RELIGION STUDIES PAPER 2
GRADE 12
MEMORANDUM
SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS
2016 

QUESTION 1
1.1
1.1.1 Note that the SAME religion must be discussed in the entire sub-question (1.1.1–1.1.3). Should more than one religion be discussed, credit must be given ONLY for the first religion.

Christianity

• Christians believe that humans were created in the image of God.
• Adam and Eve were instructed to look after the Garden of Eden and the whole of the Creation.
• Humans are God's representatives on Earth.
• God has appointed them to look after His property, the world.
• They are accountable to God.
• Humans are above all creation, since they were created after God's image.
• Christians believe that humans are the rulers of the Earth.

Taoism

• The Tao does not have a plan, and it does not give a human life any purpose or plan.
• Humans are just a tiny, microcosmic by-product of the Tao's creative activity.
• Humans are not special or in charge of the world.
• We are not needed to look after it because the universe will continue, whether humans look after it or not.
• Humans have the potential to destroy only a very small part of Creation.
• Even if that part is destroyed, the incredible and bountiful creative activity of the Tao will continue.
• To live a worthwhile life, one should live in harmony with the Tao.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (10)
1.1.2 Christianity

• According to Christianity, nothing but God existed in the beginning.
• The book of Genesis says God created the world and the universe in six days and rested on the seventh day.
• The world was perfect after the Holy Trinity had finished the Creation.
• Humans, marine life, animals and plants all belongs to God.
• The world is subject to the governance of humanity.
• The whole universe is sustained by the power of God's word.

Taoism

• The world and everything in it comes into being automatically as part of the activity of the Tao.
• It is not planned, but it is also not unplanned.
• The Tao did not intend for the world to exist, nor did it not want the world to exist. The world simply emerged as a tiny speck in the enormous 'bowl' of Creation as the Tao continued on its path.
• The observable world consists of opposites that alternate – yin and yang.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited.
1.1.3 Christianity

• Christians believe that God did not create evil when He created the world.
• Evil was introduced later when Adam and Eve disobeyed God's commands.
• Christianity calls that kind of disobedience 'sin'.
• Evil is often used by Satan to influence humans to rebel against God.
• Christians believe that the wage for sin is eternal death.
• Christians believe that evil is the primary cause of all human problems.

Taoism

• According to Taoism everything is Tao, so there is no such thing as evil, only human suffering.
• Humans can cause suffering, but essentially they are good and perfect to be in harmony with things, other people, and within themselves.
• Human suffering arises when human desires are thwarted against the Tao.
• There is no reason for us to be in conflict with things.
• The Tao is slow, huge and spacious, there is a plenty of room within it for humans to live perfectly contented lives.
• Evil has no role in Taoism.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (10)
1.2

• Every religion concerns itself with fundamental questions of human existence.
• Such questions include issues such as 'Why am I on earth?'; 'What is my ultimate destination?'
• In response, the phenomenon of life after death is discussed by every religion.
• This is because man is seen as a moral being.
• Only humans have the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. They are therefore responsible for their own decisions and actions.
• It follows that a good life will be rewarded in the hereafter, and a life of evil will be punished.
• The afterlife thus gives meaning to one's life on earth.
• Belief in life after death is motivation for adherents to live according to the teachings of that religion.
• The concept of an afterlife also makes the finality of death easier to accept, as there is another form of existence after death.
• EXAMPLE: In African Traditional Religion, a person who leads a good life will join the ancestors and watch over those who are still living.
• An evil life will result in the soul becoming an evil spirit. Such a spirit will not join the world of the ancestors.
  OR
• EXAMPLE: In the Abrahamic faiths a good life will lead to an afterlife of everlasting bliss (Heaven).
• An evil life will result in a permanent afterlife of punishment (Hell).

