A Handbook and Study Guide

The Soul's Slow Ripening

The Soul’s Slow Ripening

Twelve Celtic Practices for Seeking the Sacred

The Soul’s Slow Reopening: Twelve Celtic Practices for Seeking the Sacred, Christine Valters Paintner (Soren Books, Norte Dame, IN, 2018)

A common desire of many 21st century Christians is a greater experience of the divine. A few moments spent in prayer, weekly worship attendance, participation in a small group Bible study and packing grocery boxes at a local food pantry can still leave an emptiness at the core of one’s being. Christine Valters Paintner, a spiritual counselor and retreat leader, has written a book to address this inner longing. The book, which is entitled The Soul’s Slow Ripening, uses practical methods for spiritual growth based on ancient Celtic theology and practices.

The Soul’s Slow Ripening is a workbook of twelve Celtic practices. It can be used weekly, monthly, or even over a longer period of time. It can be used as a personal spiritual journey, or by a group of like minded people who want to walk the path of seeking the sacred together.

I appreciated many elements of this book. Each chapter begins with a section highlighting the life of an Irish saint and Celtic theology. Each spiritual practice offers a variety of activities such as meditative walks, photography and creative writing. As I focused on a particular practice, I found a specific activity would be especially helpful and meaningful to me. The author’s husband, John Valters Painter, provides a Scripture reflection for each practice. Each chapter provides thoughtful guidance and never cookie cutter recipes or one-size-fits-all directions.

Much of the Celtic religious practices resonate with the progressive Christianity that is beginning to blossom in Christendom. It is edifying and uplifting to discover that one is not discovering something new, but rather rediscovering something that is ancient, tried and true. Incorporating some of these ancient Celtic practices into my life has enabled me to deepen my life as a follower of Christ and servant of God. I think the book will do this for anyone who approaches it with an open mind and thirst for the divine. This book is highly recommend, by me.

I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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