Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture Blog 1

In class, we have talked about the importance of straying away from society's different commodities in order to define a new perspective. In the book, "Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture", the authors states that, "In societies with few economic opportunities for movement away from limited circle of friends, neighbors, and local authorities, all rooted alike in the soil, the only journey possible for those not merchants, peddlers, minstrels, jugglers, tumblers, wandering friars, or outlaws, or their modern equivalents, is a holy journey, a pilgrimage or a crusade." I think this connects to the idea that in order to live one's own life, original from others, they need to find a different path that they can follow without the presence of everyone else that they are around all the time. The book also talks about how small problems over the years get exacerbated because these people in small communities hold on to what they're feeling, without ever letting that frustration out. I agree with this and the fact that this would cause problems without a journey outside the society. In such a small society, a big outburst would ricochet everywhere, causing awkward and tense situations. I think a pilgrimage would allow anyone to be able to rethink what has happened, as well as the opportunity to clear their heads (without the constant presence of others around them). This journey also, in my opinion, would allow people to expand their limited circle of people, so they are able to gain new perspectives for their lives. Instead of living in the same views as their own, on their journey they would be able to hear different people and their views. I think this is an important quality to have in one's life-- ability to hear and really listen to other people's views and opinions.