Secondhand Sacred, with James Bielo

In this conversation, I talk with James Bielo, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, about the intriguing history and significance of Holy Land USA, a unique pilgrimage site in Connecticut. We explore the interplay between material culture and religious experience, emphasizing how artifacts can evoke memories and facilitate storytelling. The discussion also delves into the complex relationship between scripture and pilgrimage, the evolution of pilgrimage sites, and Bielo's current project, Secondhand Sacred, which examines the circulation of Christian material culture. Additionally, the conversation touches on the anthropology of religion and its insights into personal and communal experiences, as well as the intersection of religion and mental health.

Takeaways

• Holy Land USA is a unique pilgrimage site in Connecticut.

• The site was created using local materials and has a rich history.

• Material culture plays a significant role in religious experiences.

• Visitors' experiences at pilgrimage sites can vary widely.

• Artifacts can evoke strong memories and emotions for individuals.

• The relationship between scripture and pilgrimage is complex and intertwined.

• Pilgrimage sites can serve both religious and touristic purposes.

• The Secondhand Sacred project explores the circulation of Christian material culture.

• Artifacts can trigger memories and facilitate storytelling.

• The anthropology of religion can provide insights into personal and communal experiences.

James Bielo is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Northwestern University. He is the author of five books, most recently Materializing the Bible: Scripture, Sensation, Place (Bloomsbury, 2021). His current project, Secondhand Sacred, examines the circulation of Christian material culture through resale networks.