The Pilgrimage

As you know, I recently returned from a pilgrimage to Asia Minor. One of the friends who joined me was Todd Littleton.

My podcast partner Teer Hardy asked Todd and me to break down some of our takeaways from Turkey.

Show Notes

In this episode of Crackers and Grape Juice, Teer checks in with Jason and Todd to reflect on their recent pilgrimage to Turkey (Asia Minor) with Brian Zahnd. They discuss the reasons for the pilgrimage, the historical and theological significance of Asia Minor as the birthplace of Christianity, and how these experiences deepened their faith. The conversation explores the rich history of early Christian sites, the importance of understanding the origins of Christian creeds, and the differences between Eastern and Western Christian traditions. They also share personal insights and observations, such as the absence of crucifixion imagery in Orthodox churches and the challenging terrain early Christians had to navigate. The discussion underscores the value of pilgrimages in connecting modern believers with the broader, ancient Christian community and the complexities of balancing religious and secular life.

Takeaways

• Asia Minor is crucial to understanding the roots of Christianity.

• The early church was more urban and cosmopolitan than often perceived.

• Christianity was a moral movement, not just a set of beliefs.

• The significance of sacred places enhances the understanding of faith.

• Pilgrimage can counteract the politicization of faith in America.

• Historical context is essential for interpreting scripture and church practices.

• The church's history is much older than many North American Christians realize.

• Experiencing the geography of biblical sites offers new insights.

• The early Christians faced significant challenges in spreading the gospel.

• Modern Christianity often compartmentalizes faith in ways early Christians did not.