Some Things I Like About the Irish

1 comments | Jan 21, 12:02 PM | best-of-earl | by Earl Creps

Having spent five days in Ireland I have found myself drawn to the people and culture of this island.

Here is a list of some of the things I like about the Irish:

1. Teaching some classes today at Carraig Eden Theological College I realized that, while the Irish speak with a distinct accent (to American ears), no two of the accents ever seem to be exactly the same.

2. When we visited with the leadership team of Liberty Community Church in Dublin last night, our normally tea-drinking hosts were kind enough to make me a cup ‘a Joe!

3. After a seminar with the staff of Open Arms church in Newbridge,

pastor PJ Booth an Sean Duncan took us out for an incredible lunch at a place famous for two things: the manufacture of cutlery and the owner’s collection of celebrity artifacts, especially those of Audrey Hepburn.

I’ve seldom known hospitality and creativity in such a splendid alloy. Two examples of this combination were the “bonoffee” pie, a blend of banana and toffee:

And the original glitter ball used in the film “Saturday Night Fever”

4. Some of the leadership at Open Arms taught us to describe things we appreciated as “brilliant,” a term that seems even better than “good” or “OK” or even “cool”.

5. On a tour of a restored 18th century mansion called Powers Court with Gary Davidson, I felt the depth of Irish history and some of its struggles.

6. Talking with leaders at all of the places where we have spoken, I have heard many stories of church plants, revitalizations, and missionary activity. Being in the ramp-up stage of our Berkeley church plant, Ireland is exactly where we need to be this week. We are receiving great encouragement as well as much practical insight from the Irish. (Check out George Hunter’s, Celtic Way of Evangelism.)

7. From remarks made by several people I have a fresh appreciation of how American are perceived: insular, arrogant, imperialistic, and insensitive to reality on the ground here (or anywhere else). This insight is a gift. I have a much better idea of how to relate to the Irish, and to people in Berkeley.