RELIGION STUDIES
PAPER 1
GRADE 12 
NSC EXAMS
PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS NOVEMBER 2018

MEMORANDUM 

SECTION A (COMPULSORY) 
QUESTION 1  
1.1.
1.1.1 C√ (1)
1.1.2 C√ (1)
1.1.3 A√ (1)
1.1.4 D√ (1)
1.1.5 A√ (1)
1.1.6 D√ (1)
1.1.7 D√ (1)
1.1.8 C√ (1)
1.1.9 B√ (1)
1.1.10 A√ (1) (10 x 1) (10) 
1.2
1.2.1

• Roman Catholic √
• The others belong to the Protestant subdivision of Christianity. √ (2) 

1.2.2

• Ilima √ 
• The others belong to Islam. √ (2) 

1.2.3

• Psalms. √
• The others are kinds of stories/teachings.√ (2) 

1.2.4

• Darwin. √ 
• The others were astronomers/scientists who discovered that the  earth revolves around the sun (heliocentric view). √ (2) 

1.2.5

• Martyr. √ 
• The others are religious leaders. √ (2) 

1.3
1.3.1 F√ (1)
1.3.2 H√ (1)
1.3.3 A√ (1)
1.3.4 B√ (1)
1.3.5 C√ (1)
1.3.6 D√ (1)
1.4
1.4.1

• False.√ Martin Luther King was a Baptist pastor who took a leading  role in the Civil Rights Movement in America in the 1960s.√ OR
• Martin Luther, a German Roman Catholic monk, started the  Reformation.√ (2) 

1.4.2

• False.√ The King or Queen of England is the head of the Anglican  Church. √ OR The Archbishop of Canterbury is the leading bishop but not the  head. (2) 

1.4.3

• False.√ Mixing elements of one religion with elements of another to  form a new religion is called syncretism. √ OR
• Fundamentalism is a form of conservatism in which members  interpret the scriptures literally/selectively. (2)

1.4.4 False.√ The Baha'i faith is the youngest religion in the world. / a  pluralistic religion OR African Traditional Religion is a clan-based  religion. √   (2)
1.4.5

• False.√ Orthodox Judaism is the oldest group who observe the  laws of the Torah strictly. √ OR 
• Conservative Judaism is the most recently formed of the  subdivisions of Judaism, in reaction to the liberal views of the  Reformed Jews. √ (2) 

1.4.6 False.√ Ritual is a religious observance intended to remind of a  sacred occasion. √ OR Compassion is a feeling for others that involves care for and  sympathy with them. (2) 
1.5
1.5.1 Christians/Christianity√√ (2)
1.5.2 Brahman/Ishwar/Ishvara/Shiva/Vishnu√√ (2)
1.5.3 Constantine√√ (2)
1.5.4 Normative√√ (2)
1.5.5 Yang√ and yin√ (2)
1.5.6 Qur'an√√ (2) 

TOTAL SECTION A: 50

SECTION B:  
QUESTION 2 
2.1
2.1.1

• It is regarded as the beginning of our present day awareness of  inter-religious dialogue and relationships.
• Hinduism was introduced to the West. The talks by Swami  Vivekananda especially made an impression.
• The Parliament has continued to today, successfully promoting  inter-faith dialogue and co-operation in the world. 
• Practically, it has helped with mediation between groups in  conflict situations.
• It has helped with alleviating suffering. E.g. the Parliament  developed a programme to help children in Africa who are  affected by HIV/Aids and provided medical supplies.
• It provides skills development programmes for people in  developing countries.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited.(6) 

2.1.2

• It means different religions from all over the world coming  together. 
• The aim is to converse with respect and inclusivity of all sides,  seeking to understand rather than to win an argument (dialogue). (4) 

2.1.3

• The parliament of a country is part of its government, made up  of representatives who have some power and authority. 
• However, any person may attend PWR, whether representing a  larger body or not. 
• PWR does not have any power or authority to actually enforce  any of the resolutions taken. 
•  It relies on those present to go back home to their countries and  voluntarily implement the recommendations of the Parliament. (6)
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited.
• A maximum of FOUR marks may be awarded for one parliament,  and TWO marks for the other. 

