RELIGIOUS STUDIES
PAPER 1
GRADE 12 
NSC PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

MEMORANDUM

SECTION A (COMPULSORY) 
QUESTION 1  
1.1

1.1.1 B (1)
1.1.2 B (1)
1.1.3 C (1)
1.1.4 D (1)
1.1.5 D (1)
1.1.6 A (1)
1.1.7 C (1)
1.1.8 D (1)
1.1.9 B (1)
1.1.10 C (1) 

1.2

1.2.1 Iran (1)
1.2.2 Three baskets(of wisdom) (1)
1.2.3 Martin Luther (1)
1.2.4 Yin and Yang (1)
1.2.5 Halakhah (1) 

1.3

1.3.1 Tanach – is a sacred book for Judaism. (2) 
1.3.2 Abu Bakr – was the father in-law of Prophet Muhammad. He was  the successor to Muhammad/the first caliph. (2) 
1.3.3 Nirvana – a state of perfect happiness and peace in Buddhism. (2)
1.3.4 Sanskrit – an ancient language of the Far East. (2)
1.3.5 Jesus – the founder of Christianity. (2) 

1.4

1.4.1 The most well-known Bodhisattva is Dalai Lama. (2)
1.4.2 The Shi'a holy shrine of Karbala is in Iraq. (2)
1.4.3 The longest epic in Hinduism is the Mahabharata. (2)
1.4.4 The tangible expression of the oral Torah is Talmud. (2)
1.4.5 The highest goal of Buddhist practice is Nirvana. (2) 

1.5

1.5.1 E (1)
1.5.2 D (1)
1.5.3 F (1)
1.5.4 B (1)
1.5.5 A (1)

1.6

1.6.1

• • Zen is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism which emphasises  meditation.
  • Zen practitioners meditate in order to attain enlightenment.
  • Zen Buddhism believes that there is a line of authority that goes  down to Buddha. (2) 

1.6.2

• • A principle, tenant or system as laid down by a collective  religious authority.
  • Comes from the Greek word 'dogma' which originally meant  'appearance' or 'opinion'.
  • Refers to any set of beliefs that is taken to be absolutely true  and fixed. (2) 

1.6.3

• • The founder of the Bahá'i' faith 
  • He was a Persian nobleman and a prophet. (2) 

1.6.4 

• • The attribution of human qualities to the divine.
  • When something non-human is spoken of as if it was human.
  • Example: When God is spoken of as having a 'voice'. (2) 

1.6.5

• • The re-birth of a soul in a new body.
  • The Hindu/Buddhist belief that beings are born into a next life  over and over again. (2)

TOTAL SECTION A: 50

SECTION B  

• NOTE: In this section, each fact (identified by a bullet) counts TWO marks. If a candidate has answered more than two questions, only the first two must be  marked. The extra questions should be struck off, with EQ written across the answers. 

QUESTION 2 
2.1

2.1.1

• • All are created by Allah. 
  • We are therefore all part of the family, no matter what we  believe, and we should treat each other as brothers and sisters.
  • Humanity is seen as having a common father – Adam.
  • This is the foundation of humanity in Islam.
  • People are born into tribes and race groups, so that they may  recognise each other, not that they may despise each other.
  • 'There is no compulsion in Islam.'
  • Islam rejects conversion by force or by compulsion.
  • Islamic tolerance extends to all sincere believers in all  religions. As long as people are truthful, patient, humble, and  practise chastity, charity, kindness, and justice Allah will be  forgiving and rewarding.
  • When there are differences, people should interact on a basis of  mutual respect and goodwill.
  • The Buddhist ethic is to do no harm to living creatures,  including humans.
  • Buddhism does not use war to spread their message.
  • Buddhism uses the power of logic and examples to show people  that they can live socially harmonious lives in which they are at  peace with themselves.
  • There should be tolerance and acceptance of people just as  they are: this is fundamental to Buddhism.
  • Thou shalt not kill.
  • This Biblical commandment sanctifies human life.
  • It is not permissible to kill another human being, except in self defence.
  • It also refers to the protection of the unborn child, as observed in  Catholicism. (18) 

2.1.2

• • Respect is the appreciation of another person's beliefs and  practices.
  • Tolerance means to understand and respect the other person's  beliefs and practices, even though you don't agree with them. (4) 

2.1.3

• • In Western culture everyone should have only one religion.
  • Religious tolerance means allowing people to convert from one  religion to another.
  • In Eastern culture religious tolerance means that a person may  subscribe to multiple religions at the same time.
  • People are not forced to convert. (8)

