A Thesis on Pilgrimage

[Lojo613 1882]

 

A Thesis on Pilgrimage

Note, that I do not in any attempt accuse the people of Oren to be of little faith, or the church to be failing in it’s duties. I simply attempt to justify  

In my 213 years of life, I have seen no greater act of faith than pilgrimage. To set aside days, weeks, months, or even years of one’s life, simply to visit a shrine, city, or Cathedral would seem insane to most Orenians. But, perhaps, this insane idea might be key to the loyalty and devotion of Oren, solve a few of the Church’s financial and tourist troubles (especially relating to Luciensport), and reinvigorate interest in religious life.

 

The people of Oren claim they are devout. And they rightly may be, going to attend every mass, fighting for GOD, going to confession, and helping others. Yet, majority exist in some sort of half-loyal state of mind. They do not actively listen in mass, ignore the needs of the poor, and feel no real belonging in the religion, treating it as one might one’s name. You were born with your name, but it has always been yours, and if the circumstances ever required or looked more favorable, you would change it. As a convert, I see the trials, the struggle, and the requirements it takes to become a Canonist, but not everyone goes through this, and thus do not appreciate or care for the Church or GOD. This state of half-belief is very dangerous, and, in my opinion, may inhibit those who are afflicted from entering the afterlife. To take a pilgrimage is not merely to take a trip, but to take a JOURNEY. It is this journey, both spiritual and physical, which instills true loyalty and devotion to GOD. No longer is one simply born saved, but must earn his salvation. Thus, as a warrior who earns his name shall never drop it, as it was his blood and tears which forged it, so does a pilgrim never lose his zealotry, for in his sweat and time he ascended to salvation.

 

Pilgrimage is not only a good way to inspire devotion, but it really brings in much needed Alms to the poor around the area and drums up tourism for holy cities like Luciensport. As it stands, non-clergy really have no reason to visit Luciensport. They do not see it as a place of deep holiness, but simply a gathering place for the holy leaders. Thus Luciensport’s economy is missing out on a large amount of capital that could be redirected into church activities, such as the promotion of art, architecture, science, and missionary work. Shrines also have this same effect on the local economies, bringing capital from one point in Oren to another which one would have never really bothered to visit. Those impoverished in the areas of Shrines may be lifted out of such, and find happiness in the travelers that arrive. It almost seems that GOD is rewarding not only the faithful, but the church, and others for the act of Pilgrimage.

 

In Oren, I admit that there are already saintly shrines which people do make short journeys to visit, but, they are rarely in locations of importance, and rarely are people encouraged to visit them. As seen with the Uruks and their totems, If shrines were left in both obvious, and important locations, rather than a back alley in Felsen, the faithful will make a journey to place forth offerings and prayers for the Saints. Thus slowly but surely improving and bringing the people ever closer to salvation. As the shrines stand now, they are not worth a pilgrimage to by anyone except the neighbors, and could use a good update if they wish to inspire the poor to religious acceptance..

It is practiced by many different groups, the idea that a land could hold some special significance, and that traveling to such brings one closer to GOD. Perhaps, as it brings joy and wealth to the people who endorse, participate, and are affected by it, it is the wish of GOD that we also endorse such actions.

[Swgrclan 2682]

"It is strange that the Church censors the title by which they refer to their venerated lord. Art they not proud of their god?" Abdiel asks himself as he surveys this scripture.

[HappyShackles 886]

On 4/18/2016 at 7:27 AM, Swgrclan said:

"It is strange that the Church censors the title by which they refer to their venerated lord. Art they not proud of their god?" Abdiel asks himself as he surveys this scripture.

The High Pontiff contends with this!

 

"A thesis of the clergy, both ordained and unordained, is a piece of theological study largely based on personal experience. They do not represent the Church's stance or opinion."

[Swgrclan 2682]

On 4/19/2016 at 0:38 PM, HappyShackles said:

The High Pontiff contends with this!

 

"A thesis of the clergy, both ordained and unordained, is a piece of theological study largely based on personal experience. They do not represent the Church's stance or opinion."

 

Abdiel appears half-pleased by the High Pontiff's clarifitory retort. He responds thusly:

"Fair enough; to judge the entirety by the professions of the one is an unwisdom I myself have argued against in the past. Good tidings to thee."

 

The Dark Elf absconds after a bow of his head.

[Wendigo 786]

Moved to the Archive. If you feel this is a mistake, please contact myself or any FM and we'll restore it.