2.1.4 EXAMPLE 1: 

•  African Council of Religious Leaders – Religions for Peace. 

Successes: 

• They successfully bring religious leaders in Africa together in an  atmosphere of inclusivity, respect and dialogue.
• They preserve the religious identity of the various religions. 
• They uphold the principles of representivity, subsidiarity and  solidarity. 
• They support locally led inter-faith activities and services. 
• They participated in the World Social Forum. 
• The positive work that has been done has made a difference to those communities, and is greatly appreciated. 

Failures: 

• There is still much suffering in Africa as a result of conflict.
• There is still suffering as a result of poverty and lack of  resources in Africa. 
• Not all countries and government authorities recognize and give  support to the African Council of Religious Leaders – Religions  for Peace.
• The organization has limited resources, and it relies on public  donations. 

EXAMPLE 2: 

• World Conference of Religions for Peace. 

Successes: 

• The organization is active on every continent.
• It has formed many inter-religious groups to address common problems.
• These groups are also working to promote world peace. 
• They have mediated in conflict situations. E.g. Sierra Leone,  Bosnia and Kosovo. 
• They have organized an international network of religious  women's organisations. 

Failures: 

•  Despite the great and dedicated work by this organisation, the  world seems to be experiencing an increase in conflict and lack  of peace.
• There even seems to be an increase in religious conflict in the  world. 
• Volunteer organisations like this invariably struggle to obtain the  resources required to match their needs. (12)
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited.
• Two marks are awarded for naming the organisation. In addition, If  only successes or only failures are discussed, a maximum of 8 marks may be awarded. 

2.1.5

• Cape Town is home to many races, religious traditions, and  cultural varieties. 
• They wanted to experience spiritual and cultural variety, to  exchange insight and to share wisdom. 
• The world was full of admiration for South Africa on its  achievement of democracy in 1994. 
•  People were keen to come to South Africa in support of its  peaceful transition, including religious people. 
• President Nelson Mandela supported interreligious relationships  and attended the Parliament. 
• Cape Town is a world class city/has the necessary  infrastructure.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (6) 

2.2

• A religious teaching is systematic information about a religion.
• If the teaching is accepted by faith, it becomes a person's religious belief.
• Therefore, teaching and belief are connected – teaching leads to belief and  behind a belief there is a teaching. (4)

2.3

• A doctrine is often contested. 
• There is a sense of argument and negotiation, as doctrines are  constructed in relation to philosophical worldviews. 
• A dogma has to do with the claim to absolute authority of certain  teachings. 
• A dogma is more formal, fixed and authoritative and therefore not  contested. 
• Dogmas are binding on members if they want to claim membership of a  religion. This means that in order to be regarded as a member of a religion,  a person needs to accept its dogmas. (4) 

2.4.
2.4.1

• A religion's uniqueness is at least one distinctive feature that  sets it apart from other religions. 
• A unique feature is 'one-of-a-kind', something that belongs only  to that religion and no other. (2) 

2.4.2

• Unity means standing together, for a common purpose. 
• It is usually possible to identify the aspect in which religions are  united – they share a belief or a practice; they stand together to  fight for a cause, etc. (2) 

2.5
2.5.1

• People in a religion might have a strong sense of togetherness  and support for each other, forming a united community. 
• People in a religion are united in their belief in the teachings of  that particular religion. 
• Members carry out the same practices within a religion.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (2) 

2.5.2

• Different religions might come together to provide humanitarian  assistance for a community affected by a natural disaster. 
• They unite to address social challenges, such as gangsterism or  substance abuse, in their communities. 
• Different religions might be in unity with regard to a  teaching/belief.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (2) [50]

QUESTION 3 
3.1

• The word 'media' is the plural of the Latin 'medium' meaning 'by means of'.
• We understand media as the means by or through which mass  communication is carried out. 
• Kinds of media: social media/ social networks; 
• electronic media; TV, films 
• Print media/ mass media – magazines, newspaper, publications,  pamphlets, articles; radio, broadcasting, etc. (6)
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. 

