Originally an enthusiast is a person possessed by a God. Applied by the Greeks to manifestations of divine possession, by Apollo, as in the case of the Pythia, or by Dionysus, as in the case of the Bacchantes and Maenads, the term enthusiasm was also used in a transferred or figurative sense. Thus Socrates speaks of the inspiration of poets as a form of enthusiasm.
Its uses, in a religious sense, are confined to an exaggerated or wrongful belief in religious inspiration, or to intense religious fervour or emotion. Thus a Syrian sect of the 4th century was known as the Enthusiasts. They believed that by perpetual prayer, ascetic practices and contemplation, man could become inspired by the Holy Spirit, in spite of the ruling evil spirit, which the fall had given to him. From their belief in the efficacy of prayer, they were also known as Euchites. Several protestantsects of the 16th and 17th centuries were called enthusiastic. During the 18th century, popular Methodists such as John Wesley or George Whitefield were accused of blind enthusiasm (i.e. fanaticism).
Alien Invaders Land In Ireland Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:50:14 -0000 Thursday, 4 September 2008 - Accelerated global warming evidenced by record temperatures and rainfall levels is having a profound impact on Irish wildlife with increasing varieties and numbers of alien invaders ... Game over! - Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland Fri, 05 Sep 2008 05:31:24 -0000 Dublin -- Home Aer Lingus = "There are two choices for dinner today - chicken or beef raviolli. Terra Madre Ireland in Waterford this weekend Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:21:42 -0000 For anyone interested in food, particularly Slow Food , it cannot have escaped your attention that Terra Madre Ireland will take place this week in Waterford. Man is arrested over Quinn murder Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:02:50 -0000 A man in his 50s has been arrested in the Dundalk area in connection with the murder of south Armagh man Paul Quinn. U2 album postponed Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:30:58 -0000 U2 band members Adam Clayton, The Edge, Bono and Larry Mullen Jr attend the European Premiere of 'U2 3D' at Cineworld on February 20, 2008 in Dublin, Ireland. New Digs Bolster PlayStation R&D Thu, 04 Sep 2008 03:54:36 -0000 SN Systems, a subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment, has announced the opening of a new satellite office in Dublin, Ireland, alongside plans for a company-wide recruitment drive.
404 Sheepdog Society - The club for Rough Collie and Border Collie breeders and owners in Ireland. Includes short history, contact form, offline membership form and newsletter.
Animal Lovers Ireland - Contains links and includes information on animal rescue, animal welfare andanimal careers.
Meta Description: [ Are you an animal lover? This site is dedicated to animals everywhere, and contains
information on pet ownership, pet rescue, careers with animals, animal pictures and much
more ]
Blue Cross Ireland - This registered charity for needy pet owners provides news, details of its mobile clinics and horse ambulance, case studies, ways of helping, a booklet request form, FAQ, images and contact details.
Meta Description: [ The Irish Blue Cross is a registered charity for needy pet owners and last year treated and vaccinated 9,642 animals at its mobile clinics. The figure included pets which went on for low cost neutering and life saving operations at referred veterinary practises. ]
Irish Animals on the Web - Gathering site featuring lists of Irish animal welfare groups, SPCA's, pounds, and a homes needed section. Also has current issues section and pet care tips.
Meta Description: [ Animal welfare in Ireland, including local resource information, animal rescue group contacts, and animal volunteer information. Pets to adopt in Ireland, including cats, kittens, dogs and puppies. ]
the oppertunity to know something more about the country. Or for the birds' enthusiast that wants to come accompanied in ...