The Way of the Lord: Christian Pilgrimage Today

by Tom Wright

Tom Wright explores all the sites that travelers usually visit on a tour of the Holy Land, explaining not only what is to be seen but also the context of faith that makes these sites, and the events associated with them, famous around the world. By weaving together Old and New Testament stories, poetry, and original insights, Wright helps readers enter imaginatively into each scene. He also sprinkles his narratives with reflections on the nature of pilgrimage generally and with discussion of vital contemporary issues related to the Holy Land.

Genres: Theology, Spirituality, Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction

148 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 1999

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

He also publishes under N.T. Wright.

Reviews

[Will Lester]

Masterful blend of the history of the land, it’s modern situation, and the biblical lessons to be learned. Good read for any believer but a must read if they plan on spending any time in the Holy Land. The whole thing through but especially the epilogue was a refreshing perspective in a sea of polarizing “Christian” stances.

[Rachel Littlejohn]

"It is often said that Jerusalem is the focal point for three great religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam; but it is actually a focal point for four, because to these we must add another 'ism', namely Tourism. Tourism is the modern, secular version of pilgrimage, in which we go to famous places, or to see well-known sights, not to meet God or to receive healing or blessing, but to see things that our culture tells us we out to see, to expand our own horizons and experiences, to buy souvenirs to make us feel good when were back home, to take photos and videos so that we can steal something of reality. You go to Jerusalem, or Athens, or Venice, or anywhere else, to worship the god of secularism, the god of a liberal culture that tells you to observe from a critical distance, but not to get involved. To sense the magic of the place, and then to buy postcards. To say a prayer perhaps, if that's your kind of thing, but not to stay on your knees all day. We've got to get on to the museum, or back to the hotel for tea. Our reality must remain undisturbed." p. 63 (of UK edition)

[Jason]

It's a shame that protestants have thrown the baby out with the bathwater, and forgotten almost all of the disciplines of the faith. Wright seeks to help them recover the practice of pilgrimage here, and has written a book that allows you to go on a pilgrimage even if your'e not going to the Holy Land. I actually read this while on tour through Israel, and it added a significant amount of spiritual depth to the archeological and historical work I was doing. I'll re-read this book every year, I think.

[Andrew]

Nothing ground-breaking, but challenging for most Protestants, as our view of pilgrimage is normally one of disdain. I read it on the plane to and from Israel and it was especially relevant for that trip.

[Patrick Donohue]

Read on Israel pilgrimage

[Rory Fox]

A meditative geographical exploration of some journeys in and around Jerusalem, loosely following in the footsteps of Jesus while thinking about the significance of the events themselves and of what they mean for modern Christians.

I particularly appreciated the way that the author mentions that he has come somewhat late to the idea of pilgrimage. His original faith was more of an intellectual event and it is only recently that he has become aware of the way that physical interactions such as journeys can be a real and helpful aspect of how physical people live out their faith. It is with that realisation that he explains each journey and draws from it a sense of the spiritual development.

The main contours of Jesus’ (adult) life are discussed in relation to ten journeys, which are essentially along the Jordan and up and down hills like Mt Tabor and the Mount of Olives.

I was a little disappointed that the book didn’t make more of the Jewish heritage in the background of Jesus’ life, where of course the annual pilgrimage to the Passover sacrifice at the Temple was a (if not ‘the’) major event. There are even Psalms specifically associated with the journey. I think it is helpful to bring these themes out as they show that the idea of pilgrimage pre-dates Christianity and answers to something that Judaism responded to in the human spirit. Otherwise it is all too easy to think of pilgrimage as something essentially invented as a medieval corruption of Christianity.

The text of the book is very clear and the author builds a helpful picture of events so that readers can get a good impression of what is being conveyed. However, there was the occasional surprise. For example in the introduction there was a reference to pre-Roman Christianity. What on earth is that? How can there be a Christianity that is pre-Roman, when Christianity came about in the Roman world?

Overall, an enjoyable scriptural meditation that can be prayed as an armchair pilgrimage or even used as the basis for real physical journeys.

[Carol Bakker]

This book occupied a delightful fortnight of winter evenings. My husband read aloud, interrupting often while we talked through an idea presented. Each chapter describes a physical pilgrimage (The Way to Damascus, to Jordan, to the Wilderness, to Galilee...) along with a metaphorical journey. Wright isn't predictable, he isn't dispensational, but he is pastoral; the reading always engendered discussion.

