RELIGIOUS STUDIES
PAPER 2
GRADE 12
NSC PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

MEMORANDUM 

QUESTION 1 
1.1
1.1.1 EXAMPLE 1: CHRISTIANITY  

• Catholic
• Protestant 
• Eastern Orthodox/Charismatic churches 

EXAMPLE 2: AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION 

• AmaZulu (Southern Africa)
• Aka 
• Yoruba
  NOTE: Award TWO marks for naming each of the branches. The  total of SIX marks is awarded for naming ALL branches of the  selected religion. In the case of Islam, six marks must be awarded  if Sunni and Shi'a are mentioned. (6) 

1.1.2 EXAMPLE 1: CHRISTIANITY 
Catholicism 

• The Pope is seen as the successor of St Peter.
• As such, he is believed to represent all Christians.
• The Catholic Church sees itself as the original church.
• They believe that everyone is born in sin because of Adam and  Eve's disobedience to God.
• God is made up of three persons: the Father, the Son and the  Holy Spirit. 
• The Holy Spirit comes from God the Father and the Son. 

Eastern Orthodox 

• The Holy Spirit comes only from God the Father.
• They believe that they are the rightly guided church. 

Protestantism 

• The Bible has more authority than the Pope.
• They teach that faith is the way to salvation.
• They teach that salvation is a gift given freely through the work  of Jesus Christ. 

EXAMPLE 2: AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION 
AmaZulu 

• They believe in the existence of a Supreme Being called  uMvelinqangi.
• His status is so high, that one must communicate with Him via  intermediaries.
• Communication is conducted through the intermediaries called  ancestors, also known as the living dead.
• The AmaZulu recognise the existence of different gods and  goddesses, e.g. uNomkhubulwane in the Zulu nation.
• The Supreme Being is regarded as the source of life and the  ultimate cause of death.

Aka 

• They also believe in a creator spirit called Bembe.
• They believe that Bembe retired after the act of creation. 
• Today, the forest spirit, called Dzengi, receives most attention. This is because the Aka believe that they need Dzengi's  protection during hunting.
• They believe in reincarnation, but this reincarnation occurs  within a species.
• They also believe in sorcerers and witches, who can send  misfortune to people.  

Yoruba 

• They believe that Olorun/Olodumare is the creator spirit.
• They also believe in deities called orishas.
• Ancestors are also important to the Yoruba.
• They venerate and sacrifice to the ancestors, much like the  amaZulu.
  NOTE: Any seven relevant facts must be credited. Relevant  alternative answers must be credited. (14) 

1.1.3

• They have a complete split/separation 
• An example is the Sunni-Shia split in Islam. 
• What began as a political difference has grown into major  differences in both beliefs and practices.
• A split can even result in open warfare.
• An example of this is the Irish war, between the Catholics and  Protestants.
• Some religions are more accepting of their internal differences.
• An example of this is Hinduism.
• From its beginnings, local customs and beliefs were  incorporated into the main body of Hinduism.
• There is therefore tolerance of internal differences. 
• Inter-denominational organisations are formed, to find common  ground, and to unite the various subgroups of a religion.
• An example of this is the South African Council of Churches.
• Its aim is to unite the various branches of Christianity, after the  divisions caused by apartheid.
• In addressing common social challenges (e.g. poverty), various  denominations work together for the common good of humanity.
• A coordinated effort allows for a more efficient and economical  use of resources.
• Examples of this are the Salvation Army and Gift of the Givers.
  NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (14)

1.2 EXAMPLE 1 :TAOISM 

• Humans are a tiny, microscopic by-product of the Tao's creation.
• The Tao is infinitely more powerful than humans.
• Humans are not a special creation, and they are not in charge of the world.
• The universe will continue on its path, as determined by the Tao. 
• Whatever humans do is exactly according to the whims of the Tao.
• Humans should look after the earth because polluting it is harmful for us.
• It is not done to appease the Tao.
• Humans can destroy only a small part of creation.
• In spite of this, the bountiful creative activity of the Tao will continue. 

