O'Loughlin examines the theological framework within which St. Patrick presented his experiences and considers how the Celtic lands of Ireland and Wales developed a distinctive view of sin, reconciliation, and Christian law that they later exported to the rest of western Christianity. "In his study of the texts he has selected, O'Loughlin has combined high academic standards with pastoral thrust to give us a volume that will be of great interest to those with the genuine 'Celtic Theology' that can be discovered in early Irish documents." Irish Theological Quarterly 2002 "The author's intention is to probe into certain areas of Celtic faith and practice between the fifth and thirteenth centuries, with the emphasis on Ireland, so as to uncover the theology which informs them and to which they give expression. This programme should appeal to many people, not least to those who have come to feel uneasy about popular presentations of 'Celtic spirituality' This is a learned, conveniently organised, and attractively written book. Well worth reading." Anvil "This is not just another book on Celtic Christianity presenting a romantic view of a long lost and recently discovered well of spiritual refreshment It is of course not without joy and refreshing insights and spiritual uplift but these are circumspect and solidly based on the Christian literature which comes from the church in Celtic lands Dr O'Loughlin takes us on a fascinating tour of the great landmarks of Celtic Christian literature between the 6th and the 9th centuries." Search, Spring 2001 This is an important book. It counters the overly sentimental and unhistorical view of Celtic religious and situates Cetlic theology squarely within the institutional medieval Christian Church." Richard J. Hauser, S.J., Theological Studies, December 2001 Thomas O'Loughlin is professor of historical theology in the University of Nottingham, UK. His research has focused on the theology of the early medieval period, and on the works of insular writers in particular.