Peace Journeys

Book excerpt: This collection of essays presents the very latest research on the peace-building dimension of sacred and secular journeys at individual, societal, regional and global levels. Not since the 1980s has there been any concerted effort to explore the potential of such journeys in helping to bridge the divide that separates people of diverse ethnicities, religions and cultures. This volume gathers together empirical studies, regional analyses, and personal reflections from four continents and twelve countries, including Sri Lanka, Syria, Ethiopia, and Indonesia, which highlight the potential of religious tourism and pilgrimage for promoting interfaith solidarity, natural dialogue, and inner peace. It will be of interest to religion, tourism and peace scholars, as well as to political scientists and anthropologists.