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 PrintableVersion A Light in the LandChristianity in Wales 200-2000God in WalesA LIGHT IN THE LAND: This is a book that many have waited for. As the author points out in his preface, many people over the years have searched far and wide for a broad survey of the history of Christianity in Wales and, although several aspects of the subject have been discussed in specialised publications, until now there was no inclusive overview. But now the long-awaited book has appeared. Was it worth the wait? This attractively-produced volume, copiously illustrated, has been written in characteristically lucid fashion by Gwyn Davies, Professor of Church History at the Evangelical Theological College of Wales at Bryntirion, Bridgend, and an expert on Welsh history. The clarity of thought and expression provides the book with its delicately balanced tone: on the one hand the volume could be used as a school textbook, while on the other it is guaranteed to interest and instruct the general reader. It contains short, easy-to-read chapters with additional special sections on key figures and calendars of events for the various periods covered, with columns entitled The Faith in Wales, Welsh History and Literature, The Church in General and The Wider World providing a parallel chronology. BeginningsTo most students of history, 1588 is synonymous with the threat of the Spanish Armada. In Wales, however, 1588 marks the publication date of the first translation into Welsh of the complete Bible. Many Welsh nonconformists could well be forgiven for believing that the history of Christianity in Wales began in 1588, or possibly in 1567, when the first Welsh New Testament appeared. A Light in the Land follows the silver thread linking 200 AD, when Christianity arrived with the Romans, and the end of the second millennium, and portrays God's faithful remnant in Wales over the ages. The Celtic Church or 'the Age of the Saints', between the 5th and 7th centuries AD, was an energetic and courageous time. Faithful believers such as Dewi (David), Dyfrig, Illtud, Deiniol and Beuno founded settlements where the message of salvation was preached. In a wider Celtic context men of this period are known to have braved the Atlantic in coracles to spread the gospel in Brittany, Cornwall, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. The early 5th-century contention between Pelagius and Garmon or Germanus of Auxerre, is presented, the latter being sent to Wales to counter the wrongs of Pelagianism, which denied the whole idea of original sin. The monastic traditions of the medieval period is discussed, followed by the history of the Reformation in Wales, crowned by the appearance of the 1588 Bible and the enormous influence which the Word of God has had on the Welsh nation since. It is a stated fact among Welsh historians that the Welsh language would not have survived were it not for the impact, both spiritually and educationally, of having the Scriptures in the Welsh vernacular. Puritans and revivalThe section on the Puritan period mentions such eminent Welshman as John Penry, Morgan Llwyd and Vicar (Rhys) Prichard who kept the flame alight until the Great Awakening of the 18th century. The prelude to the Calvinistic Methodist Revival is found in the work of Griffith Jones, vicar of Llanddowror, who helped to educate the Welsh nation by means of his circulating schools. It was George Whitefield who said of Griffith Jones: among all the 'burning and shining lights' in Wales, 'Mr. Griffith Jones shines in particular' as one of the 'good soldiers of Jesus Christ'. Needless to say, one of the liveliest periods of Welsh Christianity has to be condensed into about 16 pages, but Howel Harris, Daniel Rowland, William Williams of Pantycelyn and Thomas Charles of Bala all feature prominently. Wales was favoured with at least 15 revivals between 1762 and 1862. This resulted in a worshipful church and a country where faith exercised an extensive influence over its people in terms of social justice and morality in general. So much so, a judge was often presented with white gloves as there were no cases to be heard in the courts, which gave birth to the saying 'Wales - the Land of the White Gloves'. During the 19th century biblical criticism brought theological decline in its wake. It is sad to see how regenerate, capable men were hoodwinked by new trends in education and how many a flock followed its leader who was thought to know better. By 1900 the 'outward shell seemed in good condition, but in reality there were serious problems at the heart of the faith in Wales'. This trend continued into the 20th century but with certain glowing exceptions, such as the emotionally charged 1904-05 Revival. The remainder of the story is generally one of decline, but the author points out several encouraging phenomena in the 20th century, including the influential ministry of Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the formation of the Evangelical Movement of Wales in 1948 and its influence on Welsh life through camps, conferences and publications, and the theological teaching and writings of Professor R. Tudur Jones, 'a giant of a Christian historian... [who] believed that God had made him a Welshman primarily in order to serve his Lord within that nation. He was therefore grieved to see the spiritual and moral decline in Wales. And he knew that the only hope was to return in repentance to this God'. Remarkable readThis is a truly informative and well-designed book that will interest all believers. The author is to be congratulated on his translations of Welsh hymns which echo the measure and rhyming patterns of the original in addition to preserving the intellectual content. It is remarkable to read of God's deeds in Wales and by means of the Welsh language, especially during the great 18th-century revival; to quote the author's own words: 'Great numbers experienced a spiritual conversion that brought them into a new relationship with Jesus Christ and a burning desire to live in obedience to him. Partly because of its use of the Welsh language, the revival affected all social strata, including the very lowest. As a result, the lives of individuals and families were transformed, often quite radically. Rather than providing an escape from the troubles of daily living, their faith encouraged them to face disappointment and loss with courage and hope. The effect of biblical religion was to produce over many years a people who combined grit and dignity in equal measure... A sense of exhilaration fills the history of the 18th century in Wales. Something happened. And Welsh life was to feel its effects for generations.' Dafydd Ifans, Librarian, National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth © Evangelicals Now - August 2002 |
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