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english_lady03's review against another edition
5.0
This book is great on two levels, first as a spiritual classic and secondly, though perhaps surprisingly as a Historical source.
Patrick's spiritual journey and insights are both fascinating and challenging, and the information he gives on the governing and ecclesiastical authorities in post-roman Britain hardly suggest a society that was in terminal decline.
The Confession also shows that Christianity was well established in the 5th century, and that British Chrisitians of the period had far more than just a crude and rudimentary grasp of Christianity.
Quite to the contrary, the British clergy had a good knowledge of theology and the Bible, as well as connections with the continent.
Thier 'problem' was that many of them did not like the idea of sharing Christianity to 'barbarians' outside the Empire, and so did not support Patrick's missionary efforts.
If you want to know about British Christianity before Augustine this book is a must-read.
Patrick's spiritual journey and insights are both fascinating and challenging, and the information he gives on the governing and ecclesiastical authorities in post-roman Britain hardly suggest a society that was in terminal decline.
The Confession also shows that Christianity was well established in the 5th century, and that British Chrisitians of the period had far more than just a crude and rudimentary grasp of Christianity.
Quite to the contrary, the British clergy had a good knowledge of theology and the Bible, as well as connections with the continent.
Thier 'problem' was that many of them did not like the idea of sharing Christianity to 'barbarians' outside the Empire, and so did not support Patrick's missionary efforts.
If you want to know about British Christianity before Augustine this book is a must-read.
julicke95's review against another edition
5.0
Truly an inspirational figure, whose writing comes across as very personal despite it being 1500 years old. This is what Saint Patrick should be known for, not the commercialised holiday that's mainly used as an excuse for people to drink themselves into a stupor.
ehays84's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed reading this very much, and I would recommend it to anyone. It is not long, and is freely available online. In addition to it being a great historical resource (for example, there is a very interesting parallel to the Nicene Creed in Patrick's introduction; after all, the main councils had happened within the last 75 years or so of when Patrick was writing), they are very interesting as theology and devotional. Patrick is writing near the end of his life to defend himself against slander, and his commitment to the cause of ministering to the people of Ireland comes out so clearly. My favorite part though, is when he describes a dream that he had where he was given a vision of the Holy Spirit praying for him next to his bed while he slept. What an amazing image! The Bible says that the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that are beyond our words. Let us take comfort in that the next time we feel alone.
khoystoboy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
leelulah's review against another edition
5.0
He has one too many similarities with St. Augustine. He often reflects on how God has been all along with him, through his happiness and disgrace, although he's brought into slavery and is unlearned, unlike the Doctor of Grace.
Nevertheless, the natural tone in which he speaks of God is nothing but extremely suprising and yet familiar. To have such closeness with God is always a cherished thing by many believers, and I often wonder if hearing the voice of God in the writings is a metaphor for his answered prayers or truly mystical experiences. Either way, you must read this if you want to dust off and get rid of your "saint of luck", "hippie clover holding", "white colonialist" prejudices and get closer to a deep yet simple form of spirituality of a fifth century missionary.
Nevertheless, the natural tone in which he speaks of God is nothing but extremely suprising and yet familiar. To have such closeness with God is always a cherished thing by many believers, and I often wonder if hearing the voice of God in the writings is a metaphor for his answered prayers or truly mystical experiences. Either way, you must read this if you want to dust off and get rid of your "saint of luck", "hippie clover holding", "white colonialist" prejudices and get closer to a deep yet simple form of spirituality of a fifth century missionary.
mbarnes's review against another edition
4.0
This was very useful for some research I needed to do about St Patrick.
gregbodwell's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting. I had no knowledge of St Patrick (bedsides the name) before I read this book and now I feel like I have a better picture of who he was.
misskeesa's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
3.0
I think I like books about St. Patrick better than his actual book...whatever his other virtues might have been, he wasn't the greatest of writers (something which he himself stressed in great detail in the book itself, I might add). I am glad that I read it and read his story in his own words, but I will probably stick with the stories about him in future. They are much more exciting.
Content Warnings
Minor: Kidnapping and Slavery