"This book gives a lively overview of twenty centuries of the Christian journey of faith. The thematic approach of the book makes for an original book that stands out among the abundant literature about the theme. It paints in words and pictures a representative image of the story of Christian pilgrimage. The use of images of antique paintings and modern photographic techniques is very successful.
It is written from an exclusive Christian point of view. The book does not discuss the encounter between Jews and Christians. The first chapter reports on the evangelical highlights: the footsteps of Jesus. That the martyr James the Younger is mentioned is remarkable. His death in 62 is not mentioned in the New Testament (i.e. the Acts of the Apostles). Flavius Josefus and Hegesippus however have given an dramatic account on the death of this intermediary between Jews and Christians.
Christian pilgrimages to Israel started under emperor Constantine (306-337) with the announcement of his mother Helena of the discovery of the cross in Jerusalem and the building of the church of the Holy Sepulcher. The commentary on the twentieth century is rather short.
The pope is at the centre of attention. It will please the Vatican.
This book shows that the reports of the pilgrims had a wide influence on Christian movements. They stimulated religious piety and curiosity about the Holy Land. The book succesfully depicts how the pilgrims of the old days evolved into contemporary modern tourists.
I would like to compliment you with this project and hope it will cater for a broad public.
I will pay attention on the book in the journal of a Dutch Christian movement called Christians for Israel that donated 40,000 euros for the building of bombshelters in Sderot to protect the Israeli population. "