RELIGION STUDIES PAPER 1
GRADE 12
NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS
MEMORANDUM
MAY/JUNE2019

SECTION A (COMPULSORY)
QUESTION 1
1.1
1.1.1 A√ (1)
1.1.2 C√ (1)
1.1.3 A√ (1)
1.1.4 C√ (1)
1.1.5 C√ (1)
1.1.6 B√ (1)
1.1.7 D√ (1)
1.1.8 C√ (1)
1.1.9 B√ (1)
1.1.10 B√ (1)
1.2
1.2.1 Reincarnation√ (1)
1.2.2 Pilgrimage√ (1)
1.2.3 Haifa√ (1)
1.2.4 Agnosticism√ (1)
1.2.5 Yoga√ (1)
1.2.6 Dogma√ (1)
1.3
1.3.1 G√ (1)
1.3.2 E√ (1)
1.3.3 A√ (1)
1.3.4 F√ (1)
1.3.5 B√ (1)
1.3.6 D√ (1)
1.4
1.4.1 Shaktism√
The rest are related to Judaism.√ (2)
1.4.2 Heretic√
The rest are related to Christianity.√ (2)
1.4.3 Guru√
The rest are related to Islam.√ (2)
1.4.4 African Traditional Religion√
The rest are religions with founders.√ (2)
1.5
1.5.1

• Inspiration refers to the breath (power, knowledge) of an extraordinary being/power, e.g. a deity. √
• Alternatively it may refer to people feeling that they are possessed by such a power. √
• It is through that power that they may receive revelation. √ (2)

1.5.2

• 'Myth' comes from the Greek word 'mythos' which means 'word' or 'fable'. √
• In Religion Studies the term 'myth' refers to stories which reveal the deepest truths about creation, life and death. √
• A story which explains why something is as it is. √ (2)

1.5.3

• 'Karma' means 'action' or 'deed'. √
• It also implies the result of actions. √
• It embraces the following: 'As we sow, so shall we reap', 'What goes around comes around'. √ (2)

1.5.4

• Means that two or more religions can be compared. √
• It also implies that two or more religions have differences and similarities. √
• Comparison can be either explicit or implicit. √ (2)

1.5.5

• A Bodhisattva is a Buddhist who has achieved enlightenment, but who chooses to stay behind in this world to lead others to truth. √
• The Bodhisattva is already a Buddha-to-be. √
• He/She may be compared to a spiritual being. √ (2)

NOTE: Other relevant responses should be credited.
1.6
1.6.1 False√
The Shia Muslims supported Ali, Muhammad's son-in-law/
The Sunnis supported Abu Bakr, Muhammad's father-in-law. √ (2)
1.6.2 False√
A shaman is a person who acts as a medium between the visible and spiritual world. √ (2)
1.6.3 True√√ (2)
1.6.4 False√
Fundamentalists are usually exclusivists who see only their interpretation of religion as right and true, and are intolerant of others. √ (2)
1.6.5 False √
Sampradayas refers to the subdivisions within Hinduism. √ (2)
TOTAL SECTION A: 50

SECTION B
QUESTION 2
2.1
2.1.1

• Any subgroup/branch of a religion is said to be a denomination.
• Example: The Methodist Church is a Christian denomination.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (4)

2.1.2

• Theism is a belief in divinity or god.
• Example: Judaism believes in YAHWEH.
• Hindus believe in one God who is revealed in many forms (gods).
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (4)

2.1.3

• It refers to a story that is told to illustrate a religious principle.
• Example: The parable of the sower in Christianity.
• Blind men and the elephant in Buddhism.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (4)

2.2
2.2.1

• It creates a sense of belonging.
• It encourages unity within a religion.
• It is a form of self-identification. It shows that one subscribes to the beliefs and doctrines of that religion.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (4)
• 2.2.2
• It can cause friction in a multireligious society.
• This will happen especially when one religion dominates another.
• It can turn people away from a religion for fear of victimization.
• It can be seen as too restrictive and exclusivist. This in turn can result in people adopting a more secular worldview.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (4)

