RELIGIOUS STUDIES
PAPER 1
GRADE 12   
NSC PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION 

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

QUESTIONS

SECTION A (COMPULSORY) 
QUESTION 1  
1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.  Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question  number (1.1.1–1.1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.11 D. 
1.1.1 A feeling of connection to the divine: 

A Conciliatory 
B Communion 
C Compassion 
D Confirmed (1)

1.1.2 Sangha is believed to be one of the three jewels of … 

A Buddhism. 
B the New Age Movement. 
C Hinduism. 
D the Bahá'i faith. (1)

1.1.3 Ecumenical is … 

A bread that is eaten at Christian rituals. 
B a Jew. 
C any person who is NOT a Jew. 
D promoting unity among Christians. (1) 

1.1.4 According to its teachings, all religions are part of God 's divine plan  for humanity: 

A Islam 
B Bahá'i faith 
C Christianity 
D Taoism (1)

1.1.5 The holy book of Buddhism is the … 

A Ketuvim. 
B Mahabharata. 
C Tripitaka. 
D Neviim. (1)

1.1.6 All religions are paths towards the truth and they are equally true: 

A Inclusivism 
B Pluralism 
C Ideology 
D Identity (1)

1.1.7 The followers of this religion believe they are the 'chosen people': 

A Christianity 
B Bahá'i faith 
C Judaism 
D Islam (1)

1.1.8 The sacred book of Islam is the … 

A Old Testament. 
B Torah. 
C Qur'an. 
D first five books of the Bible. (1) 

1.1.9 The following religions communicate with the Supreme Being  through intermediaries: 

A African Traditional Religion and Islam 
B African Traditional Religion and Christianity 
C Hinduism and Buddhism 
D Judaism and Islam (1)

1.1.10 All world processes are made up of two forces: 

A Male and female 
B Wane and death 
C Diviner and power 
D Yin and yang (1) 

1.2 Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches the term in COLUMN A.  Write only the letter (A–G) next to the question number (1.2.1–1.2.6) in the  ANSWER BOOK. Do NOT use any letter more than once. 

1.3 Complete the following sentences by filling in the missing word(s). Write only  the word(s) next to the question number (1.3.1–1.3.5) in the ANSWER BOOK. 
1.3.1 The founding figure of Buddhism was … and he is known as the  Buddha. (2) 
1.3.2 The Muslim religious leader whose authority is believed to be  derived from Prophet Mohammed is the … (2) 
1.3.3 In Hindu society, the highest caste is known as the priestly or the … (2) 
1.3.4 The Queen of England is the hereditary head of the … Church. (2) 
1.3.5 In the African Traditional Religion, the special people that are called  by their ancestors to heal the living are called … (2) 
1.4 In the context of religion, define the following terms in TWO sentences:
1.4.1 Polytheism (2)
1.4.2 Ideology (2)
1.4.3 Reincarnation (2)
1.4.4 Nirvana (2)
1.4.5 Sect (2) 
1.5 Indicate whether each of the following statements is TRUE or FALSE. Give a  reason if the statement is false. Write 'true' or 'false' and the reason next to  the question number (1.5.1–1.5.5) in the ANSWER BOOK.  
1.5.1 Baptism is a spiritual discipline including breath control, simple  meditation, and specific body postures. (2) 
1.5.2 In the Abrahamic faiths, spontaneity and flexibility are the  characteristics of the path that the universe travels. (2) 
1.5.3 The Ten Commandments were revealed to Jesus Christ. (2)
1.5.4 The word 'immortal' means living forever or everlasting. (2)
1.5.5 The Book of Mormon is one of the sacred texts for the Bahá'i faith. (2)
1.6 In TWO sentences, briefly describe EACH of the following as they apply to the  study of religion: 
1.6.1 Doctrine (2)
1.6.2 Myth (2)

TOTAL SECTION A: 50 

SECTION B 
Answer any TWO questions in this section. 
QUESTION 2 
2.1 In the context of religion, write ONE fact on EACH of the following terms and  give ONE example to illustrate its meaning: 
2.1.1 Difference (4)
2.1.2 Teachings (4)
2.1.3 Dharma (4)
2.1.4 Syncretism (4)
2.1.5 Exclusivism (4) 
2.2 State any THREE unique features of EACH of the following religions:
2.2.1 Christianity (6)
2.2.2 Taoism (6)
2.2.3 African Traditional Religion (6) 
2.3 Discuss the importance of uniqueness in religion. (12) [50]

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

3.1.1 What lessons does this message teach us? Give evidence from the  extract to support your answer. (12) 
3.1.2 Discuss any THREE reasons that, according to the message,  make South Africa unique. (12) 
3.1.3 The last line of the message reads, 'For a moment, just a moment,  it felt good to hope again …'  What do you think Jansen means by this? (6) 
3.1.4 List THREE advantages and THREE disadvantages of religious  organisations using social media. (6 x 2) (12) 
3.2 Why do you think the media is generally biased in the coverage of religious  issues? (8) [50]

QUESTION 4 
4.1 Read the statement below and answer the questions that follow. 

4.1.1 In the context of the statement above, explain colonialism. (4) 
4.1.2 Do you agree with Dube's interpretation of missionary work?  Give reasons for your answer. (12) 
4.1.3 Compare the terms interreligious dialogue and intrareligious  dialogue and give ONE example in each case. (8) 
4.2 Name ONE organisation that works to promote interreligious relationships in  Africa. State any SEVEN of its achievements. (16) 
4.3 Briefly discuss the background and main purpose of the organisation you  named in QUESTION 4.2. (10) [50]

QUESTION 5 
5.1 State any FOUR contributions by the World Conference for Religions for  Peace, which promote interreligious harmony. (8) 
5.2 With reference to any of the religions you have studied, discuss religious  teachings that promote good morality. (10) 
5.3 Critically analyse the role religions played in the struggle against apartheid  in South Africa. (12) 
5.4 Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: 

5.4.1 What does the concept of religious freedom imply? (4)
5.4.2 Explain what is meant by human rights. (4) 
5.4.3 Explain how different religions are practically involved in promoting  religious freedom, human rights and responsibilities. (12) [50] 

TOTAL SECTION B: 100 
GRAND TOTAL: 150