The Mysterious Isle of Iona

In 563, an Irish monk named Columba sailed in a primitive coricle from Ireland, and set foot on a one by three mile isle of Iona, Scotland. Its east side is located across the Iona Sound from the much greater Isle of Mull. The western side faces the Atlantic Ocean. If you cast off from Iona and head west, you make landfall 2,300 miles on Newfoundland.

Columba brought 12 companions with him. He did not know Iona existed. He let God guide him. Soon they constructed a monistary. Columba's mission was to bring Christianity to Northern Scotland. He method of evangelization was to approach the pre-Christian tribes with kindness and respect. 

Meanwhile in the South which become known as England, Christianity was established from Rome. Columba was formed by Irish Christianity where the monastery was the local organization for teaching, lifestyle, and fostering relaionships. 

Roman Christianity was influenced by a hierachical system begining with the pope, then bishops, then priests. The clergy were the ultimate authorities in Christian doctrine and theology. To be a Roman Christian meant that you obeyed the clergy. The common people were taught to Bible with an interpretation that was handed down by the clergy. 

The Romans evangelized by force, and threat of hell.

Celtic Christianty emerged in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Northern England where the Roman Empire did not reach them. Their influence stopped at the Hadrian Wall.

The Celtic monk's evangelized by building relationships. They would build 

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