RELIGION STUDIES PAPER 2
NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
SEPTEMBER 2018

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.

QUESTION 1
1.1 Discuss the central teachings of any ONE religion under the following headings:
1.1.1 Nature of divinity (10)
1.1.2 Place and responsibility of humanity in the world (10)
1.1.3 Nature of life after death (10)
1.2 Discuss the internal differentiations that exist within any ONE of the following religions:

• Christianity
• Hinduism
• African Traditional Religion (20)

[50]

QUESTION 2
2.1 Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
Every religion is concerned with the protection of the natural environment. This is because most religions consider nature as part of divine creation.
2.1 State possible causes of environmental destruction. (10)
2.2 Analyse the impact of environmental destruction on society. (10)
2.3 State practical strategies that religious organisations can implement to protect the environment. (14)
2.4 With reference to the teachings of any ONE religion, discuss the solutions it offers for protecting the environment. (16)
[50]

QUESTION 3
3.1 Explain each of the following normative sources:
3.1.1 Inspiration (10)
3.1.2 Oral tradition (10)
3.1.3 Sacred texts (10)
3.2 Discuss the hermeneutical principles that apply to the normative sources of religion. (20)
[50]

QUESTION 4
4.1 Discuss Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and its impact on religious beliefs. (14)
4.2 Discuss the response of the three Abrahamic religions (Islam, Judaism and Christianity) to the theory of evolution. (16)
4.3 Religions have always offered explanations regarding creation and the status of human kind. In the last four centuries, however, science has begun to offer different answers to these questions.
4.3 Give a brief explanation of the Big Bang Theory. (20)
[50]

QUESTION 5
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
Internal differences such as those between the Shia and the Sunni, or Catholics and Protestants are often more dangerous than differences that exist between separate religions.
5.1 Choose ONE religion and state the differences under the following headings:
5.1.1 Differences in teachings (10)
5.1.2 Differences in governance (10)
5.1.3 Differences in practices (10)
5.2 Choose ONE of the following world views and explain its contributions to development:

• Secular worldview
• Atheism
• Agnosticism (20)

[50]
TOTAL: 150