INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

  1. Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.
  2. This question paper consists of FIVE questions.
  3. Answer any THREE of the FIVE questions.
  4. Start each question on a NEW page.
  5. Read ALL the questions carefully before answering them.
  6. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this question paper.
  7. The length of your answers must correspond with the marks allocated for each question.
  8. Write legibly and present your work neatly.

QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.

In dozens of nations, children are facing a variety of social problems, like teenage pregnancies, and crime. These affect our communities whether religious or not. There is a need to develop a strategy towards solving major social problems.

[Source: Top Class Religion Studies, Grade 12]

1.1 In the light of the above statement, identify ONE social problem and explain the causes. (10)
1.2 With reference to any TWO religions you have studied, briefly discuss their teachings that address the social problem you have chosen. (16)
1.3 Do you think religious organisations can reduce the above-mentioned social problems above? Motivate your answer. (12)
1.4 List and explain the hermeneutical principles. (12)
[50]
QUESTION 2

Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.

Through its teachings every religion communicates to its followers why the world is the way it is, as well as their place and responsibility in it.

[Source: Focus on Religion Studies Grade 12, Donne]

2.1In the context of any ONE religion, answer the following questions with reference to the CENTRAL TEACHINGS under the following headings:
2.1.1 The nature of humanity, with reference to community and individual (10)
2.1.2 The nature of life after death (10)
2.1.3 The nature of divinity (10)
2.2 In the context of religion, discuss and evaluate the role of the following:
2.2.1 Oral tradition (10)
2.2.2 Inspiration (10)
[50]

QUESTION 3
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.

Whether personal or political, Western secularism has to do with adopting a foundation for life and law which excludes conventional religion. In the West, it tends to go with democratic forms of government, freedom of religion within the bounds of secular law of the land, support for human rights and non-discrimination on the basis of human rights and non-discrimination on the basis of religious beliefs.Whether personal or political, Western secularism has to do with adopting a foundation for life and law which excludes conventional religion. In the West, it tends to go with democratic forms of government, freedom of religion within the bounds of secular law of the land, support for human rights and non-discrimination on the basis of human rights and non-discrimination on the basis of religious beliefs.

[Source: Top Class Religion Studies Grade 12, page 138] 

3.1
3.1.1 Explain and discuss the Big Bang Theory. (14)
3.1.2 Discuss the view of the Abrahamic religions in response to Darwin’s theory regarding creation. (12)
3.2 Read the extract below and answer the following questions.

In the middle of the 19th century, biologist Charles Darwin published his theory of evolution in The Origin of Species. This was the first non-religious explanation of how the world was created and where humans come from. Since Darwin, there has been much debate about what his theory means for religious beliefs.In the middle of the 19th century, biologist Charles Darwin published his theory of evolution in The Origin of Species. This was the first non-religious explanation of how the world was created and where humans come from. Since Darwin, there has been much debate about what his theory means for religious beliefs.

Adapted from Shutters Top Class Religion Studies, Grade 12] 

To what extent has the attitude of religion towards evolution changed since the 19th century?
Give examples from at least TWO religions to support your answer. (24)
[50]

QUESTION 4
4.1 Read the extract below and answer the question that follows.

Sometimes religion is part of the problem; at other times it is part of the solution.

[Source: Shuters Top Class Religion Studies, page 60] 

4.1.1 Choose any ONE area of conflict in Africa and state who was involved in the conflict. (4)
4.1.2 Explain the causes of the conflict. (12)
4.1.3 Evaluate the role of religious organisations in resolving this conflict. (14)
4.2 Analyse THREE types of rituals in religion. (10)
4.3 

Social, psychological and spiritual perspectives are the roles of rituals in religion. 

In the light of the above extract, briefly discuss the roles of the following two rituals in religion:
4.3.1 Psychological roles (6)
4.3.2 Spiritual roles (4)
[50]
QUESTION 5

Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.

With most religions, interpretations of beliefs may differ from one school of thought to another.

[Source: Shuters Top Class Religion Studies, Grade 12] 

5.1 Discuss the teachings of any TWO secular world views you have studied. (10 x 2) (20)
5.2 With reference to ANY ONE religion, elaborate and explain the internal differences that exist under the following headings:
5.2.1 Differences in teachings (10)
5.2.2 Differences in governance (10)
5.2.3 Differences in practice (10)

[50]
TOTAL: 150

Last modified on Monday, 21 February 2022 13:52