2.3 Any two Eastern religions:

• Hinduism
• Buddhism
• Taoism

EXAMPLE 1: HINDUISM AND BUDDHISM

• They both believe in reincarnation as the ongoing cycle of birth-death-rebirth.
• They both teach the law of karma, that you will be rewarded or punished according to the life choices you have made.
• The aim of life is liberation from reincarnation, when the soul is purified . Although they have sacred scripture and teachings, there is more emphasis on rituals than beliefs.
• Both are not highly prescriptive religions, leaving their followers a great deal of flexibility and choice. (4)

EXAMPLE 2: BUDDHISM AND TAOISM

• As Eastern religions, neither is very prescriptive, leaving their followers a great deal of flexibility.
• Neither has a concept of the divine as closely and personally involved in the lives of followers.
• The idea of a community of believers/communal worship at a regular time is not emphasised (as it is in Judaism, Christianity and Islam).
• They speak of the causes of human suffering, rather than the concept of sin.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited.
No marks are awarded for merely naming common properties of religions. (6)
2.4
2.4.1

• Compassion means treating others as we ourselves would like to be treated.
• It means helping to remove suffering of our fellow human beings, regardless of race or religion.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (2)
2.4.2

• Every human being, without exception, should be treated with dignity and respect.
• The inflicting of pain or suffering on others must be forbidden.
  Interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain, is illegitimate.
• Youth must be given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (6)

2.5

• Much is being done to encourage good inter-religious relationships in our multifaith and diverse society.
• At state functions representatives of various religions are invited to participate, e.g. the opening of parliament, the inauguration of the state president, etc.
• Also on public holidays such as Human Rights Day and Heritage Day, leaders from different religions take part.
• Members of different religions come together for interfaith services and talks so that we can grow in our understanding and respect for each other.
• Many religious NGOs (non-governmental organisations) voluntarily serve the needs of the vulnerable, irrespective of their faith.
• The President and government can call on the advisory body of religious leaders called the National Religious Leaders Forum (NRLF).
• It is clear that the above initiatives are developing healthy interreligious relationships in South Africa.
• There is greater respect, tolerance and understanding of other religions in South Africa, than in other countries.
• We are fortunate that so far in South Africa there has not been a major religious conflict.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (12)
[50]

QUESTION 3
3.1
3.1.1

• There is a Covenant between Yahweh and his Chosen People, the Jews.
• God gave the Ten Commandments to the Jews through Moses on Mount Sinai.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (4)

3.1.2

• The uniqueness of Baha'i lies in its idea of unity:
• There is only one God and all religions, despite their differences, actually worship the same God.
• They believe that in the future Baha'i will be the only religion in the world.
• It teaches that all religions can be seen as different stages of humanity's spiritual development.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (4)

3.1.3

• Christianity believes in the Trinity.
• The three persons of the Trinity are God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
• Jesus is the Son of God, that is, God incarnate.
• Jesus died on the cross and rose again from the dead/ Jesus was resurrected.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (4)

3.1.4

• Tao meaning 'the path of the universe', is regarded as the source or beginning of everything.
• Both the 'nothing' and the 'happening' that take place in the Tao are considered divine.
• All the world's processes are made up of two opposing forces, the yin and the yang.
• The aim in Taoism is to live one's life effortlessly in harmony with the Tao.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (4)

3.2

• It helps members identify who belongs to the religion and who does not.
• It helps members explain why they have chosen their religion.
• The uniqueness of a religion is what makes it stand out from all the others.
• The unique things of a religion are what it comes to treasure most.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (6)

3.3
3.3.1

• Ancestors are the messengers of the Supreme Being and guardians of the physical world.
• They look after and protect the living, especially through the elderly.
• Sometimes the ancestors reveal themselves to the living through dreams and visions.
• They also communicate through an intermediary, the sangoma or diviner.
• Through the ancestors there is a great sense of connection and continuity within the family and community.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (4)

3.3.2

• A communal way of life is central to African Traditional Religion, allowing people to share their joys, blessings and sorrows.
• Harmony and respect are fundamental for a good community life.
• The elderly are expected to lead by example and to teach the younger generation
• The young are never addressed as individuals, as they are reflections of their parents. They are referred to by their parents' names, like Nokuzola's son or daughter.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (4)

3.3.3

• The Creator created all days, therefore no day is holier than another and there is no special day of worship.
• For rituals, a day is chosen according to what suits the community.
• The gathering and performance of the ritual is what is holy; whatever time or day it takes place is considered sacred.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (4)