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited.
If no example is mentioned, a maximum of 16 marks may be awarded. (20)

QUESTION 2
2.1
2.1.1 If branches are named, a maximum of FOUR marks should be awarded.
Hinduism

• Many scholars argue that Hinduism is not a single religion, but an umbrella word for a number of similar beliefs and practices.
• The differences are both geographical and in terms of interpretation.
• This is evident in the use of different languages and different gods being worshipped across the Indian subcontinent.
• However, there was no breakaway movement in Hinduism, and reformers worked within the overall system.
• The only possible exception is Buddhism, which developed its own identity.
• In the 19th century, when India was under British rule, there was a re-assessment of traditional Hindu beliefs and practices.
• This re-assessment resulted from exposure of Hindu culture to western science, culture and history.
• Traditional Hinduism was represented in such groups as the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj.
• In the twentieth century, modernist movements sprang up, such as the Divine Life Society and International Society for Krishna consciousness. (ISKON) (10)

2.1.2 Christianity

• After the crucifixion of Christ the Church was unified but had two main subgroups in the early years.
• These were the Eastern (Constantinople) and Western (Rome) traditions.
• In about 1054, the two subgroups officially separated.
• The supreme authority of the Pope in Rome was challenged by Constantinople.
• The other difference was the status of the Holy Spirit in the Trinity.
• The Rome-based church was called the Roman Catholic Church.
• The eastern branch was referred to as Eastern Orthodox Church, or Greek/Russian Orthodox Church.
• In the 15th century, the Roman Catholic Church was challenged by reformers, or Protestants.
• The major disagreement was over the supreme authority of the Pope, and the corruption by Catholic office bearers.
• Another major issue was the Catholic practice of penance, whereby a person's sins were pardoned by making a donation to the church.
• Each of the three major branches has further subdivisions, totalling over 33 000 (World Christian Encyclopaedia).

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (10)
2.1.3 African Traditional Religion

• ATR is a clan-based/tribal religion.
• Each clan is headed by the elders of that particular clan.
• This results in differences of interpretation in teachings and rituals.
• Differences also occur owing to geographical separation and influences.
• ATR is a religion based on oral tradition.
• Since there is no sacred book, there are various interpretations of the core teachings of the religion.
• The teachings, customs and culture of local tribes are incorporated into ATR.
• This explains why the amaZulu, Aka and Yoruba have different rituals and beliefs.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (10)
2.2 NOTE: If all branches of the selected religion are not mentioned, a maximum of 14 marks may be awarded.
EXAMPLE: Christianity

• Catholic Church
• Political control is traditional and based in Rome.
• The head of the Catholic Church is the Pope.
• The first Pope is said to have been St. Peter.
• The Church has many orders of monks, priests, friars and nuns.
• All Catholics are governed by the Vatican.
• The parish is an area or district with a particular church and priest.
  
  
• Eastern Orthodox Church
• Political control was traditionally in Constantinople.
• The church structure comprises priests and bishops.
• There is no single leader.
• Authority within the church is in the group of bishops.
• A diocese is a group of parishes under the leadership of the bishop.
  
  
• Protestantism
• This movement was started by a German monk, Martin Luther, in 1517.
• The churches are ruled by the ordained ministers or elected elders.
• The overall rule is by higher authority such as a synod or General Assembly, chaired by a presiding bishop.
• In the Protestant church each church is independent.
• The church is not responsible to any higher authority than the congregation.

EXAMPLE: Islam

• Sunni Islam
• Sunnis believe that the faithful, rather than the descendants of the Prophet, should elect their leader.
• Sunni refers to following the sunnah (example) of the Prophet Muhammad.
• All the companions of the Prophet are believed to be given equal respect in Islamic jurisprudence.
• There is no clergy in Sunni Islam.
• Governance is community based.
  
