Hollywood loves a great place to film on location, and not surprisingly some of the best filming locations are religious sites. Interestingly, I had a very hard time finding religious films which prominently featured churches unless they were comedies (case in point, the majority of movies about organized crime have at least one church in them, while virtually no traditional … [Read more...]

Hollywood loves a great place to film on location, and not surprisingly some of the best filming locations are religious sites.  Interestingly, I had a very hard time finding religious films which prominently featured churches unless they were comedies (case in point, the majority of movies about organized crime have at least one church in them, while virtually no traditional … [Read more...]

Why do we love films about nuns? What is it about those Catholic women who choose to devote themselves to the habit that inspire such great movies?  From historical dramas and dark themes to epic musicals and riotous comedies, nuns have graced the silver screen in countless ways over the decades.  Some of these movies boast unbelievably memorable filming locations, locations … [Read more...]

In 2017, Lutherans and other Protestants from around the world celebrated one of the most important religious and historic anniversaries of the 21st century: the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses, which kicked off the Protestant Reformation and a new age of western civilization.  In honor of this event, The Complete Pilgrim is visiting some of the most historic … [Read more...]

Tucked away among the many denominations that make up the tapestry of Christianity in America is a relatively small and unassuming group called the Religious Society of Friends. Better known as the Quakers, the Religious Society of Friends became known for their unusual religious meetings without leadership rather than traditional Protestant worship services with ministers or … [Read more...]

The Presbyterian Church is one of the oldest Christian denominations in the United States. Whether you go back to the early 1700s when the first congregations were formed in the colonies, or even earlier to the 1690s when Presbyterian congregations transplanted directly from the British Isles, Presbyterians have been the dominant branch of the Reform church in America for well … [Read more...]

The Unites States boasts many home-grown Christian denominations; but the first true nationally organized church in America was the Methodist Church, an outgrowth of Anglican Church then dominant in the colonies of the British Empire around the world.  It was founded by John Wesley, an Anglican churchman, who personally preached in the colonial city of Savannah.  Although … [Read more...]

At Christmas time millions around the world travel to see family and friends, while others flock to vacation destinations. However, there are many who still travel on pilgrimage at this festive time of year, seeking to celebrate one of Christianity’s most sacred days someplace meaningful.  The great cathedrals and churches of the world draw many at this time of year.  But for … [Read more...]

There is no place in America that celebrates the holidays like New York City.  From Thanksgiving Week to New Years Day, New York swarms with tourists.  Christmas week itself sees tens of thousands of visitors packing places such as Rockefeller Center and Macys, while The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center and The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall play sold-out shows.  But for those … [Read more...]