3.2

• The significant increase in coverage is in line with the communications  explosion of our times. 
• Due to today's easy access to information, more people are curious to  know and find out things, including religious matters, for themselves. 
• These days many ordinary people are also well-educated, not just the  religious experts, and their education enables them to form their own  opinions in religious matters and world affairs. 
• The increase in coverage can be beneficial to religion as it involves more  people and there can be greater accountability all round. 
• On the other hand, mere increase in coverage is not automatically a  benefit, especially if the coverage is skewed.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (6) 

3.3
3.3.1

• 'Orthodox faiths' means the major traditional religions of the  world, e.g. Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and  Buddhism. 
• 'Minority religions' means the smaller, lesser-known religions,  such as indigenous knowledge systems/indigenous religions,  Jainism, Confucianism, Shinto (4)   

3.3.2

• Our increasingly secular world is not very interested in religion,  particularly the traditional, mainline religions. 
• Our secular world may even be quite hostile to religion. 
• These religions, regarded as 'old' and 'stuffy', are not seen as  newsworthy unless the news can be made sensational. 
• The modern trend is towards protecting minorities who do not  have much of a voice to speak for themselves. 
• Previously, the minority religions, such as the indigenous  religions, were in danger of dying out.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. aan (4)

3.4 EXAMPLE 1: 

•  Recently there have been reports in the print media/newspapers about  sexual abuse of boys by clergy in the Anglican Church. 
• Two men have revealed this after more than 20 years of silence, one a  well-known author. 
• The Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba,  devoted part of his Easter sermon to this matter, which has been a shock  to the church. 
• He acknowledged that the church has lagged behind in investigating such matters. 
• The article gave a balanced view. 
• The Archbishop must be complimented for his honesty and for the steps  he has taken to prevent such crises. 

EXAMPLE 2: 

•  According to a report in the social media, the Cultural, Religious and  Language Rights Commission has been investigating reports of sexual  abuse by religious leaders. 
• A spokesperson for the Commission has stated that this issue is 'more  common than we thought'. 
• The Commission is doing its work following up the complaints in an  objective and professional manner. 
• At the same time, it laments the spread of sexual abuse that it is  uncovering.
• Initial reports indicate that the sexual abuse has been going on for a long  time, but in silence and secrecy. 
• The victims feel helpless because the perpetrator is an authority figure in a  position of trust. 
• They are also often threatened with violence, and therefore remain silent. NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (10) 

3.5
3.5.1

• This is a generalisation of someone or a group of people that is  fixed and widely held, that one has accepted unquestioningly from  others, without personal reflection or experience or research.
• The acceptance is based on a preconceived idea or ignorance or  prejudice. 
• Example: Germans are anti-Jew.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (4) 

3.5.2

• This is an unfair favouring of one or other point of view. 
• It is similar to prejudice. 
• It is the opposite of impartiality. 
• Example: In the apartheid era, the state was biased towards a  specific interpretation of the Bible that favoured white supremacy. 
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (4) 

3.5.3

• It means reporting all sides of an issue without favouring any one.
• Synonyms for impartiality are neutrality, fairness, non-bias,  objectivity. 
• It is the opposite of bias or prejudice. 
• Example: The South African Constitution shows impartiality in  matters of religion or race.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (4) 

3.5.4

• Sensationalism is reporting with the intention of raising 'hype' around an issue. 
• The reason is often commercial – to grab attention and so attract  sales. 
• There is less concern to take a reasoned approach. 
• There is no concern to get to the truth of the matter. 
• Example: the pastors who sprayed their congregation with  insecticide received worldwide publicity.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (4) 

3.5.5

• This is an account that reports the facts, without emotive language.
• It is the opposite of a sensational or emotional or biased account.
• E.g. A report on Roman Catholic priests that balances the good  and the bad, showing the proportion of those involved in child  abuse and measuring this against the general population.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (4) [50]

QUESTION 4 
4.1 EXAMPLES: 
Freedom from discrimination 

•  You have the responsibility to uphold this right both for yourself and for  others. 
• You must not discriminate against others on the basis of race, colour, sex,  language or political opinion.
• he right to marriage and family 
• You have the responsibility to support and promote family life, especially  your own. 
• You have the responsibility not to act in any way that would lead to the  break-down of a family. 

