Final answer:
Christians may go on pilgrimages to enhance their connection with God and as an act of penance. Sacred writings reflect the importance of holy places like Jerusalem in Christian faith and history. Symbolic elements such as the scallop shell often represent the pilgrim's journey.
Step-by-step explanation:
Christians might go on a pilgrimage for several reasons, two of which include seeking a closer connection with God and performing an act of penance. Sacred writings that encourage pilgrimage include narratives of Jesus's life and the acts of early Christians, for whom Jerusalem was a significant destination. The Bible describes how early Christians traveled to Jerusalem to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, recognizing it as the site of his crucifixion and resurrection.
Firstly, Christians seek to enhance their connection with God through the physical act of journeying to a holy site. This is in line with the belief that being physically present at a sacred location can bring one spiritually closer to God. Secondly, pilgrimage can serve as an act of penance, offering the pilgrim a way to express sorrow for sins and seek redemption. This aspect of pilgrimage can provide a tangible expression of faith and humility.
Symbolic elements such as the scallop shell often represent the pilgrimage, especially to Santiago de Compostela, known as the Way of Saint James. Such symbols reflect the significance of the journey both as a historical tradition and a spiritual quest.