2.2

2.2.1

• • It refers to features that are common in different religions.
  • In Christianity and African Traditional Religion, they both  recognise the existence of a supernatural being. (4) 

2.2.2 

• • Religious identity is a form of self-identification.
  • It refers to a certain individuality that distinguishes a particular  religion from other religions.
  • Example: Many Muslims believe that their identity as Muslims  form an essential part of their 'being' and is exclusive to them. (4) 

2.2.3

• • A foreign government imposes their ruling upon the people of  another country.
  • When the foreign government imposes their culture, religion and  education on another country.
  • Example: Religions have basic, non-negotiable teachings, (dogma), which foster unity within a religion/each religion has a  unique dress code, e.g. Muslim women wear the hijab. (4) 

2.2.4

• • Different religions are able to co-exist quit peacefully  irrespective of their differences. 
  • Different religions actively co-operate to achieve certain  particular aims in society.
  • Example: The teachings of Islam and Judaism concerning God  are 'one', in the sense that there are no serious differences  between these religions on that topic. (4) 

2.2.5

• • It means that when you compare a religion to other religions,  only religion A has these or those features.
  • Uniqueness in a particular religion can be an expression of how  adherents themselves see their own religion.
  • Example: The unique feature of the African Traditional Religion  is the veneration of the ancestors. (4) 

[50]

QUESTION 3 
3.1

3.1.1 YES: 

• • Coverage differs both in terms of time and quality of  coverage.
  • More time is given for majority religions, like Christianity, while  smaller religions get no coverage.
  • Minority religions are excluded from mainstream media, e.g.  Jain, Tao.
  • Some religions are selectively represented, e.g. Islam is  shown as a violent religion, with protests and terrorist attacks  getting maximum coverage. 
  • Buddhism is shown as a religion of peace; the Dalai Lama gets  positive coverage, as do Buddhist monks. 
  • Religions are heavily stereotyped, some positively, others  negatively. 
  • Minority religions get positive coverage. 
  • Christianity gets the most coverage. 
  • International visits by the Pope get full coverage, whereas other  religious leaders are hardly mentioned. 
  • The media also remains silent on (or downplays) some  religious issues. 
  • The ethnic cleansing of Myanmar's Rohigya Muslims by  Buddhists is rarely mentioned. 
  • The rise of Hindu fundamentalism in India is largely ignored,  while fundamentalism in Christianity and Islam are always  emphasised. 

NO: 

• •  The public broadcaster gives equal coverage to all major  religions.
  • The morning prayer on TV is presented by various religions in  rotation.
  • There are dedicated TV channels for each religion,  according to community needs.
  • Islam Channel and Rhema church are two such examples.
  • Radio channels too, cater for a variety of religions.
  • Hindvani, Radio Pulpit, Radio Highway and Radio Al Ansaar are  some examples.
  • The Internet has no limit on the establishment of websites  dedicated to any religion.
  • Sites for each religion will depend directly on interest shown by  its followers (frequency of visits/number of “hits”) (12)

3.1.2

• • There are political reasons. 
  • Religion is a highly contentious political issue. The public have  very strong attitudes towards religion, and media bias can  influence such a sentiment.
  • The media thrives on sensationalism, as this sells  papers/advertising space. 
  • They will therefore use biased coverage to elicit responses. 
  • The media coverage may be biased owing to ignorance about  religious matters. (8) 

3.1.3 POSITIVE: 

• • It is easier to find information on religious matters, teachings  and rulings. 
  • It allows easy access to religious material, such as sermons,  seminars and meetings.
  • Like-minded people can easily share and clarify ideas about  religion. 
  • Religion has always focused on community interaction and the  Internet is a medium that allows easy access for religious  communities. 
  • People have access to podcasts at any time, unlike attending  religious functions at fixed times. 

