RELIGION STUDIES PAPER 2
GRADE 12
NOVEMBER 2019
NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1. This question paper consists of FIVE questions.
2. Answer any THREE questions.
3. Start EACH question on a NEW page.
4. Read ALL the questions carefully.
5. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this question paper.
6. The length of your answers must be in accordance with the marks allocated to each question.
7. Write neatly and legibly.

QUESTION 1
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
All religions have a set of teachings about the nature of humanity, the world, the divine, the creation and parts of our lives.
1.1 With reference to any ONE religion, discuss its central teachings under the following headings:
1.1.1 The origin and role of evil (10)
1.1.2 The nature of humanity, with reference to the community and the individual (10)
1.2 Name and explain any FOUR hermeneutical principles. (16)
1.3 What is the role of hermeneutical principles in the interpretation of sacred text?(14)
[50]

QUESTION 2
2.1 Read the article below and answer the questions that follow.
Within most religions, interpretations of beliefs may differ from one school of thought to another. A school of thought is a strand or branch.
2.1 Name any TWO branches within ONE religion and discuss the internal differences that exist under the following headings:
2.1.1 Differences in teachings (16)
2.1.2 Differences in governance (12)
2.2 Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
CRIME AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION
Preventing violent crime involves not only traditional law enforcement and criminal justice but also an integrated, long-term approach that addresses the root causes of crime.
2.2.1 Analyse the impact of crime and violence on society.(10)
2.2.2 With reference to any TWO religions you have studied, briefly discuss their teachings that address the issue of crime and violence. (12)
[50]

QUESTION 3
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
Each religious tradition has a beginning, a source, which is normative. Source does not refer to this origin, or beginning, only. It also suggests how people return to this norm over and over again to find the answers they are looking for. Normative sources include inspiration and sacred books.
3.1
3.1.1 What is the role of inspiration in religion? (14)
3.1.2 Discuss the origin and development of the sacred book(s) of any ONE religion you have studied. (20)
3.2 Compare the teachings of any ONE secular worldview with the teachings of any ONE religion you have studied. (16)
[50]

QUESTION 4
Read the statement below and answer the questions that follow.
The record of religions, like everything that involves humans, is mixed. Sometimes religions inspire us to reach great heights of creativity and social sacrifice. At other times religions drive people to shameful behaviour. Sometimes religion is part of the problem; sometimes it is part of the solution.
4.1
4.1.1 Name ONE geographical region where religion is possibly part of armed conflict.(2)
4.1.2 Discuss the extent to which religion is part of the conflict.(10)
4.1.3 Describe the current situation in the region you named in QUESTION 4.1.1. (12)
4.1.4 Evaluate the role of religious organisations in resolving this conflict. (16)
4.2 With reference to any ONE religion you have studied, discuss its teachings about armed conflict/war. (10)
[50]

QUESTION 5
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
When considering the relationship between religion and the natural sciences, it is important to remember that science is something human beings have done in all cultures for centuries; and so is religion. Religious festivals celebrated the summer and winter solstices in many cultures.
5.1 Tabulate the differences between any ONE of the Abrahamic religions' version of creation and the Big Bang Theory. (10 x 2) (20)
5.2 Discuss the response of any non-Abrahamic religion to the Big Bang Theory. (16)
5.3 Briefly explain Darwin's theory of evolution. (14)
[50]
TOTAL: 150