Erica Gamester: Image and Pilgrimage of Christian Culture #1

Image and Pilgrimage of Christian Culture #1

“It has become clear to us that liminality is not only transition but also potentiality, not only ‘going to be’ but also ‘what may be,’” (Page 3)

In class lecture, we have discussed the idea of “liminality” being a doorway or passage (also referred to as “margin”). During spiritual rituals of transition, one is considered to be in this spiritual margin. These rituals of transition can serve as a powerful doorway from childhood to adulthood; for example, in Judaism, a ceremony is held once a child reaches the age of 13 (called Bar Mitzvah for males and Bat Mitzvah for females). Reaching this age signifies maturity and the ceremony poses as the liminal period, welcoming the child into the new regime of adulthood.

In the novel, Image and Pilgrimage of Christian Culture, liminality is described a period of transition as well as potentiality, meaning that liminality allows one to explore and reflect upon the possibilities presented. Returning to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah example, this liminal margin gives the child the opportunity to reflect upon the ideal future for himself before entering new territory of adulthood. This margin of transition is a time where opportunities are practically unlimited and it is obligation of the subject to seize the suitable one for him/herself.

However, this liminal margin isn’t confined to rite of passage rituals.

“Liminality cannot be confined to the processual form of the traditional rites of passage in which [Van Gennep] first identified it…Liminality is now seen to apply to all phases of decisive cultural change” (Page 2)

“Decisive cultural change” translates to modifications in cultural principles and tradition. This allows liminality to be identified throughout cultural practices, giving it deep roots in the development of culture as a whole.

                                                                                           

Once the liminal threshold has been passed through, it is common that one may feel spiritually different, but treated the same by others. Awkwardly, external acceptance only comes with time. But don’t be dismayed, a new spiritual foundation has been acquired and ready to endure and be built upon for a lifetime.

The novel, Image and Pilgrimage of Christian Culture, advances my understanding of the sacred margin, offering the opportunity to develop spiritually within a culture. Unfortunately, Americans are unlikely to fully experience liminality due loss of the power of rituals; this is because of the implementation of strict laws as well as the fluxing American culture.