RELIGION STUDIES PAPER 1
GRADE 12
SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS
MEMORANDUM
MAY/JUNE2017

SECTION A (COMPULSORY)
QUESTION 1
1.1.1 B √ (1)
1.1.2 A √ (1)
1.1.3 C √ (1)
1.1.4 C √ (1)
1.1.5 B √ (1)
1.1.6 D √ (1)
1.1.7 D √ (1)
1.1.8 B √ (1)
1.1.9 D √ (1)
1.1.10 A √ (1)
NOTE: Credit the learner even if the answer is written in full.
1.2
1.2.1 FALSE √
Bahá'u'llah is the founder of the Bahá'i faith/ The Torah (Tanach) is the sacred book of Judaism√ (2)
1.2.2 FALSE: √
The oldest Hindu scripture is the Vedas/Rig Vedas/
The threefold text in Buddhism is called the Tripitaka√
There is no sacred text in African Traditional Religion. (2)
1.2.3 TRUE: √ √ (2)
1.2.4 FALSE: √
The author of the Tao sacred book is Lao-tzu. √
The Buddha is a leader in Buddhism.
The Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. (2)
1.2.5 FALSE: √
A doctrine is a statement of beliefs that are essential to a religion. √
'Doctrine' is a synonym for religious teaching.
A doctrine is a set of fundamental beliefs.
The study of theology includes the study of doctrines. (2)
1.3
1.3.1 Brahman √. Whilst others are branches of Buddhism.√ (2)
1.3.2 Cairo.√ Others are holy cities/ associated with Christianity.√ (2)
1.3.3. Baptism. √
The others are associated with ATR.
(African Traditional Religion) √/ (2)
1.3.4 Taoism√ All the others have a concept of a supreme Being. √ ATR-. All the others have a sacred text. √ (2)
1.3.5 Haifa √All the others are associated with Islam. √ (2)
1.4
1.4.1 H√ (1)
1.4.2 F√ (1)
1.4.3 D√ (1)
1.4.4 A√ (1)
1.4.5 E√ (1)
1.4.6 G√ (1)
1.5

• Brahman. √
• These are priests and teachers√
• Ksatriya√
• These are warriors, rulers and land owners. √
• Vaisya√
• These are artisans, farmers and merchants. √
• Sudra√
• They are servants and labourers √
• Harijans√
• These are people outside the caste system. They are also known as 'untouchables'/ Children of God. √ (4 x 2)

NOTE: If the English/Afrikaans term is used, credit with two marks each. (8)
1.6
1.6.1

• He was the founder of the German Reformation. √
• His ideas and writings gave rise to the Protestant movement. √
• He emphasised the superiority of the Bible over Papacy.√ (2)

1.6.2

• He was the founder of Buddhism. √
• He was of royal lineage, but abandoned his comforts to follow a life of extreme asceticism. √
• He was given the title of 'Buddha', which means 'enlightened one' √ (2)

1.6.3

• He was a Hindu priest who formed the Ramakrishna mission. √
• He introduced Hinduism to the West. √
• He did this at the World's Parliament of Religions (1893). √

NOTE: Any two relevant facts must be credited. (2)
TOTAL SECTION A: 50

SECTION B
NOTE: In this section, each fact carries TWO marks.
QUESTION 2
2.1
2.1.1

• This is a fundamental belief in Christianity.
• It is a Christian understanding of the inner nature of Godhead.
• It is an affirmation that there is one God who exists in three persons, as follows:
• God the Father is the Creator
• God the Son is the Saviour of mankind
• God the Holy Spirit is the Comforter (6)

2.1.2

• This is the central concept of Taoism.
• It is 'the way' that humans should follow.
• Tao means the path of the universe.
• The Tao is the producer of all that there is, and the guarantor of its stability and regularity. (6)

2.1.3

• This is a belief common to Hinduism and Buddhism.
• It refers to the rebirth of the soul or spirit in a new body.
• It is a belief that, after death, the soul is reborn into another body.
• Beings are born into a next life over and over again. (6)

2.1.4

• It is the Buddhist path to achieving nirvana.
• The Eightfold Path is made up of eight steps to achieve the Buddhist goal of enlightenment.
• It is the last of the Four Noble Truths. (6)

2.1.5

• It is the sacred book of the Bahá'i faith.
• It contains most of the Bahá'u'llah's doctrines.
• It is also referred to as the Book of Certitude. (6)

