RS10: Pilgrimage
The role and importance of pilgrimage; contrasting examples of Lourdes and Iona
✝️ Christian Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place for spiritual reasons. Christians have been going on pilgrimage since the earliest days of the Church.
Key Fact: Pilgrimage is not a sacrament and is not required by Christianity, but many Christians find it deepens their faith. Key reasons for pilgrimage include: seeking spiritual renewal, asking for healing, expressing devotion, walking in Jesus' footsteps, and connecting with Christian history.
🏛️ Lourdes, France
Lourdes is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites. In 1858, a 14-year-old girl named Bernadette Soubirous reported 18 visions of the Virgin Mary in a grotto near Lourdes.
- Mary told Bernadette to dig in the ground — a spring of water appeared
- The water is believed to have healing properties; thousands of miraculous cures have been reported
- Over 200 million people have visited Lourdes since 1860
- Sick and disabled pilgrims are given priority; volunteers push them in wheelchairs to the grotto
- Pilgrims bathe in the water, attend Mass, walk in the procession with candles, and pray at the grotto
- The Church has officially recognised 70 miracles at Lourdes, though many thousands more are claimed
🏝️ Iona, Scotland
Iona is a small island off the west coast of Scotland, associated with St Columba who founded a monastery there in 563 CE.
- St Columba brought Christianity to Scotland from Ireland
- The Iona Community was founded in 1938 by George MacLeod — it is an ecumenical Christian community
- Pilgrims come for peace, reflection and worship in the medieval abbey
- Iona is known for its beautiful natural setting and its emphasis on social justice and peace
- Unlike Lourdes, Iona has no claim to miracles — it is valued for spiritual peace and contemplation
- Worship at Iona uses inclusive, contemporary language and music
Exam Tip: When comparing Lourdes and Iona, focus on the contrast: Lourdes is Catholic, associated with Mary and healing miracles, and attracts millions seeking physical cures. Iona is ecumenical, associated with contemplation, peace and social justice, and attracts those seeking spiritual renewal. Both are journeys of faith but with very different emphases.
❓ Practice Questions
Q1: Explain why Lourdes is an important place of pilgrimage for Catholics.
Q2: "Pilgrimage is a waste of time and money." Evaluate this statement.
✅ Answers
- Lourdes is important because the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous there in 1858. Mary revealed a spring of water that is believed to have healing properties — the Church has officially recognised 70 miraculous cures. Catholics go on pilgrimage to Lourdes to seek healing, to pray at the grotto where Mary appeared, to bathe in the water, and to join in processions and Mass. It is a place where Catholics feel especially close to Mary and experience God's healing love.
- Some argue pilgrimage is wasteful because the money spent on travel could help the poor, and God can be worshipped anywhere (Matthew 18:20). However, Christians who go on pilgrimage say it deepens their faith in ways that ordinary worship cannot — visiting sacred places connects them to Christian history and the experiences of other believers. At Lourdes, many find comfort and healing. At Iona, pilgrims find peace and renewed commitment to justice. Whether it is wasteful depends on whether spiritual experiences have genuine value.
🎯 Exam Tips
- Always refer to specific sources of authority (scripture, sacred texts, religious leaders)
- Explain contrasting beliefs — different views within and between traditions
- Use key terminology precisely (e.g. tawhid, atonement, sanctity of life)
- For 12-mark evaluation questions, consider both sides before reaching a justified conclusion
- Link beliefs to their impact on individuals, communities and society
- Acknowledge diversity — no religious tradition has a single, uniform view
📝 Exam Technique
RS Exam Tips — Pilgrimage:
1. For Pilgrimage questions, always include specific scriptural or source references where relevant
2. Explain both religious and non-religious viewpoints
3. Use specialist vocabulary precisely (e.g. terms from the specification)
4. Evaluate by analysing strengths and weaknesses of different views before reaching your conclusion
5. Link your discussion of Pilgrimage to its real-world impact on believers and society
1. For Pilgrimage questions, always include specific scriptural or source references where relevant
2. Explain both religious and non-religious viewpoints
3. Use specialist vocabulary precisely (e.g. terms from the specification)
4. Evaluate by analysing strengths and weaknesses of different views before reaching your conclusion
5. Link your discussion of Pilgrimage to its real-world impact on believers and society
⚠️ Common Errors
Watch Out!
Students often think all Christians celebrate the Eucharist in the same way. Wrong: "All Christians believe the bread and wine literally become Jesus' body and blood." Correct: "Catholics believe in transubstantiation; Protestants have different views including consubstantiation and memorial symbolism."
✍️ Model Answer
Full-Mark Response
12 marks: Evaluate the view that the role and importance of pilgrimage; contrasting examples of lourdes and iona.
A strong 12-mark answer will: (1) Present a religious viewpoint with specific teaching/scripture; (2) Present a contrasting religious or non-religious viewpoint; (3) Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each position; (4) Reach a justified conclusion. For top marks, show awareness of diversity within traditions, use precise terminology, and demonstrate independent critical thinking rather than just rehearsing arguments.
Mark scheme: AO1 (knowledge and understanding) = 6 marks; AO2 (analysis and evaluation) = 6 marks
📊 AO Deep Dive
Assessment Objective Focus: Pilgrimage
AO1 — Knowledge: Show precise knowledge of Pilgrimage, using specialist vocabulary and referring to sources of wisdom and authority (e.g. scripture, sacred texts).
