In 2012, Alan Ford and Thomas O'Loughlin, both professors in Nottingham, discussed current interest in 'Celtic Christianity' and how what is imagined as the form of Christianity in the British Isles in some far-distant past may tell us more about today's desires that about the early middle ages.

The historian says in effect: what people think it was like - it more than likely never was like that. But the challenge then comes to the theologian (and pastors): but what is it today that makes people long for such a time, hunger for spiritual answers to inner longings?