Theology of Tourism: Foundations and Functions

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65394/dissertia2025.1.1.ttsa

Keywords:

Theology of Tourism, Catholic Church, Religious Authority, Pilgrimage, Moral Challenges, Desacralization, Tourism Industry

Abstract

This study investigates the emergence of a new theology of tourism in Christianity, addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the tourism industry. Utilizing a qualitative-exploratory approach, the research analyzes theological responses to tourism’s rise since the late 19th century, a period marked by threats to traditional religious authority. Key findings reveal that while tourism poses significant challenges, such as moral laxity and desacralization, it also offers opportunities for enhanced religious visibility and new pilgrimage practices. This research contributes to the understanding of how religious institutions can adapt to contemporary societal changes, emphasizing the need for a proactive theological response.

Author Biographies

Hamideh Amiryazdani, University of Religions and Denominations

Assistant Professor, Department of Abrahamic Religions, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran. Email: amiryazdanihamideh@gmail.com

Mehrab Sadeghnia, University of Religions and Denominations

Associate Professor, Department of Abrahamic Religions, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran. Email: mehrabsadeghniam@gmail.com

Ahmad Reza Meftah, University of Religions and Denominations

Associate Professor, Department of Abrahamic Religions, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran. Email: meftah555@gmail.com

Hamid Zargham Boroujeni, Allameh Tabataba'i University

Associate Professor, Department of Tourism Management, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran. Email: zargham@atu.ac.ir

References

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Eade, John, and Michael Sallnow, eds. 1991. Contesting the Sacred: The Anthropology of Christian Pilgrimage. New York: Routledge. ISBN 0415043603.

Jamal, Tazim, and Blanca Alejandra Camargo. 2013. “Sustainable Tourism, Justice, and an Ethic of Care: Toward the Just Destination.” Journal of Sustainable Tourism 22 (1): 11–30. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2013.786084.

MacCannell, Dean. 1999. The Tourist: A New Theory of the Leisure Class. Berkeley: University of California Press. ISBN 9780520218925.

O’Grady, Ron. 2006. The Threat of Tourism: Challenge to the Church. Geneva: World Council of Churches (WCC Publications). ISBN 9782825414811.

Rinschede, Gisbert. 1992. “Forms of Religious Tourism.” Annals of Tourism Research 19: 51–67.

Stausberg, Michael. 2011. Religion and Tourism: Crossroads, Destinations, and Encounters. Abingdon and New York: Routledge. ISBN 9780415549318.

Turner, Victor Witter, and Edith L. B. Turner. 1978. Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture. New York: Columbia University Press. ISBN 9780231157919.

Urry, John. 1992. “The Tourist Gaze and the ‘Environment.’” Theory, Culture & Society 9 (3): 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1177/026327692009003001.

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Published

25-11-2025

How to Cite

Amiryazdani, H., Sadeghnia, M., Meftah, A. R., & Zargham Boroujeni, H. (2025). Theology of Tourism: Foundations and Functions. Dissertia Research Reviews, 1(1), 15–22. https://doi.org/10.65394/dissertia2025.1.1.ttsa

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