3.3.4

• Central beliefs, teachings and rituals have been passed down from one generation to another through the spoken word.
• Story telling is very important as a way of preserving information.
• Oral teachings of the elderly are important so that the next generation will be able to learn about their heritage. This is important in a rapidly changing society.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (4)

3.4

• Christianity in Africa has adopted some practices from African Traditional Religion.
• An example is the night vigil.
• This has resulted in a unique religious identity, called the African Initiated Churches (AIC).
• Christian hymns have an African beat/ flavour.
• The AICs reflect a greater African identity. This is an example of syncretism.
• Many AICs now have links with the American Pentecostal Churches.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (12)

[50]

QUESTION 4
4.1

• It would be helpful if a religion had strong policies and procedures that give guidance about how it should conduct itself.
• It needs to appoint a spokesperson who is media-savvy, to interact with the media.
• Members of the religion need to know and follow media protocol.
• Religion should avoid being confrontational and should be aware that there are usually several sides to a story – 'yours, mine and the truth'.
• An open and objective approach is better than an angry and defensive response.
• The negative coverage comes from somewhere and the religious authorities need to try and understand the underlying issue.
• If the report uncovers a real problem, religion should reach out to the aggrieved person(s).
• Religious organisations can be confrontational, where they feel they have been wronged.

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

4.2

• While keeping up with current affairs through print and digital media one could pay special attention to any reports that involve religion.
• One could think critically when interacting with the news – is it good, bad, substantial, objective and informative?
• One could read or research further using more reliable sources.
• One could access religion –specific media, such as Rhema, TBN Africa, Islam Channel, religious radio stations, etc.
• One can subscribe to religious magazines, covering religious matters and current affairs.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (8)

4.3

• The source should not be biased. /The source should be objective.
• It should be checked against other sources.(TV stations, Social media, print media, etc)
• Be aware of the strength and weakness of the type of media being used.
• The source should be credible.
• Social media can quickly and easily amplify false information. It should be cross referenced with other sources.
• What is the ideology of the producer/editor?
• One must keep an open mind, and get all sides of the story. as religion is a highly subjective topic.
• There may be conflicting viewpoints on religious issues, and these should be respected.
• The source must be accountable for what it publishes.
• The media can be held accountable for misleading or inflammatory information.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited (8)

4.4.1

• Mainstream media provides much coverage of religion. Many religions have a slot/programme/even a channel in which they propagate their religions.
• There are special TV and radio channels dedicated to specific religions. These religions pay for air time.
• Examples: Eastern Mosaic, prayer request programmes, televangelism, worship services.
• People can participate in religious services over the radio or television without being physically present.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited (8)

4.4.2

• Where the religions themselves are using media in their work and mission, the content is informative and positive and coverage is widespread.
• Where there is reporting in the news media on religious matters, the content and spread is limited.
• Mainstream media have a different focus because an important consideration for them is to make a profit from their business.
• They tend to cover news that is sensationalist.
• They tend to be negative towards mainstream religion.
• In line with the current trend, news media lean towards a secular view of the world.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited (8)

4.4.3

• News media seldom write on religion for its own sake.
• Their stance is usually not favourable towards mainstream religion.
• They thrive on sensationalism because that kind of news sells and they are profit-driven.
• They report according to editorial policy.
• Positive religious developments, such as humanitarian work done by religious organisations, receive little coverage, if any.
• Even where certain religions pay for media coverage, the content is not objective as the aim is to propagate a particular view.
• Generally the coverage is objective in South Africa.
• E.g.: Reports on the Verulam and Malmesbury attacks were largely factual.
• A small minority of newspapers did try to create sensationalism around the attacks.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (8)

[50]

QUESTION 5
5.1
5.1.1 EXAMPLE: CHRISTIANITY

• Christianity teaches that 'You shall love your neighbour as you love yourself.'
• Love is for everyone and this indicates that people are equal and should be treated as such.
• Jesus' teachings show that all humans are to be equally respected, because in essence, they are equal.
• Christians believe that all people are children of God and have been made in His image.
• When we understand the nature and character of God, we are able to understand the uniqueness of humans, and the respect due to them.

