Anglo Saxon Christianity

Here is a lively, carefully researched and fascinating introduction to the culture and spirituality of the Anglo-Saxons. Following the immense interest in recent years in Celtic spirituality, Paul Cavill’s book looks at the impact of Christianity on the pagan Germanic peoples who invaded Britain from the fifth century onwards. Drawing on historical and archaeological evidence, he paints a vivid picture of Anglo-Saxon culture and belief, contrasting this with the Celtic world view, and explaining how the powerful warrior code of the Anglo-Saxon peoples became merged with new Christian values. Quotes from Anglo-Saxon literature include the mighty epic Beowulf, and The Dream of the Rood–surely the most spectacular expression of Anglo-Saxon Christianity–along with Caedmon’s beautiful Hymn to creation, a translation of Psalm 136 and numerous miracle stories.