| abstract | Swedish pilgrimage is simultaneously a reinvented ritual of organized religion, an off-shoot of medieval pilgrimage, and the cultural expression of a close connection to the land. This study of contemporary Swedish pilgrimage, in part a product of participant-observation, enters into the debate about conventional definitions of "religion," and about a perceived dichotomy between "sacred" and "secular." In Sweden, where much pilgrimage takes place under the auspices of historic churches, pilgrimage is a public performance often assumed to be religious. Even this assumption is examined here. Swedish pilgrims may define themselves as "spiritual, but not religious," or even as atheists, but many have a deep faith in the natural order that they themselves may not recognize as religion. For many Swedish pilgrims, the journey in nature is more important than the destination, reflecting a view of the Swedish land's immanent sacrality. Some pilgrimage destinations are merely parking lots or city centers, while others are great cathedrals or small parish churches. Atheist pilgrims, as well as believers, see their Swedish or European religio-cultural heritage reflected back at them in these destinations, a confirmation of identity which, itself, may well be a religious experience. New expressions of religion in Europe, as well as enactments of religious memory, may be missed or misrecognized. The Church of Sweden, which has supported most contemporary pilgrimage thus far, now also advocates increased efforts in environmental and social justice. Despite this potential for greater inclusivity, however, Swedish pilgrimage may continue to exclude the individual who is neither of Swedish heritage, nor a member of a traditional Swedish church. Alternatively, a more expansive pilgrimage ecumenism, born from an ecotheological perspective, may emerge. |