NOTE: Other relevant facts must be credited.
2.2
2.2.1

• Christianity was brought to Africa as a by- product of colonial expansion.
• Missionaries dismissed the religious beliefs of indigenous and African people as primitive and superstitious.
• Islam arrived in the country with the Dutch East India's Muslim political prisoners from Indonesia.
• Hinduism was introduced with the arrival of Indians from the 1860s.
• These religions remained within their respective communities.
• Under the apartheid government's policy of separate development, there was little interaction between religions.
• Religions were separated along racial lines. Whites were Christian and Jewish; blacks were Christians (but worshipped separately). Indians were mainly Muslim or Hindu.
• In the 1980s, with an increase in opposition to the apartheid government, leaders from diverse religious communities in South Africa came together to see past their differences and stand united in the common aim for justice, equality and non-racism.
• The South African branch of the World Conference for Religions for Peace was formed in 1984.
• It brought together people of different religions, such as Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and Christianity.
• The South African Council of Churches was formed in 1968 and it included the Anti- apartheid groups.
• The Call of Islam and Jews for Justice were formed soon afterwards.
• NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (10)

2.2.2

• With the democratic elections, South Africa became a secular state.
• The constitution of the country guaranteed that all religions would be treated equally.
• In 1997 President Nelson Mandela called on religious communities to set aside their differences and come together to work together towards the building of a free and just South Africa.
• Religious leaders formed a coalition to promote inter- religious cooperation in order to create a society that was moral and compassionate.
• This coalition became known as the National Religious Leaders' Forum (NRLF).
• All major religions of South Africa participated in the 1999 Cape Town Parliament of World Religions.
• In spite of the differences between the religions that make up the NRLF, they are all committed to developing a South Africa that is based on equality, justice, morality and honesty.
• Religious leaders have been united in their criticism of government when necessary. (E.g. when the Dalai Lama was refused a visa).

NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (10)
[50]

QUESTION 3
3.1
3.1.1

• Rape
• Corruption (4)

3.1.2

• He says it is a lack of morality. (2)

3.1.3
YES.

• Christianity is the dominant religion in the country, and
• If Christians adhere to their religious teachings, there would be no crime.
• Christianity teaches that we should treat women kindly.
• Rape is a serious sin.
• Sex should only take place within a marriage.
• Christians should set an example for other people to follow.

NO

• There are many other religions in the country besides Christianity.
• Religious influence is declining.
• Morality can exist without religion.
• This is argued by Secular Humanists.
• Cyril Ramaphosa is merely politicising-using religion for political gain.
• Many religious leaders are themselves guilty of immoral behaviour and criminal activities.
• Laws of the country should be stricter. It should not be the responsibility of religion to enforce the law.

NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited (10)

3.1.4

• The ANC is morally bankrupt.
• Laws of the land can create a moral society. Religion is not necessary. (2)

3.1.5

• If leaders of politics and religion do not have morality, there will be no morality among ordinary people.
• The reader says the ANC does not distinguish between right and wrong.(no moral compass)
• Both religion and political parties have no morality. (4)

3.1.6

• The media is more accountable, as readers immediately question the content.
• Different views can be expressed.
• Media houses no longer have exclusive coverage of religious events.
• Religious communities can also respond to/defend themselves against unfair media articles.
• Posting inflammatory messages can lead to religious conflict. (6)

3.1.7

• A sin refers to breaking the laws of religion.
• It is a weakness of character.
• It is an act regarded as evil, or disobedience to the religion.
• The state does not enforce religious laws, except in cases where there is a state religion.
• A sin is followed by punishment (karma, hellfire, etc.)
• A crime refers to breaking the law of the land.
• One can be criminally charged for committing a crime.
• Law enforcement officers and the judicial system punish those who commit crime.
• A crime in one country may not be a crime in another.
• E.g. same-sex marriages are not recognised in many African countries, but they are recognised in Western countries.
• A sin is not necessarily a crime, and vice versa.
• E.g. in the Apartheid era, marrying across the colour line was a crime. However, it was not a sin.
• E.g. Extra-marital sex is regarded as a sin in most religions, but is not regarded as a crime.