  
• Shi'a Islam
• Shi'a Muslims revere the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, to lead Muslims.
• They believe that his descendants have a divine right to lead the Muslims.
• They reserve the title 'imam' for certain past leaders who were believed to be chosen by Allah.
• They are led by the caliphs whom they believe to have supernatural knowledge and authority to lead.
• The mullahs have considerable political Influence in Shi'a Islam.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (20)
  [50]
  
  

QUESTION 3
3.1 

• 'Muti' murders account for some crimes, as illustrated in the article.
• Crime and violence are caused by moral decline. It can be on the part of government or society, and then people use illegal means to get their needs.
• Victims of unfair or incorrect rulings from the courts, take the law into their own hands and turn to crime and violence.
• Sometimes it is caused by depression and other social and mental disorders.
• Tribalism, where people identify themselves first according to their tribe/clan, also encourages crime and violence, as members of a tribe will defend one another, even if a member has committed a criminal act.
• Racism still contributes to violence in our country.
• Politics is one of the leading causes of violence and crime. Many political associations have their own gangs, which they use to manipulate and subjugate people.
• Drugs and alcohol abuse is also a major contributor to crime and violence in our communities.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (10)
3.2 EXAMPLE: Christianity

• Romans 12:19: 'beloved, never avenge yourselves but leave it to the wrath of God'. Christianity is against any form of violence and crime.
• Christians are not allowed to avenge any wrong-doing against them.
• This scripture discourages any form of revenge.
• Christians are encouraged to live a peaceful life with their fellow human beings.
• All those who accept the Christian life are expected to emulate Christ in their everyday lives.
• Romans 13:1 'Let every person be subjected to the governing authorities.'
• Since crime is against the Rule of Law, the Christian teachings are expected to be in line with the Constitutional values of the country.
• Christianity teaches its followers to respect those who are in authority.
• Psalm 11:5 'The Lord tests the righteous, but His soul hates the wicked and one who loves violence.'
• The Church leaders are expected to teach their members to abstain from any form of violence.
• Proverbs 3:31 'Do not envy the man of violence and do not choose any of his ways.'
• Christians are not allowed to associate themselves with the actions of violence.
• They are also expected to choose peaceful means in resolving conflicts.
• Exodus 20: in the Ten Commandments, Christians are forbidden to steal or practise any form of crime.
• Christianity promotes love and sharing.
  
  

EXAMPLE: Buddhism

• A central teaching of Buddhism is 'non-attachment and enlightenment'.
• It is through attachment to material things or status that a person is motivated to commit crime and violence.
• Buddhism sees crime and violence as the result of ignorance.
• A human being is in such a unique position of development, and has so much potential, that s/he should not harm any living being.
• The way to combat crime is by knowledge.
• This knowledge cannot be obtained merely from books: it has to be felt at a deep existential level.
• That is, it must become a core belief of a Buddhist that s/he will not engage in crime or violence. (True knowledge becomes an intrinsic barrier, and policemen are not needed to force you to right action.)
• Right intention, right action and right livelihood will guarantee that a person does not succumb to crime and violence.
• Therefore, Buddhists lay great emphasis on restorative justice.
• This means that it is possible for criminal behaviour to be corrected and changed.
• Further, Buddhism encourages the use of skilful means (Upaya) to teach right action.
• An example is the Sigalovada Sutta.
• It is full of practical advice on how one should and should not behave in society.
• It also advises on how one should choose friends, so that one is protected from forming harmful attachments.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (28)
3.3 NOTE: No credit is awarded for 'YES' or 'NO.'
A maximum of FOUR marks is awarded for examples.
A combination of both positive AND negative responses must be credited.
YES

• Participation in religious activity, and belonging to a religious community, develop a sense of belonging.
• The community develops a sense of common morality and ethics.
• Since crime and violence stem from a lack of morality, the development of sound morals will reduce crime.
• Religions emphasise that a crime-free life will be rewarded with a good afterlife. Religious people then would not engage in criminal activities, as these would attract punishment in the afterlife.
• Religions also offer opportunity for repentance, since humans are not perfect.
• Thus, a crime committed out of weakness does not condemn a person to a life of crime.
• On a practical level, religious organisations provide soup kitchens and shelters for homeless people.
• These provide the basics to the poor, so that they do not have to resort to crime in order to meet their basic needs.
• An example of this is the Salvation Army.
• Many religious organisations run skills courses, so that the unemployed can legally earn an income.
• Examples of this are the As Salaam Institute in Umzinto, KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, and the Sivananda Trust in Durban.

