Paige Bier_10 Sept._Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture II

According to the Webster dictionary, liminality is "the transitional period or phase of a rite of passage, during which the participant lacks social status or rank, remains anonymous, shows obedience and humility, and follows prescribed forms of conduct, dress, etc." (2014). The first chapter, Pilgrimage as a Liminoid Phenomenon, of Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture focuses primarily on the significance of ones' pilgrimage. Victor and Edith Turner say "Inside the Christian religious frame, pilgrimage may be said to represent the quintessence of voluntary liminality" (p.9). I agree fully with this statement because it wasn't until I felt completely hopeless that I decided to establish my foundation with Christianity as well as my relationship with Christ. Since a pilgrimage is a journey or search of moral or spiritual significance, I must say that my sacred place was none out of the ordinary: church. The church was the first place I discovered I not only wanted but needed a relationship with Christ in my life. On page 11, I read "But since Christ signifies 'the individual', a fundamental difference between corporate and singular initiatory traditions is till discernible". Since Christ lives in all of us, we encounter acts of Christ each and every day. As a college student, I must admit that I attend more bible studies and worship ceremonies on campus than I do at a church in the area. My own free time has actually helped me schedule quiet times where I can connect most with the Lord; it is said that "Religion has generally been moved into the leisure sphere, more and more subject to individual option (a person's free time is his to do as he likes with)" (p. 35). I completely agree with the authors here because watching sermons, attending bible study, prayer times, etc. all depend upon whether or not I make time for it.