NOTE:A maximum of SIX marks each may be awarded for 'sin' and 'crime '. If no example is given, a maximum of 10 marks may be awarded.
If only examples are given, and no explanation is rendered, a maximum of eight marks may be awarded. (12)
3.2
3.2.1

• Taoism proposes that humans live their lives effortlessly in harmony with the Tao (way) of the universe.
• According to Taoism, everything consists of two forces, Yin and Yang. (2)

3.2.2

• Hindus believe there is only one ultimate reality, but many paths to reaching it.
• Hinduism is underpinned by the belief in reincarnation, which is a influenced by the Law of Karma.
• Hinduism's social structure is based on a caste system. (2)

3.2.3

• Judaism has the central idea of a covenant between God and the Jewish people.
• God protects His chosen people, who in turn carry out His rules. (2)

3.2.4

• Christianity believes that Jesus fulfilled the Jewish prophecy of a Messiah and that He is the universal Saviour.
• They believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of a living God. (2)

3.2.5

• Bahá'is believe that all religions worship and believe in the same God.
• Despite their differences, they share a common truth.
• They believe that all religions of the world will become one religion in the future, that religion will be Bahá'i. (2)

NOTE: Other unique features must be credited.
Unique rituals and symbols of religions must be credited.
[50]

QUESTION 4
4.1

• Religion plays a minor role in the conflict.
• The land of Israel/ Palestine is sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims.
• The al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem is Islam's third holiest site.
• Jerusalem is sacred to Christians, as it is the place where Jesus Christ was crucified.
• Jews regard Jerusalem as the location of the Temple Mount. /Temple of Solomon.
• All these sites existed long before the creation of Israel, and were occupied by various tribes.
• The on-going conflict started with the declaration of Israel in 1946.
• Hard-line Israelis and Zionists claim that, according to their scriptures, Palestine rightfully belongs to the Jews.
• This claim is rejected by Palestinians and many Jewish organisations, including some Orthodox Jews.

NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (10)
4.2

• The continuous occupation of Palestinian land by Jews (Jewish settlers) is a major factor in the conflict.
• Numerous UN resolutions have been passed condemning this occupation.
• The building of illegal settlements on this land is also a major factor.
• The frequent outbreak of war between Palestinians and Israel compounds the problem, as negotiations cease and peace agreements are cancelled.
• US support for Israel is unwavering, and it undermines efforts of the UN to effect sanctions against Israel.
• The Jewish lobby in the US is very influential, and ensures that Israel's interests are supported by the US government.
• Conflict between the various Palestinian factions (Hamas, Palestinian Authority, etc.) means that there is also disagreement among these factions.
• Corruption within the Palestinian Authority also contributes to factionalism among the Palestinians.
• Lebanon-based Hezbollah, provide support for Hamas. This fuels conflict in the region.

NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (16)
4.3

• The solution is to promote a heightened awareness of the positive peace building and reconciliatory role religion has played in many conflict situations.
• Fighting ignorance and misinformation can go a long way to building trust between religions.
• Negative religious stereotypes must be shown as incorrect.
• Interfaith dialogue would be beneficial at all levels of religious structures, and across all segments of religious communities.
• Learning about other religions would be a powerful step towards learning that despite religious differences, human beings have much in common.
• The aim of religious organisations should not be conversion, but to facilitate understanding, respect for and tolerance of other faiths.
• Communicating in a spirit of humility and engaging in self-criticism would also be helpful.
• When human rights abuses are committed in the name of a religion, condemnation by followers of the same religion will expose the work of extremists, and decrease interreligious tensions.
• Religious organisations can provide humanitarian aid.

NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (12)
4.4

• It facilitates meetings of religious leaders.
• It brings together religious communities, civil society and government in order to have an inclusive approach to resolve conflict.
• It sends interfaith delegations to conflict areas in Africa.
• It participated in the elections in Togo.
• It organises support programmes for landmine victims in war torn areas. (E.g. Somalia, South Sudan and Uganda).
• It establishes youth peace camps and youth networks.
• It initiated the Rural Water Project in Rwanda.
• It launched the Mother's Cry for a Healthy Africa. This initiative focused on the eradication of childhood diseases.

NOTE: Other relevant answers must be credited. (12)
[50]

QUESTION 5
5.1

• South Africa adopted a democratic Constitution in 1994, which guarantees the protection of human rights.
• In doing so, religious equality was guaranteed.
• The South African Constitution provides for religious freedom
• It prohibits unfair discrimination against anyone on the basis of religion.
• The Human Rights Commission is empowered to investigate cases of human rights abuses.
• Multi- faith services are held regularly, inviting all faiths to join in celebrating an aspect of human rights.
• The Constitutional Court has been appointed to test all laws to make sure they have been written in line with the Constitution.
• The introduction of Religion Studies as a subject in schools allows learners and educators to learn about the various religions. (12)

5.2 EASTERN CULTURE

• Eastern cultures believe that the Universal Declaration is based on the Western concept of religion and ideas of religious freedom.
• It is culturally too narrow.
• For Hindus for example, religious freedom means the freedom not to be forced to have only one religion.
• Many people in the East simultaneously subscribe to more than one religion.
• This flexibility is seen as religious freedom.
• They believe it is a bad thing to impose the Western view of religious freedom as it could lead to less religious freedom in the world, not more.
• Religious freedom means that nobody is forced to change their religion.

