| |
| author |
Stephen Mark Rhoads
| | title |
Camino Transcendence in the Worship Experience
| | abstract |
For millennia, individuals have engaged in pilgrimages. The reasons for pilgrimage are as unique as the individuals partaking. Some travel to locations where miraculous events occurred hoping to experience the same. Others journey in the footsteps of holy people, seeking solidarity. A few have been known to engage in pilgrimage as an act of penance for wrongdoings. One individual may journey for self-awareness or learning while the other for the simple enjoyment of travel and relaxation. There are many reasons to journey on a pilgrimage, but one common outcome is transcendence. Focusing on the Camino de Santiago, this project explores the concept of transcendence and the elements of pilgrimage that lead to transcendent experiences. The Camino de Santiago is a series of pathways across Spain that converge on Santiago de Compostela, where the bones of Saint James, the apostle, are believed to rest. Numerous books, internet vlogs and websites, as well as movies and documentaries have been released documenting transcendent experiences on the Camino. This project will document some of those experiences. The goal of this exploration is to improve the local worship service experience. Worship, like pilgrimage, should lead to transcendence. By applying the discovered elements of pilgrimage, specifically the use of images and icons, communitas, and the pre- and post-experience, to the worship service, an environment more conducive to connecting with a great reality can be accomplished.
| | school |
The Theological School, Drew University
| | degree |
D.Min. (2023)
|
| advisor |
Jesse D Mann
|
| committee |
Jesse D Mann
Billy Watson
|
| full text | SRhoads.pdf |
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