The right to education 

•  You have the responsibility to attend classes. 
• You have the responsibility to be a diligent learner/student doing the work  and study required.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (8) 

4.2

• In the Bill of Rights in the South African Constitution, religious freedom is  included among the rights listed. 
• It says 'everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought,  belief and opinion.' 

Religious observances may be conducted at state or state-aided institutions  under three conditions: 

• The observances follow rules made by the appropriate public authorities.
• The observances are conducted on an equitable basis. 
• Attendance is free and voluntary.(8) 

4.3

• At important state occasions, such as the inauguration of the state  president, the opening of parliament and at public holiday celebrations  (e.g. Freedom Day), leaders from many faiths are invited to participate. 
• Religions co-operate freely to tackle community needs, such as activities  for the youth and elderly, soup kitchens, social and spiritual counselling  and support, the fight against drugs and gangsterism. 
• Inter-religious services and prayer meetings are held. 
• Prayer for rain to alleviate the drought in Cape Town and other parts of  South Africa is an example. 
• Religious discrimination can be reported to the Human Rights  Commission. 
• It can also be investigated by the Cultural, Religious and Language Rights  Commission. 
• Both these bodies have acted decisively to protect religious freedom. 
• Religion Studies teaches about different religions and traditions. It includes  faiths which were marginalized during the apartheid era. 
• It is not a compulsory subject.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (10)

4.4 EXAMPLE 1: 

• Sudan in Africa. 
• Civil war broke out when the Muslim central government tried to impose  Sharia law on the south. 
• The tribes in the south were Christians and some were followers of African  Religion. 
• Religious freedom was violated. 
• When South Sudan was made an independent country in 2011, matters  quietened down for a short period. 

EXAMPLE 2: 

• Syria in the Middle East. 
• Fundamentalist Muslims (ISIS/ISIL) wanted to set up a caliphate. 
• They fought violently to chase away moderate Muslims, and people of other  faiths, in order to create space for them to take over. 
• For example, Christians that had been there for a long time, were chased out. ∙ This is a violation of religious freedom. 
• There are also undertones of Sunni-Shia conflict, each side showing  intolerance towards the other.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (8) 

4.5
4.5.1 EXAMPLES: 

•  Judaism and Christianity teach that each person is unique because  he/she is made in the image and likeness of God. 
• He/she is deserving of human dignity and equality. 
• Christianity also teaches that one should love one's neighbour as  oneself.
• This shows that people are to love each other and that each one is  worthy of love.
• Most religions teach that human life is sacred and must be given  the greatest respect. E.g. Islam, African Religion, Hinduism. 
• Buddhism has the teaching 'First, do no harm' (ahimsa). 
• It clearly spells out that we do not have the right to harm others  and that everyone has the right to be protected and safe.(8)
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited.
• NO credit is given if religious teachings are not clearly indicated. 

4.5.2 EXAMPLES: 

• Buddhism teaches the Eightfold Path to attain Nirvana. 
• The Eightfold Path encourages each one to work towards spiritual  fulfilment, regardless of the particular religion. This is freedom of  religion in practice. 
• The Baha'i faith teaches that all religions believe in the same God  and one day all people will be united in the Baha'i Faith, the only  religion that will be in existence. 
• There is religious freedom because all religions are included. 
• Islam teaches that Allah created people with free will and the ability  to reason. 
• People have freedom of belief because it is impossible to force  people to believe in something. The Qur'an states 'There is no  compulsion in Islam'. 
•  Hinduism teaches that all religions are different paths leading to  the Divine. Every person must faithfully follow his/her path towards God. (8)
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited.
• NO credit is given if religious teachings are not clearly indicated. [50] 

QUESTION 5 
5.1 NOTE: Award TWO marks for the definition, and TWO marks for the religion. 5.1.1

• This is the worship of or belief in only one god. 
• The Abrahamic religions are monotheistic 
•  The Abrahamic religions are Judaism, Christianity and Islam.(4) 

5.1.2

• This refers to someone who chooses the optional stage of life of  the devout person. 
• This person withdraws from society, gives up all possessions  and wanders about. 
• It is a practice in Hinduism.(4) 

5.1.3

• This means showing respect and empathy for people. 
• It includes helping those who are physically, emotionally,  socially or spiritually in need. 
• It is a communal way of life based on 'Umuntu ngumuntu  ngabantu' meaning 'I am because we are'. 
• It is the ethics or moral order based on respect for people. 
• It is found in African Traditional Religion.(4) 