WESTERN CULTURE

• Society would only be peaceful if people and their leaders adopted the principle of religious tolerance.
• Tolerance means allowing people to convert.
• Secular worldviews are also recognised.
• Every person should be free to believe what they want to and to express their views openly without having to worry about being persecuted.
• Europe experienced serious religious conflict with no winner. The West therefore supports the idea of religious tolerance and freedom of choice.
• With the influx of mainly Muslim refugees into Europe, religious tolerance means that a person should keep his/ her religious beliefs private.
• Some Europeans still tend to discriminate, for example, against Muslims.

NOTE: A maximum of 6 marks may be awarded for either culture. (10)
5.3 EXAMPLE 1: SRI LANKA

• In Sri Lanka the Constitution recognises Buddhism as the primary religion, but endorses the right to other religions to practise freely.
• Extremist Buddhists sometimes attack Christian property and government does not do much about it.
• The attacks are partly in response to Christian missionary activity.
• Buddhists accuse Christians of engaging in forced conversion or conversion through bribery.
• While the government continues officially to support freedom of religion, Bills are being tabled in parliament that would ban conversion activity.
• Although there have been some arrests, most attacks go unpunished.

EXAMPLE 2: MYANMAR (BURMA)

• The Rohingya are a Muslim minority and ethnic group living in Myanmar for over 500 years.
• In 2012, sectarian violence killed hundreds of Rohingya men and women, and left over 140 000 homeless as entire neighbourhoods were razed to the ground.
• According to Human Rights Watch, planned campaigns of ethnic cleansing were conducted,
• Since the culprits were local political and religious warlords, the government chose to ignore such crimes against humanity.
• The government of Myanmar has defended its armed forces as well as the Buddhist extremists.
• It claims that their actions against the ethnic minorities are in the best interest of the Burmese nation.
• In spite of international criticism and laws against religious hate speech, the government of Myanmar has turned a blind eye towards the plight of the Rohingya.
• The official word used for the Rohingya community is 'Bengali', hinting at the (false) belief that Rohingya are not ethnically Burmese and thus, deserve to die.

NOTE: Other relevant countries must also be credited. (8)
5.4 EXAMPLE 1: CHRISTIANITY

• Thou shalt not kill.
• This refers to the sanctity of human life/right to life.
• Murder is seen as a cardinal sin.
• You shall love your neighbour as yourself(Mark 12:31)
• This teaching encourages Christians to ensure that all in their community have basic needs, such as food, shelter, and water.
• Organisations such as the Salvation Army organise soup kitchens for the poor.

EXAMPLE 2: AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION (ATR)

• A central theme in ATR is Ubuntu.
• Ubuntu means putting the needs of others before your own.
• It implies treating all in the community with love and respect.
• The practice of Ilimo ( free loan) ensures that all in the community have their basic needs.
• Ilimo gives dignity to all people in the community.

EXAMPLE 3: HINDUISM

• All Hindus believe in religious freedom: they believe everyone has the right to follow, or not to follow, any religion they wish.
• Most Hindus believe that all religions are paths to the divine.
• They feel that there should be complete freedom of religion to encourage people to struggle to find the truth.
• Generally, they do not try to convert other religions to Hinduism.
• Some believe they should encourage members of other religions to become Hindus. However, they must be guided by 'ahimsa', which means never doing any harm.

NOTE: Other religions must be credited. (10)
5.5 ADVANTAGES

• There will be no compulsion in worship.
• A person has freedom to experiment with different religions.
• A person can abandon his /her religion if it no longer satisfies changing spiritual needs.
• A person can influence, and be influenced by, interaction with various religions.
• A religion will have only genuine, devout followers, and not have hypocrites that do not believe in its teachings.
• Religions can become more tolerant, and accept that they will lose some followers, and also gain others.
• People may adopt more than one religion.

DISADVANTAGES

• By switching religions, a person can become confused.
• It can lead to animosity from adherents of one's previous religion.
• It can lead to inter-religious conflict, between the religion losing followers, and the one gaining followers.
• Where a person openly declares his /her intention to change religion, it can lead to increased coercion.
• A religion may lose its identity, owing to too much diversity.

NOTE: A maximum of 6 marks may be awarded for either advantages or disadvantages. (10)
[50]

GRAND TOTAL:150