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LET ME DIE IN IRELAND  /  Chapter 7: Slave Again  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 1
When Patrick refuses to pray to the wooden figurine of Taranis and instead speaks of “the one true God who created the land and the sea,” what picture of God’s identity and authority is he assuming, and what does that claim demand of everyone on the ship?
Another way to ask: When Patrick refuses to pray to Taranis and says there is “one true God” who made everything, what is he saying about who God is and what authority God has? What does that mean everyone on the ship should do?

Direct Answer Patrick assumes God is the only true Creator with authority over sea and land, so He alone is worthy of worship and trust for safety. That claim demands the crew turn from their idol and direct prayer and allegiance to the Father and Jesus Christ rather than treating God as one option among many.

Support from Transcript:

  • The sailors “began praying to a small wooden figurine of the Celtic god Taranis,” expecting Patrick to join for a “safe voyage.”
  • Patrick answers, “I pray to the one true God who created the land and the sea. I’m speaking of the Father, of the one called Jesus Christ.”
  • The captain frames the issue as ultimate trust: “Don’t you care whether or not you drown at sea?”—implying worship is tied to protection.
  • Patrick “boldly witnessed… telling them about the God of love who sent his Son to die for mankind,” presenting a unique saving God, not a tribal deity.
  • Later Patrick insists exclusivity again: “There is only one God. You can’t worship my God and still worship the sun or Taranis.”
Discussion Follow-ups If God alone rules the sea, what does that say about fear-driven rituals? What modern “safety gods” do Christians feel pressured to honor?

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