5.1.4

• Dharma refers to the way of Higher Truths (doctrines) 
•  This is how it is understood in Buddhism
  OR 
• Dharma is the belief that there is divine order in the whole of  existence. 
• This is how it is understood in Hinduism. (4) 

5.2 5.2.1

• These make up the Abrahamic religions/Religions of the Book/  the Near East or Middle East cluster. 
• They are monotheistic. 
• They share many prophets – Abraham, Isaac, Moses. 
• They place great emphasis on religious teaching. 
• They regard their sacred scripture as divinely inspired. 
• They believe in the Judgement Day.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (2) 

5.2.2

• They belong to the cluster of the Indian sub-continent. 
• Buddhism arose out of Hinduism, so they share a common root. 
• They both believe in reincarnation (samsara), although they  have different perceptions of it. 
• They both have the teachings of moksha and karma.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (2)

5.2.3

• They include much African culture in their rituals and practices.
• They believe that ancestors are intermediaries between God  and the living. 
• They enjoy 'lively' services with spirited singing and dancing.
•  The priests in the Zionist Christian Churches play a role similar  to healers in ATR.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (2) 

5.3 NOTE: Practices such as fasting and Hajj are NOT credited.  

• They believe in Allah the Lord of all that exists. 
• They believe that there is only one God, Allah. 
• They believe in the angels. 
• They believe in His Books.
• They believe in all His messengers. 
• They believe in Judgement Day. 
• They believe in Divine decree, good or bad.
• They believe in predestination.
• They believe in life after death. (12) 

5.4

• Each is a set of thoughts, ideas, teachings, beliefs and practices that  guides the worldview of their followers. 
• The word 'ideology' is often used as a substitute for religion, especially  when the supporter of a particular ideology does not have a religion. 
• Current use of the word often implies that the speaker is talking about a set  of beliefs not his/her own. 
• Ideology includes both secular and religious worldviews.(4) 

5.5 EXAMPLE 1: AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION (ATR) 

• Ancestor veneration/Intermediaries 
• Although ATR believes in a Supreme Being, the followers do not interact  much with this divinity who is seen as almighty and remote. 
• Instead they interact greatly with the ancestors whom they regard as  intermediaries between the Supreme Being and humans.
• The ancestors are a very important part of this religion. They guide and  protect the family who consult them on all matters. 
• Humans interact with the ancestors through the human intermediaries  known as sangomas or diviners. 
• To become a sangoma is a special calling. 
• Communal way of life/a clan based religion/the concept of ubuntu
• There is a strong emphasis on the community, little idea of individualism.
• The structure and organisation of society is clan-based, led by the elders  for whom there is great respect. The elders will become the ancestors.
• The spirit in the community is that of Ubuntu which fosters care for each  other.
• Emphasis on practice/No special day of worship. 
• This religion emphasises 'doing'. 
• It has many rituals, carried out for various purposes, led by the elder of the  clan. 
• There is no special date or time for the rituals.
• They are carried out when needed and agreed upon by the clan or  community. 
• When the ritual is carried out, that time and activity are sacred. There is no  special day of worship. 

EXAMPLE 2: BUDDHISM 

• There is no God at the centre of its beliefs and teachings. 
• The aim and purpose of life is to attain Nirvana or Enlightenment.
• This rests on the individual, who can get there by his own efforts and  practices. 
• The way to achieve Nirvana is by following the Eightfold Path. 
• Humans suffer and are unhappy because of attachment. 
• The way to alleviate this is to develop the attitude of detachment.
• Detachment can be developed with the realisation that everything in the  universe is impermanent. 
• The Four Noble Truths teach this worldview. 
• The Eightfold Path teaches a way of living that leads to Nirvana: 
• Right understanding and thought involves the wisdom to actively choose  this way. 
• Next comes the right conduct or actions that go with this decision – right  speech, action, and livelihood. 
• The last three involve the higher level of the spiritual – right effort,  mindfulness and concentration in meditation.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (12) [50] 

 TOTAL SECTION B: 100 
GRAND TOTAL: 150