The Celtic Saints are of no lasting significance in the history of Christianity. Discuss how far this is true.

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‘The Celtic Saints are of no lasting significance in the history of Christianity.’

Discuss how far this is true.

It is arguable that Celtic Christianity has not survived into the twenty first century and therefore neither have the saints, however we was also argue against this view. There is sufficient evidence to suggest both ways, however it is the strength of this evidence that is of most concern.

        The Celtic saints are still celebrated today, the most prominent being the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. Christians of all denominations celebrate his life and impact upon Christianity on the 17th of March every year, Saint Patrick’s day. However our association with the saints does not end here, the symbol of Ireland is the shamrock, the item Saint Patrick is chronicled to have used in order to explain the trinity to the Irish people.  The impact that Patrick had on Christianity in Ireland and throughout the rest of the Christian world is quite substantial, even if some of the reasons he is remembered, such as the miracle of driving all the snakes out of Ireland are debated upon scholars. Patrick is the most famous of the Celtic saints and the best remembered, however the others did leave their marks on the church as well. Saint David, Patron saint of Wales is also regarded a Celtic saint and is again a well-known figure head in the church. The conversion of the Welsh people to Christianity and the sustainment of their belief is largely attributed to him and his work. He founded 12 monasteries across England and wales, including ones at Glastonbury and  Bath during his life, some of which still stand today.

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        It is not just the spiritual work that the Celtic saints did while they were alive that makes them an important part of the church today, but also their physical work in building and sustaining religious settlements, saint David’s monasteries being a prime example. Some of the buildings themselves have survived and prove popular to Christians who wish to visit them. However the effectiveness of the buildings can be questioned as less than half of his monasteries have survived and when they all go his impact will appear greatly lessened and his significance in the modern church will be severely ...

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