Camino de Santiago
Photo Courtesy of Douglas Brouwer
“In other words, the religious ritual is
typically embodied, synchronous, deep, and collective.”
Derek Thompson
There is evidence of the growing “aloneness” that has increased after the Covid pandemic and with widening chasms exacerbated by political rhetoric. This is particularly an issue for faith communities!
I just finished reading a pre-pandemic book, “You are what you love: The spiritual power of habit.”, that makes the case for a transformational liturgical response. Specifically. the author argues that religious “habits” bring meaning to our lives. The transactional strategies are not working, so we need to revert to those practices that lead to deep change. This is where we find love, joy and meaning.
But isn’t there already some evidence of a post-pandemic renaissance? Are we in a new era of cancer therapy because of RNA research? Are we seeing an increase in educational opportunities because of increased access with new technology? Are we seeing searching for meaning in our lives with the marked increase in “pilgrimage” travel?
I believe we are at a “tipping point” where we will see other dimensions of our lives that are more connected and that some of the “old ways”, like pilgrimages, will be the sources of meaning and purpose. What do you think?
Marvin
References
Thompson, D. (2024) The True Cost of the Churchgoing Bust
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/america-religion-decline-non-affiliated/677951/
Burge R.,(2024) Dropping Out of Everything
Murthy, V. H. (2020). Together : the healing power of human connection in a sometimes lonely world (First edition. ed.). New York, NY: Harper Wave, an imprint of HarperCollins.
Smith, J. K. A. (2016). You are what you love: The spiritual power of habit. Brazos Press.
Hage, M. L. (2011). Pilgrimage and Healing.
http://healingagents.blogspot.com/2011/02/pilgrimage-and-healing.html
Hage, M. L. (2020). Finding Joy.
http://healingagents.blogspot.com/2020/01/finding-joy.html
Hage, M. L. (2020). Healing Faith.
http://healingagents.blogspot.com/2020/06/healing-faith.html
Walker, K (2021) Pilgrimages could be the next post-covid travel trend