NEGATIVE: 

• • However, anytime access to religious material means that  attendance of religious gatherings may be adversely affected.
  • In addition, there is no moderation of religious comments on  social media. Any person, religious or ignorant about religion,  can post comments. These comments may be true or untrue.
  • These may be untrue, and negatively influence gullible people.
  • Owing to anonymity on the Internet, a person can post hate  speech, and incite religious hatred, without being arrested. 
    NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (14) 

3.2

3.2.1

• • The mosque and cathedral are in close proximity to each other.  This facilitates cultural and religious interaction. 
  • It is a historical landmark. 
  • It houses the Denis Hurley Centre. 
  • The archbishop has served at the cathedral for many years. (4)

3.2.2

• • World Religions in Concert (2) 

3.2.3

• • To encourage unity, tolerance and respect amongst different  religions through a multifaith concert. 
  • To celebrate the official opening of the Denis Hurley Centre 
  • To give opportunity to different religions to demonstrate their  talents and gifts.
  • To entertain the audience. 
  • To demonstrate the diversity of religions. (6)

3.2.4

• • The report is fair because it shows the unity of different religions  celebrating one common goal.
  • The report shows that there is harmony and co-operation  amongst religions. 
  • The report motivates and makes people aware of the unity that  is amongst the religions. 
  • The report promotes respect of all religions by stating/  mentioning the activities performed by different religions (4) 

[50] 

QUESTION 4  
4.1 YES: 

• The article shows the attempt by one religion to dominate others. 
• This period was characterised by the Crusades, when Christians waged  wars against Muslims and Jews. 
• The Crusades were Christian military expeditions, specifically intended  to re-take Holy Lands.
• These holy wars were sanctioned by the Church. 
• Furthermore, Christians were not attacked. 
• This was also the period of the Spanish Inquisition. 
• This was a religious court intended to force conversion to Christianity.
• It is therefore clear that the conflict was mainly religious.

NO: 

• Although Christians mounted military attacks against Muslims and Jews,  this was not primarily a religious conflict. 
• It was about political and economic control. 
• The goal of the Christians was not to forcibly convert people to Christianity.
• This is illustrated by the fact that Muslims did not leave the Christian  dominated areas. 
• Jews also continued to live among the other religions. 
• This indicates that harmonious interaction between people of the three  religions continued. (12) 

4.2

4.2.1 Causes of the conflict 
EXAMPLE 1: ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT 

• • After World War II Britain issued the Balfour Declaration.
  • This made Palestine a British Protectorate.
  • Palestinians were never consulted on the matter. 
  • In terms of the Balfour Declaration, sections of Palestinian land  were set aside for Jews from Europe to settle.
  • Jews initially bought land from Palestinians, but later forced  them off their lands. 
  • In 1948 Jews declared their independence from Palestine and  named their land Israel.
  • Jews emigrated en masse from Europe and Muslim countries to  the new Jewish state.
  • Muslims were forced to flee the land Jews called Israel. 
  • The settlers soon invaded land belonging to Palestinians, and  the latter became refugees.
  • Today Jews still continue to build settlements in confiscated  Palestinian land.

EXAMPLE 2: CONFLICT IN NORTHERN IRELAND 

• • The conflict in this country is intra-religious./Sectarian
  • The conflict is between the Catholics and Protestants.
  • These two groups belong to the Christian religion.
  • Northern Ireland is constitutionally part of the United Kingdom.
  • Its population is religiously split between Protestants and  Catholics.
  • For decades some Catholics in Northern Ireland have fought for  independence from the United Kingdom.
  • Northern Ireland has also been fighting for union with the  Republic of Ireland.
  • The Protestants have been resisting.
  • The result has been a long and sporadic civil war. (10) 

4.2.2 The extent to which religion is involved in the conflict 
EXAMPLE 1: ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT 

• • It is only some Jews who claim the land as a 'God-given right'.
  • Orthodox Jews reject the concept of a Jewish homeland. 
  • In this case, Jews use religion to both justify and reject the  existence of a Jewish homeland. 
  • This leads to low-level intra-religious conflict among the Jews. 
  • However, the Palestine-Israel conflict is not religious: it is about  land and human rights. 

EXAMPLE 2: CONFLICT IN NORTHERN IRELAND 

• •  Northern Ireland is constitutionally part of the United Kingdom,  which is largely Protestant.
  • Northern Ireland's population is religiously split between  Protestants and Catholics, with Catholics in the majority.
  • For decades some Catholics in Northern Ireland have fought for  independence from the Protestant United Kingdom.
  • Northern Ireland has also been fighting for union with the  Republic of Ireland.
  • The Protestants in both Ireland and United Kingdom have been  resisting a break-away by Catholics.
  • The result is a long and violent intra-religious civil war.
  • The RIRA (Real Irish Republican Army) is continuing the fight  for independence, albeit on a smaller scale. (10)

4.2.3 What religions can do to resolve the conflict 
EXAMPLE 1: ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT 

• • Each of the Abrahamic religions should develop understanding  and respect of the other.
  • This will lead to tolerance, so that religion may not be used as  an excuse to oppress one another. 
  • They should foster interreligious partnerships among the various  communities, as they are divided along religious lines. 
  • They should have joint prayer meetings at sites holy to each  religion.
  • Religion should never be used to abuse the human rights of  people from other religions. 

