Where did George Hunter who is PhD at Asbury Seminary get his information then? That is what he writes in his book which comes across written as fact.

Great article! Thanks for pulling together these insights.

It is interesting that this one man, about whom historical data is sketchy, was used to transform a nation. The fact that he didn't spend all his time documenting his wonderfulness, nor his followers doing that for him, speaks highly of his priorities and humility. Good thing he isn't ministering today or all his time would be spent on TV interviews, televised church services, book signing tours, and figuring out how to market his next book.

it is time we give consideration to the one element of St Patrick's movement in early Ireland.
We should make certain that all the original species of snake are returned to their rightful place and live peacefully on the land.
It is their right and an accomplishment of social justice.

The article is fine, but, you miss the historical point...St Patrick, Enlightener of Erie (Ireland) is a Saint of the Orthodox Catholic Church...the same Church that gave to Bible in its present form (77+ books..) to the world. He was of the Universal True Right Believing organism that Christ GOD called into being on the day of Pentacost. He is rightly esteemed by True Believing Christians, just as it is 'biblical' (in 'evangelical' terms...) to refer to the Blessed Virgin, Mary, Mother of God. Let's not re-rewrite again, the history of the Church (as it has been done ...how many times since the 'reformation'...!). IF, the 'west' theologically speaking, would just stop trying to re-invent the wheel. More's the pity...........

St Patrick's Day should not be about a 'social issue'. It should be about the power of the gospel; of a man who loved his enemies, and a people who were converted not by decree nor sword, but bearing witness and love. It should also be about taking pride in one's nation and culture, but recognizing that in Christ all distinctions fade. The patron saint of Ireland was a Roman citizen (Italy) from England.

I agree! I am so tired of watching people binge drink all night long in the name of St. Patrick. I have decided that Christmas is for corporate entities to over sell manufactured product from exploited workers in China and India, Easter and Valentines are for chocolate from child laborers in Cote d'Ivoire and St. Patricks Day is for beer companies to poison mass populations and cause accidents...

I have lived in Ireland for two years now. I am in a non-denominational church here in Dundalk called Grace Fellowship. Yes the culture of booze and partying has distracted from the real St. Patrick. And yes, the fables about the snakes and the shamrock may not be true. But one thing is for certain. St. Patrick was an old time missionary. When he was in his teens he was kidnapped and put into slavery in Ireland. His time as a slave was reminiscent of David's time as a shepherd boy. St. Patrick grew close to God and developed a close relationship with him on the hill tops with the sheep. He even wrote and sang as David did. He eventually escaped and went back to the island now known as the UK. After a while God just kept talking to him to go back and spread the gospel in the then mainly Druid and pagan Ireland. He was obedient. When he returned he first went to his old master in order to share the gospel with him. But the man killed himself because he was afraid Patrick came for revenge. Being deeply grieved he set his sights on the Druid kings who reigned from the hill of Tara. It was from the opposite hill, the Hill of Slane that St. Patrick choose to burn the light of Christianity in 433 AD. It was the eve of Easter and coincidentally the pagan Feast of Beltane and the Spring Equinox. St. Patrick knew that King Laeghaire would be at Tara to celebrate Beltane. In direct defiance to the law that no fire should be lit in the vicinity of the great festival fire at Tara, St. Patrick lit a bonfire on the Hill of Slane to welcome the light of Christianity. King Laeghaire drove his chariot in anger to the Hill of Slane to arrest this rebel (St. Patrick could watch the army coming from the hill of Tara to the hill of Slane, but he just stood there and waited) but St. Patrick was so eloquent in his preaching, the King was soon pacified and St. Patrick was allowed to preach Christianity to the pagan army. St. Patrick was 19. To me that boldness is why we celebrate him. His attitude and passion for the Gospel even in the face of death. What an example!!!