyone who obeys God's is like the golden rays of the summer sun, is like a silver chalice overflowing with wine, is like a beautiful bride ready to love." Celtic Fire will rekindle your spiritual imagination with its ample devotional delights.