Christianity by Margaret Giblin (H.E. assignment)

Christianity began over 2000 years ago with the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the son of God. It was based on the Bible, the Word of God and through the years the Apostles and Disciples, with the aid of the Holy Spirit and the written word, spread it all over the world.

Through the years with the advancement of technology, other instruments became available for writing, for example ink pens, biros, typewriters, computers and nowadays there is the possibility of the Bible being available as an E-book on the internet.

Christianity in Ireland began with the arrival of St. Patrick in the second half of the 5th century and this changed the social and political life of the Irish people. The practice of Christianity brought hope to the people but through the years with the invasion of foreign rulers and with the advent of different political and religious divisions, many Christians from all churches were persecuted and had to go into hiding.

The church at Murlog was named after St. Patrick for according to the tradition, in the 5th century as he was traveling from Ballyshannon to Lough Derg to bless the people his cart broke down at the ford in Ballindrait. When it was refused he is said to have cursed both areas and said they would never grow into cities.

Elements of History

The use of the various instruments used for writing the Bible denotes how technological knowledge advanced through the centuries.

The spread of Christianity has changed in Ireland with the demise of the house stations, parish missions and other religious celebrations, which brought families and neighbors together.

Today Christianity is just a faint shadow of the teachings of St. Patrick. The majority of people today still attend church only for baptisms, weddings and funerals. A minority of people still hold on to the true faith preached by St. Patrick.