Another point is that commercialism would not in anyway reduce the value of pilgrimage for those who go on pilgrimage for the right reason. If someone is there for the right reason they will be able to ignore the commercialism and be able to concentrate on their own Christian experience.
Commercialism also has the effect of attracting more people through suitable hotels and places to eat to make the pilgrimage more practical. Many Christians would believe that having more people at the pilgrimage would increase the value of the experience for everybody. Large numbers give extra meaning and potency in prayer and help the pilgrimage bring a large number of Christians together which is, of course, an important part of pilgrimage.
It is also argued that commercialism is never allowed to enter the special areas at a pilgrimage site. This means that it does not affect the value of a Christians pilgrimage as where the pilgrim prays and contemplates Jesus or Mary for example, commercialism is not present.
Commercialism can also help pilgrims take time out from the pilgrimage site and reflect. Most Christians would agree that there is nothing wrong with relaxing in bars or looking in shops during your visit to take a break.
Many Christians would however argue that yes, commercialism does reduce the value of a Christian pilgrimage. A major reason why is that it is believed that commercialism distracts pilgrims from the main purpose. Pilgrims could spend all their time in shops and other places of interest without really contemplating their pilgrimage or even praying, reducing the value of the pilgrimage.
Some Christians even look to the bible to show how commercialism at religious sites is wrong. In the bible we are told of Jesus’ anger at the money changers in a temple. From this story many Christians would argue that Jesus would be against such commercialism at a pilgrimage site.
Some Christians would also feel that other Christians that may be there for the commercial aspects would spoil their pilgrimage. This is because many pilgrims who want a ‘pure’ experience do not want to be exposed to the commercial side to the pilgrimage. Some Christians would also say that the commercial aspects could get in the way of their worship.
Commercialism can also lead to exploitation. People’s willingness to experience many different opportunities such as lighting a prayer candle leaves them vulnerable to unscrupulous people who may take advantage. This can leave the pilgrimage to be a disillusioned experience for many Christians.
Another argument is that the commercial aspect can draw people to a pilgrimage site for the wrong reasons. For example many Christians visit the Holy land as part of a holiday. This would be very different to pilgrims who are looking for a very different, more religious experience. This could cause the different pilgrims to have opposing views causing a lacking sense of unity therefore decreasing the value of the pilgrimage for a Christian.
I believe that arguments for both points of view are valid and I can understand the reasons people believe them. Personally, I think that the question is true, but only to a certain extent. I do not believe that some shops outside the main religious area would make the pilgrimage any less valid for a dedicated Christian.
In my view the value of a pilgrimage is far more up to the pilgrim rather that their surroundings. I think that to make your pilgrimage meaningful and have value it is up to you entirely.
I can also recognise the downfalls of commercialism, for example making the experience tacky or distracting. However I also believe that the positives definitely out way this, making the site more open to the ill and children for example. Overall I believe that commercialism can decrease the value of pilgrimage top a Christian however I have also found that it can also increase the value of a pilgrimage.
