What is meant by the Christian Life? We might also call it the Celtic Ethos. This is the understanding of the life of Jesus Christ and His teachings in a realistic way that can be enjoyed by those who are converted by faith and the Grace of God to a new life in Christ. By this we understand that God incarnate did what He did so that those who would respond to His love would be set free of their sin; be filled with joy and gladness; and focus on the wonders of His creation both in nature and in the lives of people.
It has occurred to us that most of organized religion is more interested in buildings, real estate, and their numbers of members with a focus on Sin and the Apocalypse (Second Coming of Jesus) instead of community, blessing, healing, deliverance, freedom, love, kindness, selflessness, and a life lived to its fullest day by day.
We of course understand that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and that the wages of sin is death; never the less, once we are made to be a Christian, forgiven of our sins, and converted into the image and likeness of God by the work of the Holy Spirit and water (Baptism/Chrismation). “The question, ‘How are we then to live?’ as asked by the Prophet Ezekiel (33:10) is as relevant today as in the prophet’s time.” If we understand the teaching of scripture correctly, we see this to mean that we are to be empowered by the Holy Spirit as Jesus was; be baptized like Jesus; and live a victorious Christian life. To that end, we seek to help people to be healed, encircled by the love of God in community, and focused on loving God and one another. If we should happen to sin, as the scripture tells us, we have an advocate with the Father in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ who is the propitiation of our sins. We are then instructed to repent, confess, receive forgiveness, and move on. If we keep short accounts with God, keep our heart and mind on the things of God, and avoid the trap of being preoccupied with sin, we can live a joyful and content life.
Some of you may read this and say that it sounds good, but it is impossible to live life without sin. Okay! However, did Jesus do all that He did just to leave us in a situation of futility? Or, did He provide the ability to live life victoriously by His Grace and the power of the Holy Spirit? We believe that He did. After His ascension, Jesus provided the gift of the Father for this purpose. Our role in it is to commit ourselves to God and walk out our faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. Is this easy? Not at first, but with practice, it gets to be more a part of how we do the business of living a holy life versus living life in a secular way with Christian veneer.
So, The Celtic Episcopal Church can then be characterized as having a number of congregations around the country who live their life together as friends, around the table of the Blessed Sacrament, and practice the Christian life, together, in love.