RELIGIOUS STUDIES
PAPER 2
GRADE 12
NSC PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
NOVEMBER 2016
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
QUESTION 1
Read the extract below and answer questions that follow.
No religion is a solid, monolithic unity. They all have many internal differentiations and have had such differences since their inception. [Adapted from Religion Studies Grade 12, HC Steyn] |
1.1 Discuss the internal differences of ONE religion under the following headings:
1.1.1 Teachings (10)
1.1.2 Practices (10)
1.2 Evaluate the possible consequences of internal differences for religions. (14)
1.3 List any FOUR hermeneutical principles and explain the significance of each principle in the interpretation of sacred texts. (4 x 4) (16)
[50]
QUESTION 2
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
All religions have a set of beliefs about the nature of divinity, humanity, the world, creation and other parts of life. Such broad beliefs are referred to as religious teachings. [Adapted from Shuters Top Class Religion Studies, Grade 12] |
Answer the following questions with reference to any ONE religion.
2.1 Analyse the nature of divinity as it is explained in the religion's central teachings. (18)
2.2 Discuss the central teachings of the religion that refer to the relationship between the community and the individual. (12)
2.3 Explain the religion's view on the origin of evil. (10)
2.4 Explain the religion's teachings about life after death. (10)
[50]
QUESTION 3
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
Religions For Peace has joined a group of organisations in an initiative that will provide help to millions of African children orphaned by HIV and Aids. The Hope for African Children Initiative confronts challenges such as the risk of malnutrition, illness, abuse and sexual exploitation faced by orphans. [Adapted from Shuters Top Class Religion Studies, Grade 12] |
3.1 What are the causes of HIV and Aids? (10)
3.2 What effect does HIV and Aids have on society? (10)
3.3 Discuss various religious teachings that offer solutions to HIV and Aids. (20)
3.4 Do you think religious organisations are winning the battle against HIV and Aids? Give reasons for your answer. (10)
[50]
QUESTION 4
4.1 Discuss the origins of any ONE secular world view by explaining how and why it came about. (10)
4.2 Discuss the teachings of the secular world view in QUESTION 4.1 above. (20)
4.3 Discuss how the normative source(s) of any ONE religion originated and developed over time. (20)
[50]
QUESTION 5
Read the extract below and answer questions that follow.
In the middle of the 19th century, biologist Charles Darwin published his theory of evolution in The Origin of Species. This was the first non-religious explanation of how the world was created and where humans come from. Since Darwin, there has been much debate about what his theory means for religious beliefs. [Adapted from Shuters Top Class Religion Studies, Grade 12] |
5.1 To what extent has the attitude of religion towards evolution changed since the 19th century? Give examples from at least TWO religions to support your answer. (30)
5.2 Discuss the relationship between the Big Bang theory and any ONE religious teaching on creation. (20)
[50]
TOTAL: 150