Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture: 2

A lot of activities in today's culture only require passive action--"you do you and I'll do me". Everything is optional because you wouldn't want to make someone participate in something they do not want to partake in. But in consequence this idea of passive action has spread into pilgrimage and religion. Throughout the beginning of Turner's book, he talks about the significance of pilgrimage and why people choose to take them. With people having so many reasons to go on a pilgrimage, they have become completely voluntary because some people can not come up with a reason to go on one. Pilgrimage and religion have moved into the "leisure sphere" (Turner 35). It's not until rock bottom is hit that one makes their faith a priority--which is what happened to me. I looked around at my life and did not understand how I had gotten to where I was or when I made the decision to go against everything I said I would never be. I had filled my life with everything that I thought would provide me "real" life and was still coming up empty. It was then that I made the voluntary decision to go back to church because I knew I need change in my life. As I began going back, I went when I felt I "needed" to go because "failure to attend is no longer a sin" (Turner 35). I think this is the result of our culture where material possessions are more important because they provide immediate gratification, where pilgrimages or following Christ do not always provide immediate gratification. Dr. Redick says in class that a lot of times people do not realize the significance of their journey until months after they return from the trail. Turner explains this by saying that "religion has become ...more solemn...in a culture dominated by the high value set on material productivity (Turner 36). After I realized and continue to realize that material possessions are of much less value than my spiritual health, I have been able to make the decision to spend my leisure time in Bible studies and faith services. Making the choice to spend my free time having quiet time with the Lord and following what he has planned for my life has also led to to break the segregation of religion and work (Turner 35). His joy, blessings, and sufferings overflow into every part of my life--especially my work and work ethic. I make the choice to be an active participant in my faith.