Daniel Thompson: Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture Blog 1

Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture does a good job at explaining why pilgrimages are important to a society. It also explains why these pilgrimages in Christian societies are a good representation of the social, cultural, and religious aspects to people's lives at the time. For example, Mexicans undertake a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadeloupe where a painting of the Virgin of Guadeloupe is displayed. This painting holds religious value but also acted as a symbol for Hidalgo's revolt. This pilgrimage is unique in that it is not only religious but a national identity for Mexico. My only question is why the book doesn't provide more than just a few examples of pilgrimages like this. The book only brings up two social/cultural/national pilgrimages and makes valid points about them, but it completely ignores the majority of journeys out there.

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