RELIGION STUDIES
GRADE 12
PAPER 2 
NSC PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
SEPTEMBER 2017

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. Read ALL the questions carefully before answering it. 
  5. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in  this question paper. 
  6. Write legibly and present your work neatly.

QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1 
Read the statement below and answer the questions that follow. 

HIV and Aids is one of the major challenges facing SA.  

1.1 Give a brief relevant introduction of HIV/Aids. (8)
1.2 Explain the impact of HIV/Aids on South African society. (16) 
1.3 Discuss practical strategies or steps that religious organisation can use to  combat HIV/Aids. (14) 
1.4 Do you think that religious organisations are currently succeeding in the  struggle against HIV/Aids? Give reasons for your answer. (12)

[50] 

QUESTION 2 
2.1 Discuss the central teachings of any ONE religion under the following  headings: 

2.1.1 Nature of the world (10)
2.1.2 Nature of divinity (10)
2.1.3 Place and responsibility of the world (10) 

2.2 With reference to ONE selected religion, explain the following concepts:

2.2.1 Inspiration (10) 
2.2.2 Sacred book (10)

[50] 

QUESTION 3 
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. 

Darwin’s theory of evolution gave an alternative explanation for the origin of man.  While evolution does not refute religious ideas about creation directly, it is clear that it  offers no explanation as part of divine plan. 

[Source: Shutters Top Class Religion Studies, Page 163]

3.1 Explain the theory of evolution. (12)
3.2 Discuss the response of any ONE religion to Darwin’s theory. (18) 
3.3 

Religions have always offered explanations regarding creation and the status  of humankind. In the last four centuries, however, science has begun to offer  different answers to these questions. 

[Source: Religion Studies, Steyn et al p. 241]

Give a brief explanation of the Big Bang Theory. (20)

[50]

QUESTION 4 
Read the following quotation and answer the questions that follow. 

Organisations such as the World Conference of Religious for Peace (WCRP), African  Women of Faith Network (WCC), African Council of religious leaders (WPR), aim to  create harmony among the religions of the world.  

4.1 Give a brief account of their history and discuss what work these  organisations have done outside of the African continent. (14) 
4.2 All religious display a number of internal differences. Discuss the internal  differences within any one religion under the following headings: 

4.2.1 Governance (12)
4.2.2 Practices (14) 

4.3 Do you think secularism is gaining popularity in the world? Give reasons for  your answer. (10)

[50] 

QUESTION 5 
5.1 State FIVE hermeneutical principles that can be used in the interpretation of  sacred text. (10) 
5.2 Read the statement below and answer the questions that follow. 

Christian settlers arrived in SA in 1652, Muslims in 1796 and Hindus in 1860  whilst ATR had always been practised in the country.  

Write an essay of environmental destruction under the following subheadings.

5.2.1 Causes of environmental destruction (14)
5.2.2 Impact of environmental destruction in the society (12) 

5.3 Analyse the role of the present legislation in encouraging healthy inter religious relations in SA. (14)

[50] 
TOTAL: 150

Last modified on Wednesday, 21 July 2021 11:18