From Volume 10, Number 1, Summer 2003

No Longer Alone

 “Solitude strengthens, loneliness kills.” Think of traveling to a different culture without companions or local friends to await you. There may be a time when the sheer “otherness” of your experience keeps your mind occupied. Yet sooner or later there comes a time when the longing for a familiar face, a familiar voice, a common story become like the thought of cool water to a man lost in the desert.

 Many inquirers into the Order of St. Aidan and even quite a few members of our fellowship find themselves in such a situation. Initial enthusiasm wanes in the face of unrelenting isolation. Local churches may show little interest in Celtic Christianity, pastors may be too busy or unsympathetic. Not knowing how to proceed these isolated souls may find it easier to release their hopes to the “might have been” waste can and try to content themselves with coping with the spiritual hunger that first drove them to inquire.

 This article explores ways in which members of the Order of St. Aidan, and individual Christians drawn to the path of Celtic Christianity may build local fellowships in the face of institutional indifference, or even institutional hostility.

 The first question for any aspirant in the Way of Aidan to ask is, “Where is your passion?” This question may become uncomfortably revealing. If what draws us is some form of  “Celtic nostalgia,” such as a family background then unless our pastor is Paddy O’Flaherty, we’re likely in for some serious disappointment. Celtic Christianity’s appeal to both Christians and non-Christians in our culture extends far beyond its ethnic origins. It is a way of living that draws on remembrance, not merely a way of remembering.

 The passions of which we speak are around the elements of the Aidan Way. Whether it is connecting with creation, local community, the wind of the Spirit, or reconnecting with a more natural rhythm of life, there is generally one of the elements which holds a particular attraction – or perhaps even the configuration of all the elements in one Way of Life. Whatever the source it is crucial to remember that in our jaded culture, a balanced passion can be very attractive.  Note the word “balanced.” Passion without balance leads inevitably to a single-focus fanaticism, generally repulsive to all save those who share that focus. A balanced passion motivates us from within without demanding that others subordinate their own passions to ours. A second characteristic of passion that we need to note is that passions, to remain passions, are unfulfilled. We may continue to proclaim the value of our passion after its fulfillment but a closer self-examination most often shows us that our passion has become one to convert others to that which we were formerly passionate about. Those warnings being given, let’s look further at the usefulness of passion in gathering community.

 Rather than leading our inquiries with our excitement about Celtic Christianity or the Aidan Way, we begin talking about those things that most drew us here. But to whom should we talk? The Cursillo Movement has some excellent advice for us in this regard: “Talk to Christ about your brother or sister before talking to your brother or sister about Christ.” We might begin by praying that God would lead us to the right persons. We can also listen carefully and prayerfully to our friends, looking for spiritual hunger, that sense that “there must be more than this.”  By being a good and prayerful listener we open the door to a sharing of souls and those to whom we listen will attend us when we speak with equal openness.

 Most all spiritual hungers are addressed in one way or another in the 10 elements of the Aidan Way. It is often a revelation for many folks to discover that their secret spiritual hungers are shared by large numbers of Christians. To see their search addressed in a corporate Way of Life releases energy within them to renew their own search. This does not mean they are ready to sign on with the Aidan Way or even that they are ready to start a Celtic Christianity study group. They may indeed see the context of this discovery (i.e., the Aidan Way or Celtic Christianity) as being irrelevant to their search. Yet the fact that their own passion is addressed here will often open them up to exploring the context further.

 Follow up this conversation with an invitation to lunch or breakfast and the first thing you’ll discover is that you are no longer alone. We’ve long noted that one’s soul friend does not need to be a member of the Order of St. Aidan or even have a personal interest in Celtic Christian spirituality. A simple earnest response to the idea of spiritual growth is the first sign that you have found a companion on the way.

 Using this method you can add more people to your group. When you have a group of three or four who are looking at how the Aidan Way can aid them in focusing on their passions in spiritual growth we recommend that you NOT meet in churches or public places. Celtic Christianity is a very “homey” way of following Christ and it’s been our experience that growth and sharing are enhanced by the atmosphere of a home.

 This can be a long process, and very difficult in congregations or cultures afflicted with spiritual complacency or indifference. But as was said at the beginning: “Solitude strengthens, loneliness kills.”