The Epilogue, about the Holy Land today, had a viewpoint of the Palestinians which I have seldom heard from fellow Christians.

A few quotes:

...one can learn to discover the presence of God not only in the world, as though by a fortunate accident, but through the world.

My prayer, then, is that our pilgrimages, both outward and inward, may bring us face to face with the one in whom we see the love of God turned toward us, and send us on our way to serve him afresh in his world.

[Christiane]

Diferente de outros de seus livros, este não é um livro em que o autor se aprofunda histórica e teologicamente. É mais uma aplicação de diversos conceitos e visões do Reino, desenvolvidas por ele em outras obras, na temática do peregrino no caminho. Ainda assim, é um livro revigorante, sensação que a perspectiva de N.T. Wright constantemente me traz. Fica a ressalva de que, como em outros momentos, quando ele trata de questões políticas/globais ele o faz tendendo demais à simplificação dos problemas.

[David Bastedo]

I love books that give me new insights on my faith and my walk with Christ. The author has some great analogies and insights to our journey. The chapters take you on a journey through the holy land not to give you a tour, but to use the tour as a metaphor for our own spiritual journey. The section on Good Friday was especially meaningful. I believe that I will use this again during lent as my devotional. This is one of those books to read again and again.

[Victor Santos]

É interessantíssimo a abordagem de Wright, utilizando-se do trajeto comum de peregrinos em Israel para fazer o leitor trilhar por uma peregrinação cristã, no sentido espiritual e real do seguimento de Jesus. Com uma leitura fluída, simples e reflexiva, Wright nos leva para as bases cristãs.

Não é um livro denso teologicamente. Pelo contrário, é uma leitura popular, cristã, clara. Mas, que causa no leitor um desejo de devoção. Isso é o que mais admiro nesse autor.

[Erin Street]

This little book might be my favorite of N. T. Wright’s works that I’ve read so far. It is deeply pastoral and is clearly written by someone who cares deeply for those in pain and believes unwaveringly in the hope of the cross. I know I’ll read this again.

“Come to the one who is the true object of all our desires and longings, and who must therefore firmly but gently challenge all lesser loves and hopes.”

[Matthew McConnell]

Solid book on Christian pilgrimage. This book is valuable whether or not you plan to take a trip to the Holy Land yourself. Even if not, Wright, with enriching and devotional language, traces the significance of various sites of the Holy Land and how those relate to the way of followers of Jesus all over the world.

[Courtney]

This is a perfect reflection for a literal or spiritual pilgrimage. I read the majority of it while on a trip to Israel, and it deepened the experience for me immensely. I found the reflections profoundly moving, and it spurred me on in my faith. NT Wright is a favorite theologian of mine and a bit of a pastor (via books) to me.

[Caleb]

Wow, for a 21 year old book, it remains extremely relevant, insightful, and prophetic. Its a book I'll revisit anytime I consider going to Israel or preaching on pilgrimage. It lifts up God and the gospel and the mystery of our faith. I highly recommend this book.

[Joe]

I've never read a more boring book. It is polemic and sermonizing with the barest sprinkling of geography and history thrown in. I fell asleep at least ten times trying to finish it.

[Conor Sweetman]

An incredible companion book through the Holy Land.

[Christian]

This will be a book I will encourage anyone to read who is going on pilgrimage to Israel ❤️

[Izzy Oliver]

Read for pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

[Pauline]

An interesting read with some really insightful and helpful observations

[R.W.]

This book is a stellar read, and perfect for a Lenten (or even Easter season!) study. I get a thrill when I read beautifully written theology and preaching that explicitly tries to give Jesus the honour he is due, and I think Wright has this in spades, here.

(Oh how I wish Tom could see how his brilliant theology can pave the way for LGBTQ inclusion in the Church--but alas, this seems to be his major blind spot in recent years.)

[Nancy Moffett]

My second time through this excellent book, I particularly appreciated Wright's reflections on the holy land today.

[Mark]

Good preparation as I plan my trip to the Holy Land in a few weeks. Wright is a good writer with keen insight into scripture.

[Mark Benedict]

Thanks for prepping me for Israel, NT.

[Kevin]

An interesting spiritualization of the geography of Israel. Quick, devotional read. Valuable "seeds" for sermons.

[R.R. Tavárez]

This book was especially helpful during my pilgrimage to Israel. I recommend it to anyone going on pilgrimage journey.

[Casey Taylor]

Fun little book to treat before traveling to Israel but not the best Wright stuff.