EXAMPLE 2: JUDAISM 

• Humans are seen as God's most amazing creation.
• However, Judaism also teaches that humans are weak and insignificant.
• This is because of our temptation to sin.
• By following the Torah, man can achieve spiritual communion with God.
• As humans are created in the image of God, the goal of human existence  is to try and be like God.
• Humans must not only believe in the teachings, but must express their  faith through right actions.
• A major action that Jews must carry out is the act of charity.
• This is aimed at uplifting the Jewish community.
• It also includes outreach programmes for non-Jews, as their right action  must benefit mankind as a whole. (16)

QUESTION 2 
2.1

• In all religions, the original inspiration was first spread by oral tradition.
• This means that the original message was transmitted from generation to  generation by word of mouth.
• Oral tradition was a normative source of primary importance throughout  religious history.
• In African Traditional Religion, the family lineage is the primary sacred text.
• Sacred text is still spread through oral tradition, e.g. African Traditional  Religion.
• The technology of writing entered religion about 4000 years ago.
• Oral traditions that were written down became more rigid.
• The sacred text for Christianity is the Bible.
• It contains the teachings of Jesus Christ. They were first transmitted from  generation to generation through word of mouth.
• Eastern religions place less emphasis on sacred text than the Abrahamic  faiths. The value of oral traditions is more significant in Eastern religions.
• Oral tradition is flexible as it reflects local dialects and cultures.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (20) 

2.2
2.2.1

• Prior to 1859, it was only religion that explained the existence of  man and the universe.
• For example, the Book of Genesis in the Bible details how God  created the universe, as well as man. 
• Darwin's theory of evolution provided an alternative explanation  of creation, which differs from the Abrahamic religious  explanation of creation.
• This theory further provided an explanation that did not require  the existence of a Supreme Being.
• Darwin's theory also relegated man to being just another animal  that had evolved from apes.
• Most religions, however, give a special status to man.
• In the Abrahamic faiths, man is said to be created in the 'image  of God'.
• The influence of this theory challenged the authenticity of the  sacred texts as a message from God.
• Most people started to treat the Genesis account of creation as  symbolic.
• Eastern religions, such as Hinduism and Taoism, were  unaffected by Darwin' theory. 
• This is because they lay less emphasis on right beliefs, and attach more importance to right action.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (16)

2.2.2

• Religion is seen as divisive and exploitative.
• Many wars and other conflicts have been blamed on religion.
• With the development of printing, mass education and more  recently, social media, the public have developed confidence to  be independent thinkers.
• They have faith in their own powers of reasoning to question religious doctrine.
• Also, Darwin's theory of evolution is taught in schools as part of  the curriculum.
• Recent scientific discoveries have contributed to the popularity  of the theory, e.g. the humanoid fossils found at Marupeng  (Cradle of human kind).
• It provides an alternative explanation to the religious point of  view about how man came into existence.
• There is also a decline in religiosity (interest in religion)
• The increase in scientific research which provides solutions to  human problems, results in people having more faith in science  than in religion.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (14)  [50]

QUESTION 3  
3.1
3.1.1 EXAMPLES: 

• A. Irish War of Independence.√√ Catholics√√ against Protestants.  √√ 
• B. Israel-Palestine Conflict√√ Israelis/Jews√√ against Palestinians  (Muslims and Christians.) √√
• C. Sri Lanka. √√Tamils (Hindu)√√ against Buddhists/Sinhalese√√ (6) 

3.1.2 A. 

• Northern Ireland is constitutionally part of the United Kingdom  (UK).
• The population is made up of Catholics and Protestants.
• The conflict began in 1968 and ended in 1998.This period is  referred to as 'The Troubles'.
• For many years, the Catholics of Northern Ireland waged a war of  independence against the U.K, and wanted to unite with the  Republic of Ireland (Eire).
• The militia were known as the Irish Republican Army (I.R.A.).
• The Protestants of Northern Ireland resisted, and supported the  U.K.
• This conflict can be seen as religious nationalism, as Catholics  wanted religious unity with Ireland.
• It can also be seen as fundamentalist, as Protestants were not  allowed to join the IRA.
• The conflict led to a long and bloody civil war that has only  recently been resolved.  