AO2 — Application: Apply your understanding of Pilgrimage to religious and non-religious contexts. Explain how beliefs influence actions and practices.
AO3 — Analysis & Evaluation: Evaluate different views on Pilgrimage, including denominational or cross-tradition differences. Analyse strengths and weaknesses of arguments and reach a justified conclusion.
📝 Exam Questions by Topic
🎬 Video Resources
Detailed Notes
Understanding Pilgrimage in Christian Practice
Pilgrimage is a key aspect of Christian practice that GCSE Religious Studies students must understand in depth. Christianity is the world’s largest religion with over 2 billion followers, and its practices shape the daily lives of believers. The AQA specification requires you to explain Christian practices, analyse their significance, and evaluate different Christian perspectives with reference to biblical and theological sources.
When writing about pilgrimage, always refer to specific biblical teachings, denominational differences (Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, Protestant), and the lived experience of Christians today. Examiners reward answers that show understanding of diversity within Christianity — not all Christians interpret or practice their faith in the same way.
Christian practices are rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible. The New Testament, particularly the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, provides the primary sources for understanding how Christians are called to live. When discussing pilgrimage, connect the practice to its biblical foundation.
GCSE Example: Understanding Pilgrimage in Christian Practice
A strong GCSE RS answer about pilgrimage would: explain the practice with reference to biblical teaching, describe how it is observed by different Christian denominations, analyse its significance for Christians, and evaluate different perspectives with justified reasoning.
Biblical and Theological Foundations of Pilgrimage
Christian practices are grounded in the Bible and developed through church tradition. When discussing pilgrimage, identify the relevant biblical passages: the Old Testament provides the Jewish context that Christianity grew from; the Gospels record Jesus’ life and teachings; the Epistles (letters) of Paul and others explain theological significance; and the Acts of the Apostles describes the early church’s practices.
Key Christian beliefs that inform pilgrimage include: the nature of God (loving, just, omnipotent), the incarnation (God becoming human in Jesus), the atonement (Jesus’ death reconciling humanity with God), the resurrection (Jesus rising from the dead), and the Holy Spirit (God’s active presence in the world and in believers). These doctrines shape how Christians understand and practice their faith.
Different denominations interpret biblical teaching differently. Catholic Christians give authority to both Scripture and Tradition (the teaching authority of the Church). Protestant Christians emphasise sola scriptura (Scripture alone). Orthodox Christians emphasise the continuity of apostolic tradition. These differences affect how pilgrimage is understood and practiced.
GCSE Example: Biblical and Theological Foundations of Pilgrimage
When explaining pilgrimage, reference specific Bible passages: for worship, cite John 4:24 (‘God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in the Spirit and in truth’); for prayer, cite Matthew 6:9-13 (the Lord’s Prayer). Always explain what the passage means in context and how it influences Christian practice today.
The Impact of Pilgrimage on Christians Today
Understanding pilgrimage in the modern world means considering how Christians practice their faith in contemporary Britain and globally. Christianity in the UK is diverse: the Church of England (Anglican) is the established church, but there are also Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal and Orthodox communities, each with distinct approaches to pilgrimage.
Christian practices like pilgrimage have both personal and communal dimensions. Personally, they shape individual spiritual life, ethical decision-making and relationship with God. Communally, they build church community, strengthen social bonds, and provide a witness to wider society. Understanding both dimensions is essential for GCSE.
When evaluating the significance of pilgrimage for Christians today, consider: why do some Christians find this practice more meaningful than others? How does the practice express Christian beliefs about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit? What challenges do Christians face in maintaining this practice in contemporary secular society?
GCSE Example: The Impact of Pilgrimage on Christians Today
A balanced evaluation of pilgrimage might argue: for many Christians, this practice is central to their faith because [reason with biblical reference]. However, other Christians may prioritise different aspects of their faith because [reason]. Ultimately, the significance of pilgrimage depends on [factor] because [justification].
Comparison Table
| Denomination | Approach to Practice | Key Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Catholic | Scripture + Sacred Tradition | Pope and Magisterium |
| Anglican | Scripture, Tradition, Reason | Archbishop of Canterbury |
| Orthodox | Apostolic Tradition + Scripture | Patriarchs and Ecumenical Councils |
| Protestant (Reformed) | Scripture alone (sola scriptura) | Bible as sole authority |
| Pentecostal | Scripture + Holy Spirit guidance | Direct revelation and Bible |
Additional Practice Questions
Q: Explain the importance of pilgrimage for Christians, with reference to biblical teachings and denominational differences.
A: Pilgrimage is important for Christians because [specific biblical teaching]. For example, [specific Bible passage] teaches that [specific principle]. Catholics approach pilgrimage by [specific Catholic practice], while Protestants [specific Protestant approach]. This denominational difference exists because [theological reason]. Despite differences, all Christians value pilgrimage because [shared reason].
Q: Evaluate the significance of pilgrimage for Christians living in Britain today.
A: Pilgrimage remains significant for many Christians in Britain today because [reason with evidence]. However, in a increasingly secular society, some Christians find it challenging to maintain this practice because [specific challenge]. Different denominations respond differently: [specific examples]. Overall, while pilgrimage remains important for committed Christians, its expression may adapt to contemporary British life because [justified conclusion].
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