St Patrick took bribes from his converts

[emad]

Sunday Times
Jan Battles and Nicola Tallant



ST PATRICK was warned by church authorities to stop accepting bribes from wealthy women he converted, according to a new book.

The patron saint of Ireland was told he was bringing dishonour on the church through his dodgy dealings at the altar, ancient writings discovered during research for a medieval history book reveal.

Rob Vance, the author of Secret Sights II — Unknown Medieval Ireland, says the saint, who came to Ireland as a slave in the 5th century and eventually converted the country to Christianity, was reprimanded by the church and told to stop accepting expensive trinkets.

“He was essentially accused of taking bribes,” said Vance. “He would convert the women using stories of Jesus Christ and they would come back and leave jewels on the altar for him.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,176-1482222,00.html

[many a good man]

1. He was the first Christian missionary OUTSIDE the Roman Empire

He must have been some slick politician. He was successful beyond anyone's wildest dreams in single-handedly converting an entire country. How can you argue with success? He must have known what he was doing. The people loved him.

[bloom]

2. The problem with the concept of Saints

nobody is perfect.

And it seems like the more powerful - the less likely.


But people sure like the idea of people who attain perfection... or appear to come close. And look at celebrities on a pedestal. And how easy it is to knock people off.