B. 

• The on-going conflict started with the establishment of Israel in  1946.
• Hard-line Israelis and Zionists claim that, according to their  scriptures, Palestine rightfully belongs to the Jews.
• This claim is rejected by Palestinians, as well as many Jewish  organisations, including some Orthodox Jews.
• Religion plays a minor role in the conflict.
• The land of Israel/ Palestine is sacred to Jews, Christians and  Muslims.
• The al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem is Islam's third holiest site.
• Jerusalem is also sacred to Christians, as it is where Christ was  crucified.
• Jews regard Jerusalem as the location of the Temple  Mount/Temple of Solomon.
• All these sites existed long before the creation of Israel, and were  occupied by various tribes throughout history.
• Religion is used as an excuse for the conflict.
• There is no attempt by any side to convert people to their faith.
• The continuous occupation of Palestinian land by Jews (Jewish  settlers) is a major factor in the conflict.
• The building of illegal settlements on this land is also a major  factor.

C. 

• In 1972, Ceylon changed its name to Sri Lanka and Buddhism  was adopted as the country's religion. This antagonised the Tamil  minority, who are Hindu.
• Tamil Hindus felt that the government favoured the Buddhist  majority and discriminated against them.
• The Tamil Hindus accused the government of not promoting  religious tolerance and human rights.
• E.g. Sinhalese was the only official language in Sri Lanka.
• This policy excluded Tamil Hindus from the economy.
• In addition, Tamils were prevented from tertiary education. 
• In the 1980s, a militant group called the Liberation Tigers of Tamil  Eelam (LTTE) took up arms against the government. Their goal  was to establish an independent Tamil state in the north of the  country.
• In 2003, the government tried to make Buddhism the only state  religion. This motion did not have the necessary political support,  and was not made law.
• The conflict claimed some 60 000 lives.
• Religious and cultural discrimination was a major contributory  factor in the conflict. (20) 

3.1.3 A. 

• At present, there is generally peace in the area.
• The majority of people support peaceful negotiation, instead of  armed conflict.
• The IRA has dropped its demand for independence from the UK.
• There is currently political power sharing between the Protestants  and the Catholics.
• Some political killings continue to occur, and the 'Real IRA' claims  responsibility for it. 

B. 

• Numerous UN resolutions have been passed condemning this  occupation.
• However, Israel continues to defy UN resolutions and is building  more settlements on Palestinian land.
• There are sporadic attacks on Palestinians, as well as on Jews.
• The situation remains volatile.
• No solution to the situation has been found. 

C. 

• Today there is some power-sharing in the government.
• The economy is growing, and Sri Lanka is again a popular tourist  destination.
• There are several calls for investigation into human rights abuses  during the war.
• The country is moving towards becoming a fully demilitarised  state.
• Conversion to the religion of one's choice is permitted i.e.  freedom of religion is respected. (8)

3.2. YES 

• In most parts of the world, religion is no longer a major influencing factor in  politics.
• While conflicts occur world-wide, they are not caused by religion.
• Most countries today reflect considerable religious diversity.
• This is because there is global migration.
• Global migration occurs for several reasons, including natural disasters  and wars.
• Immigrants introduce their own religions to their new countries.
• Examples of this are the Syrian refugees in Europe, who are mainly  Muslim.
• This conflict is not about religion, but international politics.
• Another is the situation in South Sudan. Refugees are animist, Christian  and Muslim. They take their religious beliefs to new countries.
• In addition, interreligious dialogue has become more common.
• Social media contributes to this, as it provides easy access to diverse  religious information. 

