Kenneth McIntosh
A Review
By Frank A. Mills
Oak & Lotus: Celtic Christian Spirituality in the Light of Eastern Wisdom, Kenneth McIntosh (2023). ISBN 9791625248756. 189 pages, including notes & index.
Falling and ending up in the hospital for brain surgery Oak and Lotus was just the book I needed! Read as a devotional, it helped me recuperate while confined to a hospital bed, as well as look at the steadfast love of God in a deeper way. Thank you, Kenneth McIntosh!
Oak & Lotus is a delight to read as it in a meditative way shines the light of Eastern Wisdom upon the Wisdom of Celtic Spirituality. Oak & Lotus takes us on a delightful pilgrimage that reminds us that God is present in the very core of the universe.
Years ago, when I taught Celtic Christianity/Spirituality a portion of the course was devoted to the connections and similarities between Celtic Spirituality and Eastern Wisdom and what could be gleaned from, and applied to our faith and way of living. Oak and Lotus would have been a great add-on as a text book. One that moves spiritual wisdom from the head to one’s whole being.
Using the “Strength of the Oak” and the “Beauty of the Lotus” (chapter1) McIntosh draws together the West and the East, urging us to be “oak-wise” and “lotus-wise,” an invitation to richer insights that create a deeper faith.
Moving from this invitation McIntosh takes us on a pilgrimage where the Wisdom of Hinduism (chapter2), the Wisdom of Buddhism (chapter3), and the Wisdom of Taoism (chapter3) shine their light on the wisdom of Celtic spirituality. Each chapter concludes with discussion questions and suggestions for spiritual practice.
Some will see Oak and Lotus as a form of synergism. It’s not, but it is listening to the Holy Divine Wisdom of the past. McIntosh shares a story from the life of Saint Patrick where while celebrating the Eucharist he was approached by some “men of old” and fell into a discussion with them. While they converse two angels appear and Patrick asks if there is any harm before God to listen to the wisdom of these “pagan men”? The angels replied, “Whatever they tell, write it down on poet’s boards and in the words of poets, for it will be well for the people of the latter times to be listening to them.” There in knowledge and Wisdom to be found in all approaches to the Divine.
Kenneth McIntosh is a writer, educator and United Church of Christ pastor and author of Water from an Ancient Well: Celtic Spirituality for Modern Life. In addition, he has written dozens of other books--mostly non-fiction.
As a child he became fascinated with the Celtic legends of his heritage and then as a young adult he experienced a profound spiritual conversion. Degrees in English and theology combined with travels in the Middle East and the Celtic lands of Ireland, Scotland and Wales inspire his writing.
Kenneth is also a noted public speaker and has presented classes, workshops, and seminars in the US and UK for retreat centers, churches, and Highland festivals.
© Frank A. Mills, 1997-2024
