RELIGION STUDIES PAPER 2
NOVEMBER 2017
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE

QUESTION 1
1.1

• Core values of love, caring and respect are not conveyed to the younger generation, owing to the disintegration of the family unit.
• Substance abuse contributes to the neglect of the elderly.
• Some families are too poor to provide support for the elderly.
• Poverty in the communities, including families as micro-communities.
• The high rate of unemployment among the younger generation causes them to demand financial support from the elderly. This leads to money being forcibly taken from the elderly, resulting in physical and emotional abuse.
• The scourge of HIV and AIDS ravages young mothers and fathers, leading to emotional abuse of the elderly, thus developing anxiety and depression.
• There is an increase in the number of orphans who do not know and understand how to relate to the elderly.
• The high death rate from lifestyle diseases leaves the elderly at the mercy of teenagers or adolescents.
• Juvenile delinquency in society leads to other forms of abuse, e.g. sexual abuse.
• The movement of the young generation to urban areas means the elderly are left alone in rural areas.

Economically active people may neglect their elderly parents, as they are too busy pursuing wealth.
NOTE: Other relevant points must be credited. (12)

1.2 EXAMPLE 1: AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION

• Ubuntu is an African philosophy of life that must be adhered to by all followers of the African Traditional Religion.
• Respect for the elderly must be instilled and taught to the children
• All family members are expected to maintain the bonds among each other.
• Grandparents are not supposed to be left alone or deserted.
• Grandparents are regarded as a source of wisdom and play a specific role in the development of their grandchildren.
• In the African religious context, a grandmother/grandfather is a grandparent to all the children of the village, hence love and care becomes mutual between them.
• In this religion, a parent belongs to all the children of the village. The principle of 'my child is your child and your child is my child' enables every adult member of the society to participate actively in child-development.
• The elders in the family are regarded as the custodians of community values and customs.
• Every family has a highly honoured elder who is entrusted with the responsibility of presiding over the family matters.
• Within the family context, everything belongs to all the members of the family.
• E.g. where there is a herd of cattle in the family, no one has a right to make decisions regarding the cattle, without consultation.
• The African Traditional Religion is a clan- based religion where there is no orphan or illegitimate child. They all belong to the community. That provides a healthy family life for all.

EXAMPLE 2: CHRISTIANITY

• In the Christian Faith, the solution to the problem mentioned above is addressed through the Ten Commandments in the Book of Exodus.
• For example, 'Honour your mother and father.' In that way, you will live a good and long life.
• Children are commanded by God to honour their parents. This does not only speak to the younger generation: it refers to all those who have parents – young and old.
• 'Love thy neighbour as you love yourself.'
• This commandment emphasises the importance of building a caring community.
• The same values that apply in the African Traditional Religion, apply in Christianity and other religions, namely love, care, empathy, trust and respect.
• Parents are obliged to educate their children on Godly ways of living.
• Parents have a responsibility towards the growth and development of their children.
• The children are also having a responsibility towards their parents. If they honour their parents, they will be in a position to honour God.
• Christianity forbids having sexual relationship with one's blood relatives, and that prohibits sexual abuse among the family.
• It also promotes better physical health.
• Christianity also commands parents not to provoke their children, but to live with them in love and honour.

NOTE: Other relevant points must be credited.
The candidate may refer to only one religion, or more than one religion.
At least FOUR relevant teachings must be discussed-8 marks (22)
1.3

• Encourage all family members to become active in religious life.
• Emphasise and practise the expression, 'A family that prays together, stays together'.
• Religious organisations must have dedicated family desks in their establishments.
• Religious branches or communities must conduct classes for married couples to equip them on family and religious values.
• They must also conduct family visits to establish the needs of the families.
• Religions organisations must conduct special classes for children and young people.
• Establish small religious communities' to provide spiritual, emotional and social support.
• Religious communities may also hold meetings with government departments e.g. Department of Social Development, to facilitate the services to reach deep rural areas and struggling elderly people.
• They may also deploy their members to different families needing different kinds of support.
• Family workshops must be conducted by religious bodies to strengthen family life.

