Brian Zahnd, a prominent figure in discussions of pilgrimage and faith, and his wife, Peri Zahnd, an influential voice in spiritual matters, share their life-altering experiences from walking the Camino de Santiago. They delve into the emotional healing they found during their 40-day pilgrimage and its transformative impact on their lives and ministry. The couple explores faith, community, and the depth of connection found in local churches, emphasizing walking as a dynamic form of spiritual practice that fosters deeper connections with God.
The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage serves as a significant metaphor for spiritual journeys, enabling profound reflection and emotional healing.
Temporary spaces away from routine, like retreats or pilgrimages, foster unique encounters with God and support personal spiritual growth.
Deep dives
Spiritual Growth in Crisis and Quest
People often experience spiritual growth during times of crisis or when embarking on a quest. Difficult life changes, such as job loss or marriage, can act as catalysts for seeking deeper meaning and connection. The exploration of these times can lead to profound transformations as individuals realize their need for spiritual fulfillment. In a community setting, recognizing and supporting these transitions helps facilitate personal spiritual journeys.
The Power of Temporary Space
God often works uniquely during temporary spaces, where stepping away from everyday routines allows for new spiritual experiences. Engaging in activities like attending a church camp or going on retreats provides individuals the opportunity to disconnect from distractions and prioritize their connection with God. Biblical examples, such as Jacob’s journey in the Old Testament, illustrate how significant encounters with God can happen during life’s transitions. These experiences emphasize the importance of creating and embracing temporary spaces in one's spiritual life.
The Transformative Journey of the Camino
Walking the Camino de Santiago serves as a profound metaphor for the spiritual journey, where individuals can engage in deep reflection and healing. The physical act of walking long distances allows participants to shed past emotional burdens and connect with their spiritual selves. Brian and Perry's 2016 pilgrimage not only removed their internal pain but also marked a significant transformation in their lives, leading to greater peace and fulfillment. Their experiences exemplify how intentional journeys can catalyze healing and renewal.
The Mystical Experience of Pilgrimage
Pilgrimages like the Camino de Santiago hold a deeply spiritual significance that resonates with a wide array of participants, regardless of their faith background. The act of walking, connecting with others, and immersing oneself in the journey creates a shared spiritual atmosphere that can invite powerful encounters with God. Participants often recount moments of clarity and transformation that occur unexpectedly along the way. This shared experience underscores the idea that spirituality transcends dogma and can be found in the journey itself.
Around 250,000 people walk some portion of the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile network of ancient pilgrim routes in Spain, each year. In 2016, Brian and Peri Zahnd became two of those people, and it’s marked their lives ever since.
On this episode, host Steve Cuss talks with the Zahnds about the ways that the pilgrimage shaped their perspectives on life and faith. The three discuss pastoring, political participation, and peace in Jesus. Their conversation also covers the Zahnds’ books, ministry, and marriage.
Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guests include: