RELIGION STUDIES
PAPER 2
GRADE 12 
AMENDED SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMS
PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
MAY/JUNE 2018

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 the answers must be in accordance with the marks allocated to  each question. 
  7. Write neatly and legibly.

QUESTIONS 

QUESTION 1 
Read the extract statement below and answer the questions that follow with reference  to any ONE religion you have studied. 

All religions have a set of beliefs about the nature of humanity, the world, the divine,  creation and other parts of our lives. Such broad beliefs are referred to as religious  teachings. Religious teachings can be in the form of written or oral texts. 

[Adapted from Shuters Top Class Religion Studies, Grade 12]

1.1 Discuss the nature of the world. (10)
1.2 Discuss the nature of the divinity. (10)
1.3 Discuss the place and responsibility of humanity in the world. (10) 
1.4 To what extent do you think human beings are fulfilling the responsibilities you  discussed in QUESTION 1.3? (10) 
1.5 Explain how the sacred text(s) of this religion developed. (10) [50] 

QUESTION 2 
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. 

Darwin's theory of evolution gives 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 a divine plan. 

[Source: Shuters Top Class Religion Studies, Grade 12]

2.1 Explain Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. (10) 
2.2 Critically evaluate the response of the following religions to Darwin's theory of  evolution: 
2.2.1 Christianity (8)
2.2.2 Hinduism (8)
2.3 Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. 

Religion has always offered explanations regarding creation. In the last four  centuries, however, science has begun to offer different answers to these  questions. 

[Source: Religion Studies, Steyn et al.]

2.3.1 Briefly explain the scientific theory of how the universe came into  existence. (12) 
2.3.2 With reference to the teachings of any ONE religion, explain how  the universe came into being. (12) [50] 

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

Secularism is the belief that government and morality should not be based on  religion. This does not mean they cannot be influenced by religion, it just  means that religion should not have the final say. 

[Source: Shuters Top Class Religion Studies , Grade 12]

3.1.1 Discuss the origin of secularism. (12) 
3.1.2 Discuss the teachings of any ONE secular worldview you have  studied. (14) 
3.1.3 How has secularism contributed to the establishment of religious  tolerance in the world? (14) 
3.2 Every religion has its normative sources, which need to be interpreted  appropriately. State any FIVE hermeneutic principles. (10) [50]

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

TEENAGE PREGNANCY 

According to the 2015 annual school survey, over 15 000 pupils fell pregnant  during the academic year. Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, says  that pregnancies at schools have become a major social challenge, not only  for the education sector, but more importantly also for national development. 

[Source: www.ewn.co.za, 2017]

4.1.1 Name any FIVE factors that contribute to teenage pregnancy. (10)
4.1.2 Evaluate the impact of teenage pregnancy on society. (10) 
4.1.3 Choose any ONE religion you have studied and discuss its  teachings which are against teenage pregnancy. (10) 
4.2 Name any TWO branches of ONE religion you have studied and discuss the  differences between the teachings. (20) [50] 

QUESTION 5 
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. 

Conflict is a reality of life. Religion has sometimes been part of the problem, but the  true intention of religion has always been to prevent conflict if it has not arisen yet, and  to solve it if it has. 

[Adapted from OBE for FET Religion Studies Grade 12, Steyn et al.]

5.1 Identify ONE area of conflict in Africa and give a brief history of the conflict. (14) 
5.2 Describe the current situation regarding the conflict you identified in  QUESTION 5.1. (12) 
5.3 Explain the role of religion in the conflict. (10) 
5.4 Do you think religion can solve conflict in areas of conflict? Give reasons to  support your answer. (14) [50] 

 TOTAL: 150

Last modified on Monday, 30 August 2021 08:35