To put things in perspective, first one must know some background information. For it was Augustine who brought about the need for explanations. Augustine in his search for answers set up libraries with histories, philosophy, and legends. These libraries would become the treasure of classical knowledge and the basis for thought that would follow. Augustine constantly was questioning beliefs and always reforming them to suit his new state of mind. For instance Augustine's beliefs on religion were quite exploratory.

To absolve himself from his lust of the fine flesh he abandoned Catholicism for Manicheism, which had the aspects of "a little Christian symbolism, a large dose of Zoroastrian dualism, and some of the

As for the legends surrounding Patrick, few of them can actually be proven. "He did not chase the snakes out of Ireland. There is no way of knowing whether he used the shamrock to explain the Trinity. (115)" One thing is certain though and that is that it was him that set up Christianity in Ireland. He may not have stopped the Irish from their promiscuous pagan ways, but he gave them a faith and God in which to trust. He would instill a faith so strong that it would survive all questionable times and he would do it peaceably. Making Ireland the only nation that has embraced Christianity through no force or bloodshed whatsoever. "As the Roman lands went from peace to chaos, the land of Ireland was rushing even more rapidly from chaos to peace. (124)"

Columcille is the next important figure in Ireland's religious history for he is the first monk to become exiled from his beloved Ireland. In turn "he must save as many souls as perished in the battle he precipitated. (171)" He sets off for Scotland and it is "in this way, the Irish monastic tradition began to spread beyond Ireland. (184)". Columcille brings another culture into the Christian way. In his shame he strives for forgiveness by showing others the light of his God. Thus he starts a new era for the Irish monk.

In Ireland's Pagan society the God's were merciless and yet at the same time they allowed more freedom in people's actions. The pagan Irish had a religion that was more fantastical and easier to follow. Women in the pagan society were not held as equals but they were not cast aside such as those of the Christian society. During this time Ireland was not a developed nation. It was a simple time with a simple way of life. Life revolved around the good things in life such as wealth, sex, drinking, and storytelling. The only problems within the society were those that were created in-between themselves or those brought on by the will of the Gods; for example extreme weather or unexplainable situations. It would not be until Patrick came along that Ireland would resemble that of a higher society.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Roman Empire, Latin Greek, Ireland's Pagan, Christianity Ireland, Scotland Irish, Voice Irish, Irish Christians, Augustine Ireland, Saved Civilization, Catholicism Manicheism, saved civilization, christian god, british christians, pagan society, ireland saved, saved faith,
Approximate Word count = 1479
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)