NO 

• As countries are becoming multireligious, the possibility of religious conflict  increases.
• This conflict is not open warfare, but involves oppression of minority  religions.
• The oppression is compounded when it is exploited by governments for  political gain.
• An example of this is the situation in the Central African Republic.
• Political differences quickly caused the country to split along Muslim Christian lines.
• The genocide of Rohingya Muslims by Buddhists in Myanmar is another  example.
• Attacks on Coptic Christians in Egypt are an example of low-key conflict.
• In the Syrian conflict, there are strong undertones of Sunni-Shia tensions,  as the Syrian government is supported by Shia Iran, while some of the  militant groups are supported by the US, which is allied to Sunni Saudi  Arabia.
• In Europe and the United States, religious intolerance often results in  desecration of places of worship.
• It also results in religious discrimination, such as the recent US ban on  visitors from some Muslim majority countries.
  NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (16) [50]

QUESTION 4 
4.1

• A world view is the way we make sense of the world around us.
• There are two types of world views: the religious world view and the secular  world view.
• A religious world view is the belief that the government and morality should  be based on religion.
• A secular world view is the belief that government and morality should be  based on human rights, and not necessarily on religion. (4) 

4.2 EXAMPLE 1: ATHEISM 

•  Atheists reject the belief that divine or supernatural powers exist.
• Atheists often turn to science to explain the nature of the universe rather  than relying on faith.
• There are different degrees of atheism.
• Soft or neutral atheists do not actively reject the existence of a supernatural being.
• Strong or positive atheists believe there is evidence to support their  atheistic views.
• In some cases soft atheists reject both theism and strong atheism.
• This is because they feel both world views depend on proof to support their  claims. 

EXAMPLE 2: SECULAR HUMANISM 

• Secular humanism believes that the divine does not exist.
• They reject religious belief and the existence of the supernatural.
• Like other forms of humanism, they hold a common belief that attaches  prime importance to human thinking.
• In its teachings, the Council for Secular Humanism highlights the following:
  • A need to test beliefs: A conviction that traditions, ideologies and  dogma should be weighed and tested by each individual and not by  faith.
  • Reason, evidence, Scientific method: A commitment to the use of  critical reason, factual evidence and scientific method of inquiry in  seeking solutions to human problems.
  • Fulfilment, growth and creativity: A primary concern with fulfilment,  growth and creativity.
  • Search for truth: A constant search for objective truth.
  • Ethics: A search for viable individual, social and political principles of  ethical conduct.
  • Justice and fairness: An interest in securing justice and fairness in  society.
  • Building a better world: A conviction that reason, an open exchange of  ideas, goodwill and tolerance can be used to build a better world.  (10 x 2) (20)

4.3

• A secular world view leads to the development of democratic government.
• Secular laws become the highest laws of the world.
• Most religious people adapted to the secular view by accepting the  separation of religion and the state.
• It promotes freedom of conscience and belief.
• It provides a framework of principles and ethical guidelines for life.
• Society has freedom to question the authority of religious teachings.
• Secular views led to the development of science and technology in society.
• It promotes freedom of speech where society can debate and question  some of the traditional beliefs.
• Secular views led to the development of the Universal Declaration of  Humans Rights.
• It prevents the domination of one religion. (14) 

4.4 Historical context 

• This means that the writings must be understood within the context of the  time and circumstances in which the text was written. 

Clearest meaning 

• The meaning that is clearest to the readers should be considered. 

Plan, purpose and context 

• The writing plan or structure of the whole document must be taken onto  account.
• The purpose of the writer should also be taken into account.
• The extract should be seen as the part of the whole. 

Meanings of words 

• For the correct interpretation, the original meaning must be used because  the meaning of words often changes over time. 

