"There are more important things for a Christian to do than go on pilgrimage"

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“There are more important things for a Christian to do than go on pilgrimage”

First of all, what is a pilgrimage, is it just going to a special place, or is it the state of mind that you go in. I think it is the latter. The Daily Telegraph described a pilgrimage as “a journey of the soul”. This sums up what a pilgrimage is meant to be about; to improve your spirit and learn new things about yourself.

Most denominations encourage pilgrimage. There are many shrines around the world dedicated to Christianity, and many have their own separate areas for the different denominations. However, most places of pilgrimage have no conditions on what you must be to enter. Walsingham enjoys the presence of many thousand “pilgrims” who are not Christian, who come for the scenes and calming atmosphere.

But what is it’s importance, many people would say that a Christian should be helping people in their community out, not going on holiday. But I think that it is the after effect of going on a pilgrimage that makes it important. A Christian that goes on a pilgrimage is strengthened, and therefore will take a more active part in the community and help other people more than they would have done if they had not gone on a pilgrimage.

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If being a Christian were only about going on pilgrimages, not a lot would happen. However, if nobody went on pilgrimages, then all the miracles that happened at the pilgrimage sites would not have happened. There has to be a balance.

What are the alternatives for Christians? Help the poor, sick, disabled; give to charities; help the community; worship. These are all things that can be done on pilgrimages. Many pilgrims take a sick or disabled person on a pilgrimage in the hope of a miracle, or simply so they can enjoy it. There are many collections ...

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