EXAMPLE 2: CONFLICT IN NORTHERN IRELAND 

• • This is an intra-religious conflict.
  • The Catholics and the Protestant should recognise the reality  that they belong to one religion.
  • The two religions should also form an organisation for peace.
  • The organisation should be inclusive of these two branches  of religion.
  • The Catholics and the Protestants should use their common  teachings and beliefs to find a solution.
  • The two religious branches should establish a task team to  enhance peaceful negotiations with the politicians. (8) 

4.3 EXAMPLE 1: 

• In 2000 Pope John Paul II spoke of the need to bring peace to the Middle  East.
• He was the first pontiff to speak publicly of a political situation from a  religious perspective.
• To symbolise his acceptance of other faiths, he visited the Western Wall in  the Jewish quarter of Jerusalem.
• He acknowledged that the Holy land is equally sacred to Muslims, Jews  and Christians.
• In another symbolic act of interreligious harmony, Pope John Paul II issued  an unprecedented apology for the past sins of the Catholic Church.
• This included the unjustified violence of the Crusades and the Inquisition. 

EXAMPLE 2: 

• King Goodwill Zwelithini is both a Zulu king and a traditional religious  leader.
• While he is a member of the Anglican Church, he also presides over  African Traditional Religious rituals. He illustrates that both religions are  complementary.
• He has officially represented the Zulu nation at religious gatherings of  various Christian denominations.
• An example is his visits to the Sheme Church. 
• Another example is his May 2016 visit to the Juma Masjid (mosque) in  Durban, where he emphasised respect and tolerance for all faiths. (10)

[50]

QUESTION 5 
5.1

5.1.1

• • A belief is what adherents of a religion hold to be true.
  • They are uniting elements of a religion. 
  • They are closely connected to religious rituals. 
  • Example: In Christianity, the Eucharist commemorates the death  and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (6) 

5.1.2

• • An ideology refers to the prevailing worldview that gives meaning  to a person's existence. 
  • An ideology is the broadest category used to describe the beliefs  of an individual. 
  • Ideologies are always contested. 
  • Example: Religious ideologies include world religions, such as  Buddhism and African Traditional Religion. 
  • Secular ideologies include Communism and Materialism. (6) 

5.2

• The Tao-te–Ching was written in a night by its legendary founder Lao-tzu.
• He was born with white hair. 
• He spent eight or 80 years in his mother's womb. 
• According to Tao it is impossible to describe divinity completely. 
• The working of the universe is divine. 
• All things come from being and being comes from non-being. 
• According to the Taoist, everything in creation consists of two kinds of  forces, the yang and the yin. (10) 

5.3

• The World Conference of Religions for Peace has been involved in  mediating talks and agreements between groups at war with each other.
• It helps with reconciliation in communities that are in conflict with each  other because of ethnic and political differences. 
• It organises a worldwide network of religious women's organisations and  has a programme to help children in Africa who are affected by Aids.
  It is committed to issues such as:  
  • Conflict and reconciliation
  • Disarmament and security 
  • Development and ecology 
  • Human rights and responsibilities 
  • Peace and education (10)

5.4

• There was unity amongst different religions and denominations because  they had one common goal, namely to eradicate apartheid. 
• The South African Council of Churches was formed in 1968, so that  Christians could oppose the National Party's racist interpretations of the  Bible. 
• The Call of Islam was formed in 1984. 
• Jews for Justice was formed in 1985. 
• Such organisations united people of faith against Apartheid. 
• The South African branch of the World Conference of Religions for Peace  (WCPR), led by people like Frank Chikane and Desmond Tutu, played a  significant role in the 1980s and 1990s. 
• Religious organisations had an obligation to uphold the moral responsibility  in guiding communities and encouraging them to vote in the elections. 
• It also held briefings on major national and international issues. 
• Together with the Health Education and Aids Research Division at the  University of KwaZulu-Natal, it has formed an HIV and Aids Interreligious  Forum. (12) 

5.5

• The Programme for Christian – Muslim relations in Africa (PROCMURA)
• The Inter – Faith Action for Peace in Africa (IFAPA) 
• The African Council of Religious Leaders (ACRL) (6)

[50] 
 TOTAL SECTION B: 100 
GRAND TOTAL: 150