Figurative language 

• Figurative language used in sacred texts must not be interpreted literally. Other sacred texts
• Sacred texts may be used to interpret other sacred texts on the same topic  because there is consistency among teachings of a religion and its sacred  texts.
  NOTE: Any THREE of the above must be credited. (12) [50]

QUESTION 5 
5.1

• Discrimination is the unjust or prejudicial treatment of people, especially on  the ground of race, colour, gender, religion, age, etc. 
• Discrimination also means excluding people of different social background  from the economy of the country.
• It is a belief that people of a certain race are superior or inferior to other  racial groups.
• Apartheid in South Africa.is a good example of racial discrimination.
• The holocaust in Burundi is also an example of racial discrimination in  Africa.
• During the apartheid regime only Christianity was the religion of the state.  Other religions were not recognised, and this is an example of religious  discrimination.
• The killing of people with albinism is an example of discrimination based  on superstition.
• Women in some occupations earn less than their male counterparts, and  this is gender discrimination. (12) 

5.2

• Victims of discrimination are often psychologically affected and lack self esteem.
• Discrimination causes violence in society when the victims demand equal  treatment.
• Victims of discrimination become poor because they are excluded from the economy of the country.
• Discrimination causes a divided society where people live according to  their racial groups. This builds up much animosity.
• It denies a country the opportunity of social cohesion.
• Discrimination is often the source of religious conflict in society. This  happens when one religion is oppressed by another.
• Discrimination excluded the blacks from quality education in South Africa.  This is still a challenge facing the democratic government.
• Violence against women occurs because of gender discrimination.
• Religious groups are often segregated according to their racial groups, e.g.  black churches and white churches 
• Religious discrimination led to syncretism and establishment of the African  Independent Churches or African Initiated Churches. (10)

5.3 EXAMPLE 1: BUDDHISM 

• Buddhism teaches that discrimination is an example of ignorance and  superiority is an example of craving.
• Ignorance and craving cause people to suffer. This suffering is called  dukkha.
• Buddhists believe in upekkha (equal respect for everyone).
• They believe that there is no fundamental difference between any human  beings.
• Mahayana Buddhism believes that all people must be treated equally  because we can all become enlightened beings.
• Everyone can become enlightened irrespective of culture, race or social  background.
• They believe that reaching enlightenment is the solution to discrimination.

EXAMPLE 2: CHRISTIANITY 

• Christians believe that all human beings were created in the image of God.
• We are all equal before the Creator, so we must treat each other with  dignity and respect.
• Discrimination is against the creationism teachings of Christianity.
• Jesus Christ taught His followers to love one another as they love  themselves.
• Discrimination is sin against the commandment of love
• One of the Ten Commandments is to love your neighbour as your love  yourself.
• Love does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender  and sexual orientation.
• In the parable of the righteous Samaritan, Jesus taught us that your  neighbour is any living human being irrespective of race, colour or religion.
• Apostle Paul teaches that all nations were created in one blood and placed  in different countries or places to seek God. 
• There is no nation or race that is superior to another.
• One of the unique features of Christianity is the belief that Jesus died for  all mankind and that means we have to treat each other as equals.
• 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son', This  shows that God did not discriminate on the grounds of religion or race, but  sent 'His only begotten Son', for all mankind (18)

5.4

• Religious organisations must join hands with the government to have  campaigns against discrimination.
• In their religious gatherings they must highlight teachings that encourage  unity and reject any form of discrimination.
• They can print and distribute pamphlets against discrimination in their  communities.
• International religious organisations must have branches that strategize and implement programmes against discrimination.
• Religious organisations must work with all sport organisations to fight  discrimination even in sport.
• They must facilitate Youth interreligious and cultural camps where the  youth can interact with people of various races and religions.
• Religious organisations must lead by example by ensuring that their  organisations are inclusive of all races, gender, beliefs, colour and age  groups. (10)  [50] 

TOTAL: 150