NO

• The article is about a ritual murder.
• This was ordered by a sangoma, or traditional healer.
• It is an example of violence actually encouraged by religion.
• There are many so-called spiritual 'seers' or 'mediums' that mislead and trick worshippers out of their money.
• Many religious leaders are also guilty of immoral behaviour.
• They engage in public spats over leadership or money.
• Such behaviour damages the credibility of religious leaders.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (12)
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QUESTION 4
4.1
4.1.1

• Sacred texts are more important in the religions of books, e.g. Abrahamic religions.
• Sacred texts are yardsticks of measuring right and wrong.
• Sacred texts changed the nature of oral tradition, to be more fixed.
• Sacred texts usually form part of large collections.
• Sacred texts are the custodians of language, culture and life style for people of a particular religion.
• As the technology of writing became more prevalent, sacred religious teachings changed from oral tradition to written form.
• The role then became more prescriptive.

NOTE: The use of a maximum of ONE example to illustrate the role of sacred texts should be credited. (10)
4.1.2 NOTE: A maximum of 8 marks may be awarded for valid points on 'inspiration.'
EXAMPLE: African Tradition Religion (ATR)

• Inspiration refers to the breath (power, knowledge) of an extraordinary being coming into a person and taking over that person's own breath.
• A person who has inspiration has access to understanding or power that is beyond everyday experiences.
• People become possessed by that power through which they receive revelation.
• In ATR, inspiration is an important normative source even today (contemporary inspiration).
• ATR has no known founder as it was revealed through inspiration to the first generation.
• In ATR people communicate with the living dead through inspiration.
• All the rituals and practices they perform were revealed to them through inspiration.
• Diviners are mediators between the living and the ancestors: they mediate through inspiration.
• Traditional healers also use inspiration to find proper herbs to treat their patients.
• If there are misfortunes and bad luck, people find solutions through inspiration.

EXAMPLE: Christianity

• Inspiration is an important normative source in Christianity.
• The founder figure, Jesus Christ, was inspired by the Holy Spirit.
• Through the power of the Holy Spirit, He performed miracles which led people to believe that he was the Son of God.
• All His disciples were also inspired by the Holy Spirit.
• Jesus instructed His disciples to live in Jerusalem and wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit before they can start preaching the Gospel.
• In Acts 2, the coming of the Holy Spirit is discussed in detail.
• All the apostles of Jesus were baptised by the power of the Holy Spirit.
• They were inspired by Divine power to preach the Gospel of Christ with great courage.
• Through inspiration they took the Gospel to many parts of the world.
• The Apostles, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, wrote the Christian sacred text, the New Testament.
• Inspiration is still the fundamental teaching in most Baptist and Charismatic churches.
• Even today, Christians receive contemporary inspiration.
• Inspiration is a powerful motivation for Christian followers.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (20)
4.2 Scientific perspective (How things happen)

• Darwin's theory explains that species contain a variety of minor differences.
• Both the environment and species evolve over time.
• In the fight for survival, those species that are better adapted will succeed, while others will struggle to survive.
• In this way a species may gradually evolve into a more complex being by developing along a path of successful variations.
• Darwin's theory asserts that humans evolved from an ancestor closely related to apes.

