I have just read an interesting book called “The Year we Seized the Day” about two writers who walk the 750 kms of the Santiago de Compestella (sp?) in Spain.  Neither professes an orthodox (small o) or bible-believing Christian faith.

I found the challenges they faced on a physical, but particularly spiritual/emotional level particularly interesting.

Whilst neither I nor the authors of the book believe that you can earn your way to heaven by undertaking a pilgrimage or that such a thing will make you closer to God, but I wonder if time out of the normal rush of everyday life and with nothing to focus on but the very basics of survival would be a useful experience, Sort of like an extended “quiet time” or period of reflection with the physical conditions forcing yourself to an intense time of reflection.  Or is a pilgrimage just a sort of vain (in every sense of the word) piety?

THoughts anyone?

Vain and pointless. If you have the time and money to spare on a pilgrimage, go help some misso instead.

Hi Melinda.

Just replying to encourage you and to encourage more other “gals” to contribute in these forums. I am missing you all. I don’t want world domination. Just a few more gals contributing a little more often.

The pilgrimage sounds great if it is focussed on God. Walking 750km seems a bit extreme to me. But I think it is good for everyone to take time out occasionally to log back into God.

I think their aim (which seems purely secular and self focussed) is what makes it seem like wasted time and the word piety is used.

But pilgrimages are done all the time by faith believing people all over the world. Even us Christians in Australia go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land with tours around the sites where Jesus once walked. Some people would view these as wasted journeys too (including me) but others have found them to be extremely helpful.

So what is a growth experience for one person can be a waste of time for another.

Thanks for your reply Danni, could you could expand on the advantages of helping out “missos"” as compared to undertaking a pilgrimage a bit more?

Many thanks for your kind words Heather.  Your point about growth experiences made me wonder about the various activities we undertake, For example, is there an inherent advantage in going to something like a Christian convention (like Katoomba) as opposed to undertaking a piligrimage?  Anybody have any thoughts on that?

Ahh, you beat me to it. I was just going to say “Katoomba”. I go there with some friends, and some of the conversations there keep me thinking for years. It’s great. That’s my pilgrimage, or sabbath? Time out to study God’s word and fellowship with friends has got to be a good thing now and then. One might even do it regularly. ;-) It’s just a matter of degree I think.

I do get suspicious of the people that go on 750km walks though… sounds like a holiday.

Dave Lankshear - 13 July 2007 08:12 PM

I do get suspicious of the people that go on 750km walks though… sounds like a holiday.

If you look miserable and thoughtful at the right moments, it’s a pilgrimage. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

A 750 km walk actually sounds very much like hell to me :) Give me Katoomba anyday.

It’s all a question of perspective, I was at a dinner the other day where a lot of scoffing was being done at missionaries to France and Ireland, bit of a holiday with nice food etc as opposed to those missionaries to India or even less Christian-friendly places.  Fair call I guess.

Gordon, surely one looks more beatific, when on a pilgrimage than merely thoughtful :)

Interesting question, though. I guess we should be guided, as at all times by “Whatever you do, whether you eat or drink, do it all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:31. If you can glorify God by walking 750 km, kudos to you (or, really God), if not, then don’t bother. Likewise, dare I say, with Katoomba Conventions (although, I hasten to add, every time I have gone I have grown in my relationship with God, thanks to him and the gifted speakers). I suspect it is even possible to attend Katoomba conventions with less than godly motives.

Melinda Seed - 13 July 2007 09:10 PM

It’s all a question of perspective, I was at a dinner the other day where a lot of scoffing was being done at missionaries to France and Ireland, bit of a holiday with nice food etc as opposed to those missionaries to India or even less Christian-friendly places.  Fair call I guess.

Yes, I think it is. If you judge by externals, there’s no difference between these things.