Ryan Gibson (Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture #2)

Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture describes Pilgrimage as an example of a rite of passage. Rites of passage have three main stages which are separation, liminal phase, and reaggregation. I originally thought that only the liminal phase was required to transform oneself, but while this phase if probably the most important, it is by no means the only thing needed. When beginning a pilgrimage the first thing one must do is leave their current environment. This leads to the separation from their previous role in society which helps enable their transformation. This change from the normal puts pilgrims into a new perspective ultimately setting them up for the next phase of the rite of passage. The liminal phase happens during the time on pilgrimage where the the major transformations are made. Liminality can be described as a threshold in-between ones old self and their potential new one. Everyone liminal phase is different which begs the question of what is needed during liminality? The complete loss of all previous social and economic roles is a big part in the transformation as it gives the pilgrim insight into his true self not the self of society. The liminal phase is one of freedom, freedom from social norms and expectations that hinder true self awareness and happiness. After the pilgrimage, upon a return to society the pilgrim returns as a changed person both inwardly and outwardly.