Religious perspective (Why things happen)

EXAMPLE: Christianity

• Christianity explains that humans exist because they were created by God.
• Christianity places Man at the centre of Creation, quite distinct from all other creatures.
• This is because Man has an intellect, and is able to distinguish between right and wrong.
• Christianity explains that the entire universe was created for the use of Man.
• Christianity states that the entire universe was created in six days, and in perfect form, as the Creator is perfect.
• Conservative Christians reject evolution because the theory shows that there is no need for an intelligent designer (God).
• More liberal Christians resolve the conflict by arguing that the Bible should not be interpreted literally.
• They believe that science simply uncovers God's intelligent design, which includes evolution.

EXAMPLE: Hinduism

• Hinduism has no problem with evolution.
• Hindus believe that their concept of evolution is more advanced than Darwin's, as Hinduism includes the spiritual realm.
• This is the concept of reincarnation.
• This means that a soul evolves into a better being by leading a pious life.
• Hinduism states that human evolution does not happen by chance, (as in Darwin's theory), but one has control over the spiritual and physical evolution.
• A soul's evolution (or retrogression) is determined by its actions.

NOTE: A maximum of 8 marks may be allocated for discussion on Darwin's theory. 12 marks are allocated for discussion of one religion's response to the theory.
Other relevant responses must be credited. (20)
[50]

QUESTION 5
5.1 NOTE: Elaboration of principles is not required.

• Grammar and historical context. This means one must use the rules of grammar and the historical facts to interpret the literal meaning of a text.
• Plan, purpose and context. A piece of writing should be viewed as a whole. What is the writing plan or structure? What was the author's purpose in writing the text? What is the context of the passage being looked at?
• Meaning of words: The meaning of words change over time and in different places. Find out the original meaning as they were used in the normative source.
• Figurative meaning: Figurative and non-literal meaning must be taken into account.
• Other sacred texts: Sacred text may be used to interpret other sacred texts. (5 x 2) (10)

5.2 NOTE: The candidate may discuss any of the three normative sources.

EXAMPLE: Hinduism

• The sacred text for Hinduism is the Vedas.
• The Vedas are the collections of knowledge in the sense of all the phases of the human search for meaning.
• Hindus believe that the truth embodied in the Vedas is eternal and that they are not creation of the human mind.
• Historians believe that the Vedas were written between 2 500 and 500 BCE.
• The Vedas were compiled by a great sage or wise man, Krishna Dwipayana.
• He gathered all the oral teachings passed on by the Rishis (wise men), and by teachers to students.
• He compiled them into four standard collections or books: the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and the Atharaveda.

EXAMPLE 2: Islam

• The sacred text for Islam is the Qur'an.
• Islam takes most seriously the idea of divine revelation as perfectly written down.
• The Qur'an is seen as a perfect copy of an original, eternal, encrypted tablet in heaven.
• The Qur'an was dictated verbatim by the archangel Gabriel to the Prophet.
• Prophet Muhammad was illiterate, but he memorised the whole Qur'an before his death.
• His early followers copied down his teachings and compiled them immediately after his death.
• The perfect book with absolute authority was followed by collections of the sayings of the Prophet and examples in His life, the Hadith.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (10)
5.3

• It means non-religious, not belonging to a particular religious community.
• Morality and government should not be based on religion./There is a separation of religion and State.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (4)
5.4 EXAMPLE:

• Atheism and
• Agnosticism
• The two are similar in that they deny religious beliefs/influence.
• They believe that ethics governing society should be based on human reasoning.
• They are committed to using rational methods of inquiry (scientific reasoning).
• They teach non-discrimination on the basis of religion.
• They subscribe to the Secular Humanist Declaration.
• They believe in separation of Church/religion and state.
• Their difference is in the degree to which they deny religion.
• Atheism denies the existence of a divine being/God.
• Some atheists simply doubt the existence of a supreme being.
• Agnosticism asserts that it is not possible to prove or disprove the existence of a God.
• Agnostics believe that there is always some uncertainty and doubt when trying to understand the universe.
• Since the knowledge of humans is not complete, it is not useful to try to prove or disprove the existence of God.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited.(26)

[50]

TOTAL: 150