RELIGION STUDIES PAPER 2
GRADE 12
SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS
MAY/JUNE 2017
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
QUESTION 1
Read the article below and answer the questions that follow.
WORKERS CLAIM RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION Employees at a freight company in Durban have stopped work, claiming that management are not allowing staff to wear traditional wristbands (Iziphandla), while people from other religions and cultures were allowed to freely practise their religions. |
1.1 Explain how discrimination has negatively affected religions in South Africa. (10)
1.2 Religions have many teachings that denounce discrimination. With reference to any ONE religion, elaborate on such teachings. (16)
1.3 Discuss practical strategies that religious communities can use to overcome the problem of discrimination. (14)
1.4 In your opinion, is there less discrimination in South Africa today than there was in the past? Give reasons to support your answer. (10)
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QUESTION 2
2.1 All religions are based on the central teachings that sustain its believers in their spiritual journey.
In the context of any ONE religion, answer the following questions on central teachings.
2.1.1 Discuss the nature of humanity. (10)
2.1.2 Discuss the concept of life after death. (10)
2.1.3 Based on the relevant teachings of the religion you have chosen, do you think that a human being can overcome evil? Give reasons to support your answer. (10)
2.2 In the context of religion, discuss the role of the following:
2.2.1 Oral tradition (10)
2.2.2 Inspiration (10)
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QUESTION 3
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
The more I study Christianity as my religion, the harder it becomes to point out what is unique to my church as a member of the Protestant branch of the Christian faith.
3.1 With reference to any ONE religion, answer the following questions.
3.1.1 Name TWO subgroups of this religion. (4)
3.1.2 Compare the differences in practice of each group. (16)
3.1.3 Compare the differences in governance of each group. (10)
3.2 Name and explain any FIVE hermeneutical principles. (20)
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QUESTION 4
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
Western secularism has to do with adopting a foundation for life and law which excludes conventional religions. In the West it tends to go with democratic forms of governments, freedom of religion within the bounds of the secular law of the land, support for humans rights, and non-discrimination on the basis of religious belief.
4.1 Discuss the factors that led to the development of Western secular thinking. (12)
4.2 How has the establishment of secular states led to the prevention of religious wars? (12)
4.3 Name and explain any ONE secular worldview. (10)
4.4 Discuss the origin of sacred texts in any ONE religion. (16)
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QUESTION 5
5.1 Give a brief explanation of Darwin's Theory of Evolution. (10)
5.2 Explain why Hinduism has no problem with the theory of evolution. (10)
5.3 Explain how the universe was created, according to any ONE Abrahamic faith. (10)
The difficulties between religion and science have escalated over the centuries, leading to competitiveness and even conflict between them.
5.4 In the context of the extract above, suggest the reasons why religion is still such an influential force in the 21st century. (20)
[50]
TOTAL: 150