RELIGION STUDIES PAPER 2
GRADE 12
NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS
MAY/JUNE2019

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1. This question paper consists of FIVE questions.
2. Answer any THREE questions.
3. Start EACH answer 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.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AT GAUTENG SCHOOLS IS FRIGHTENING
'The substance abuse in these schools is frightening … We're going to search every pupil in every school in Gauteng,' Faith Mazibuko's* spokesperson, Thapelo Moilwa, said.
Mazibuko attended raids at four schools in Soweto on Wednesday, which led to the discovery of drugs, alcohol, pornography and knives.
*Faith Mazibuko is Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
[Adapted from Mail & Guardian, 10 February 2011]
[Source: Religion and Life by V Watton]
1.1 Explain the causes of substance abuse at schools. (10)
1.2 What are the negative consequences of substance abuse in South African schools? (10)
1.3 Discuss practical strategies that religious communities can apply to overcome the problem of substance abuse in society. (14)
1.4 With reference to any ONE religion, discuss its teachings against substance abuse. (16)
[50]

QUESTION 2
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
Through its teachings every religion communicates to its followers why the world is the way it is, as well as their place and responsibility in it.
[Source: Focus on Religion Studies Grade 12, Donne]
2.1 Choose any ONE religion and discuss its central teachings under the following headings:
2.1.1 The place and responsibility of humanity in the world (10)
2.1.2 The origin and role of evil (14)
2.1.3 Life after death (10)
2.2 State any FOUR hermeneutical principles and explain the importance of each in the interpretation of sacred texts. (16)
[50]

QUESTION 3
Read the statement below and answer the questions that follow.
Within most religions, interpretations of beliefs may differ from one school of thought to another. Sometimes these differences are major and have even led to religious wars.
[Source: Shuters TOP CLASS Religion Studies, Grade 12]
3.1 With reference to any ONE religion, name TWO of its branches and discuss the differences between them under the following headings:
3.1.1 Teachings (14)
3.1.2 Governance (14)
3.2 Briefly discuss what led to the formation of the two branches you named in QUESTION 3.1 above. (10)
3.3 Critically discuss the role of inspiration in religion. (12)
[50]

QUESTION 4
Read the article below and answer the questions that follow.
RELIGION IN AREAS OF CONFLICT
South Africa is home to many different religions. Although religious communities may sometimes strongly disagree with one other, there has been no religious conflict in our recent past. In other countries there has been ongoing religious conflict, such as in Northern Ireland where there has been conflict between different groups of Christians. Similarly in Iraq the conflict is between the Kurds in the north, the Sunni Muslims in the middle and the Shi'a Muslims in the South. In Palestine the conflict is between Jews and Palestinians. In African countries, most conflicts appear to be between Muslims and Christians.
[Adapted from Shuters TOP CLASS Religion Studies, Grade 12]
4.1 Name any country in the world (excluding South Africa) where there is/was possible armed religious conflict. (2)
4.2 What are the causes of the conflict you named in QUESTION 4.1? (16)
4.3 To what extent is religion part of this conflict? (10)
4.4 Discuss the current situation in the conflict you mentioned. (10)
4.5 Critically evaluate the role played by religion to bring about peace in this conflict. (12)
[50]

QUESTION 5
5.1 Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
When people become actively secular, they find that they need to put forward a theory of their own, something to replace religion.
[Source: Religion Studies Grade 12, Steyn et al.]
5.1.1 Name any TWO secular world views and discuss the differences between them. (16)
5.1.2 Morality (the ability to distinguish between right and wrong) is influenced by religion as well as by secular world views.
State the influence of each on the development of morality. (2 x 6) (12)
5.2 Give a brief explanation of the Big Bang theory. (10)
5.3 What are the main reasons that some religions reject the Big Bang theory? In your answer refer to AT LEAST TWO religions.(12)
[50]
TOTAL: 150