Brigid’s Mantle

A Celtic Dialogue Between Pagan and Christian

By: Lilly Weichberger, Kenneth McIntosh

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Pagan and Christian Join Hands within Celtic Spirituality Long ago, the story goes, Brigid flung out her mantle over the world. Beneath its shelter, the Earth and its people could find healing, insight, and growth. This legend, shared by both Celtic Pagans and Celtic Christians, makes the point that a mantle is not a box, a small rigid container meant to keep some things inside while excluding others. Instead, a mantle is wide, flexible, inclusive. Using this as their central metaphor, the authors—one a Pagan healer and the other a Christian minister—engage in a dialogue that is ultimately about what it means to be spiritual, to be a person of faith. While the authors agree that very real differences separate Paganism and Christianity, they affirm that shared points of understanding can be found under "Brigid's Mantle." They build on a concept of Celtic spirituality that embraces the arts, Nature, the supernatural world, compassion for those in need, and gender equality. Their dialogue with one another allows us to see the ways in which this rich cultural heritage has deepened the authors' personal spiritual beliefs and practices in ways that are surprisingly similar. Readers—Christian, Pagan, and neither—will find here not only a fascinating example of comparative religion but also a rich source of personal inspiration and insight. With its emphasis on the natural environment, justice, and creativity, Celtic spirituality has much to say to the modern world.

Problems with virtual voice.

I’ve listened to many books here on Audible that are done with virtual voice. And each time it is very disheartening when words are misspoken inflection is not correct and it seems as if there is a hiccup in the recording. I listen to virtual voice books only because I can not find them in no other way. It is a shame that the publishers of these books cannot find someone to do them justice.

Inspiring and educational

This was a wonderful introduction to Celtic Christianity and Celtic paganism. It was wonderful to hear the historical information provided about the history of Celtic Christianity and the way it is similar and different from Celtic paganism. I enjoyed the split narration going back-and-forth between Lilly and Kenneth.

It could have been great…

I dislike automated voices, and audiobooks can be the worst place for it. The pacing of the voice was awful, and the pronunciation of Irish--a beautiful language--was wretched. Content that otherwise would have been informative and interesting became difficult to focus on. I still finished it, but it shouldn't have been a slog to do so.