‘Alternative Religions’ were much the same
There are many extraordinary changes taking place within the Irish religious landscape and the series captured well one particular aspect, namely the development of evangelical churches within Irish Christianity.
The series therefore might have been more accurately titled ‘Alternative Christian traditions’ rather than ‘Alternative Religions’. All the churches you documented are Christian; they do not belong to another religion.
There may be some differences in theology and practice to the traditional churches in Ireland, some of which you outlined well, but this does not make them another religion. To demarcate them as such limits the scope to which we Christians can view our many similarities and common faith in Christ.
All the churches you highlighted are Trinitarian, therefore they believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ his son and the Holy Spirit and they place a primary emphasis on the bible.
A special investigation on ‘Alternative Religions’ might therefore instead look at the growth in capacity and practice of world religions in Ireland, such as Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Baha’i, etc.
Philip McKinley
Ecumenical Officer
Irish Inter-Church Committee
Milltown
Dublin 14
