History Unplugged Podcast

Scott Rank

Pilgrimages Involved Penitent Marches, Visiting Holy Places, and Watching Drunken Emperors Go on Chariot Rides

April 24, 2025 ● 44 min

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Pilgrimages are a universal phenomenon, from China’s bustling Tai Shan to the ancient Jewish treks to Jerusalem. But why? What is it about a grueling penitent march to an isolated temple that has become a prerequisite for a civilization of any size, whether Chicen Itza in the Mayan Empire or the holy sites of Mecca?

To explore this is today’s guest, Kathryn Hurlock, author of “Holy Places: How Pilgrimages Changed the World.” We also look at whether pilgrimages have become too easy in the 21st century. Has jetting off to Mecca or Rome for a quick indulgence turned them into spiritual tourism, a la Disneyland?

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Today's Devotional

A Prayer to Remove the Plank in Your Own Eye - Your Daily Prayer - May 19

Each day when you get out of bed in the morning, ask the Lord to help reveal any sin that is in your life. Ask Him to change your heart of hypocrisy to a heart of honesty.

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