EXAMPLE: ISLAM

• Muslims believe and teach that all human beings are creations of God (Allah).
• All human beings are the children of Adam, and are therefore equal.
• On the basis of this, the basic human rights should be shared by all people, regardless of religion.
• They believe that these rights have been granted by God and not by human-led governments.
• They also believe that it is their duty to actively protect these rights.

EXAMPLE: AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION

• A fundamental principle of existence in African Traditional Religion is 'I am related, therefore I am' (ubuntu).
• Individualism is seen to be inhuman as it goes against the central belief in the importance of unity of the community.
• One is encouraged to treat others with consideration and respect, as one would like to be treated.
• The 'haves' assist the 'have not's', bringing about equality.
• The attitude and practice of 'ubuntu' leads to harmony and equality within the community.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (4 x 2) (8)

5.1.2

• Religious organisations can hold workshops to conscientise people about human rights.
• Take an active part in activities that prevent the violation of human rights, e.g. xenophobia.
• Hold interreligious conferences to promote freedom of worship.
• Plan and organise activities to highlight violation of human rights, e.g. women and children abuse.
• Form forums that will serve as a watchdog in communities, to ensure that acts of violence are reported to relevant people.
• Work hand in hand with media to promote human rights.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (10)

5.1.3 YES

• All religious organisations have to come together for the commemoration of Human Rights Day. This will demonstrate religious tolerance and respect.
• It is the task of religion to conscientise people about these rights.
• Religion is the source of human rights.
• It promotes the sanctity of life.
• It encourages charity, so the poor will gain self-respect.
• Religious organisations played a key role in the apartheid struggle.

NO

• Human rights were laid down by people trying to create peaceful societies in conflict-ridden areas. (Humanism)
• Religion has nothing to do with the commemoration of Human Rights Day.
• Different religions will respond in different ways to the commemoration of Human Rights Day, as not all religions were affected by the Sharpeville massacre.
• The commemoration of human rights is political in nature, not religious.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (6)

5.2

• There was much more interfaith cooperation during the apartheid years.
• The WCRP in 1984 brought together organisations such as the South African Council of Churches, the Call of Islam and Jews for Justice. All these organisations unanimously denounced the Apartheid laws of the country.
• If an imam was killed in detention, Jews, Christians, Hindus and others joined in the protest against the apartheid government.
• The South African branch of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP), led by people like Frank Chikane and Desmond Tutu were leading marches against apartheid.
• Leaders of different faiths were also involved in the struggle against apartheid, e.g. Mahatma Gandhi.
• The African National Congress (ANC) was supported by religious leaders such as Dr JL Dube.
• Many of the struggle icons were given refuge in religious buildings.
• During the first democratic elections, religious organizations played an important role as observers.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (12)

5.3
5.3.1

• With any freedom comes responsibility.
• An important responsibility with regard to human rights is to understand that every person is accorded/ granted equal rights.
• Therefore, one may never exercise one's rights in such a way that it infringes on the rights of others.
• E.g.: Conducting a ritual should not inconvenience people of other faiths.
• Applied to religion, this means that one needs to respect others' religions and others' viewpoints.
• One person's right is fulfilled by another person's responsibility.
• E.g.: The right to life is accompanied by the responsibility of avoiding risky behaviour. (8)

5.3.2 CHRISTIANITY:

• Love your neighbour as you love yourself/ love one another. This teaching encourages selflessness/treating others equally and with respect. We have a responsibility to love and respect one another.
• Thou shall not steal. This teaching encourages the right to own property because others have no right over it.
• It is the responsibility of each individual not to take what does not belong to him/her.(2)

BUDDHISM:

• The Dalai Lama emphasises 'First, do no harm' (ahimsa).-
• Right intention, right speech, right action and right living of the Eightfold Path give guidance about interaction with others. This guarantees the right to human dignity.
• The responsibility lies collectively with all Buddhists.(2)

AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION:

• The African Philosophy 'Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu' is the key in the keeping of balance between human rights and responsibilities.
• It is the responsibility for one to take care of others and in turn others will take care of the individual.
• Do to others what you would like them to do to you.(2)

[50]
TOTAL SECTION B: 100
GRAND TOTAL: 150