Bernard Martin

African Conversion and the 'Irish Question'

Introduction

African conversion and the 'irish question'. Explore the historical 'Irish question' in politics and delve into the encounter between Celtic paganism and Christianity, examining conversion.

Abstract

About a hundred years ago, the 'Irish question' in politics centred mostly on Home Rule; it occupied a good deal of Mr Gladstone's attention, and was much discussed. That Irish question wasn't answered then, and isn't fully answered now. There was a 'Balkan question' in those days, too; it isn't answered, either. But the Irish question I have in mind is this: what happened when Celtic paganism encountered Christianity?

Review

This abstract presents a highly intriguing opening, immediately setting a unique intellectual agenda. The author cleverly redefines the well-known "Irish Question" from its conventional political and historical context (Home Rule, Gladstone) into a more foundational inquiry: the encounter between Celtic paganism and Christianity. This rhetorical move is effective, promising a deep dive into ancient religious conversion and its enduring legacy, offering a fresh lens through which to examine cultural and identity formation in Ireland, distinct from the geopolitical focus often associated with the phrase. The brief nod to the "Balkan question" further contextualizes this redefinition within a broader historical understanding of persistent, unresolved national inquiries. However, the abstract suffers from a critical omission that significantly hinders its clarity and effectiveness. While the latter half meticulously defines the paper's take on the "Irish Question," there is absolutely no mention of "African Conversion"—a theme prominently featured and equally weighted in the title. This creates a significant disconnect, leaving the reader entirely uninformed about how these two seemingly disparate topics are connected, compared, or even individually addressed within the paper. Is the "African Conversion" aspect a comparative study, a parallel narrative, or merely a thematic backdrop? The absence of any information regarding this key component makes it impossible to grasp the full scope, methodology, or indeed, the central argument that seeks to bridge these two vast historical and geographical areas. Given this, while the redefined "Irish Question" offers a compelling internal focus, the abstract ultimately fails to adequately represent the paper's comprehensive scope as suggested by its title. For a journal of record, an abstract must provide a concise yet complete overview of the article's core arguments and domains of inquiry. It is recommended that the abstract be revised to explicitly outline the nature of the connection or comparison between "African Conversion" and the ancient "Irish Question," or to clarify if the title itself might need adjustment to better reflect the content focused solely on Celtic-Christian encounter. Without this crucial information, the full potential and unique contribution of the paper remain obscured.

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