NOTE: Other relevant points must be credited. (16)
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QUESTION 2
2.1 EXAMPLE 1: JUDAISM

• Judaism is divided into three main groups. Orthodox, Conservative and Reform Judaism.
• The internal differences were caused by their difference in interpretation of teachings and beliefs.
• Orthodox Jews accept the entire Torah, both written (the Pentateuch) and oral (Talmud), as revealed by God Himself.
• Reform Judaism had its origin in Germany, where many Jews felt that they should adapt to a changing world, and rejected some of the teachings and beliefs of Orthodox Jews.
• This group do not believe that the Messiah will lead them back to the Holy Land of Palestine.
• They do not believe that Palestine is their holy land.
• Conservative Judaism came into being as a rejection of the Reform movement.
• Conservative Jews also reject many practices of the Orthodox group as non- essential, such as the prayer box.

EXAMPLE 2: ISLAM

• The Sunni-Shi'a split started after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE.
• A debate ensued as to who the Prophet's successor would be.
• The Sunni group believed that Abu Bakr, the prophet's father-in law, should be the successor or caliph.
• The Shi'a believed that the Prophet's son-in law, Ali ibn Talib, should be the first caliph.
• While this was apolitical difference, the disagreement escalated over the interpretation of certain Hadith (teachings of the Prophet) and laws.
• Most Sunnis accept the Hadith collections of Imam Bukhari.
• The Shi'a give more importance to the Hadith narrated by the family of Prophet Muhammad (Ahl al Bayt)

NOTE: Other relevant points must be credited. (10)

2.2

• They have avoided major subdivision because they are a relatively young religion.
• It was founded in 1844 in the city of Shiraz, in Iran.
• This religion is governed by a unique democratic structure.
• Each member stands a chance of being voted into a Local Spiritual Assembly, National Spiritual Assembly and Universal House of Justice.
• Followers who have disagreed with the choice of leaders are seen as harmful to Bahá'i faith.
• This is because of the covenant of Bahá'u'lláh, which was intended to keep his followers united after his death.
• They accept all religions.
• They believe that God exists, but the same God manifests Himself in many forms. In this way they accommodate different teachings and beliefs.

NOTE: Other relevant points must be credited. (10)

2.3.
2.3.1 DIFFERENCES IN TEACHINGS
Example 1: Islam

• Islam is divided into two major branches, namely the Sunni and the Shi'a.

Sunni Muslims

• Sunni refers to 'following' the Sunnah (example) of the Prophet Muhammad.
• The Hadith narrated by the companions of the Prophet have equal status to those narrated by his family members
• The Sunni sect believes that all the teachings contained in the Books of Hadith are equally important.
• Sunnis follow the teachings of scholars from the 7th and 8th centuries.
• Sunnis do not accept that a Caliph can come exclusively from the Prophet's family.

Shi'a Muslims

• Shia means partisan or separate party.
• The Hadith narrated by the companions of the Prophet have less significance than that narrated by his family members.
• The Shi'a follow the teachings and opinions only of a living scholar.
• They believe that the last caliph from the Prophet's family was hidden in a cave and will one day reappear as leader. He is referred to as 'Imam'.

Example 2: Christianity
Catholicism

• Christianity has three main branches-Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant.(also African Initiated Churches)
• The Catholic Church believes that they are the original church.
• They believe that everyone is born in sin because of Adam and Eve's disobedience to God.
• God is made up of three persons: Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
• The Holy Spirit comes from God the Father and the Son.

Eastern Orthodox

• The Holy Spirit comes only from God the Father.
• They believe that they are the rightly guided church.

Protestantism

• The Bible has more authority than the Pope.
• They teach that faith is the way to salvation.
• They teach that salvation is a gift given freely through the work of Jesus Christ. (10)

2.3.2 DIFFERENCES IN PRACTICE
Example 1: Islam
Sunni

• Religious practices are strictly in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet, as laid down in the Hadith.
• In Sunni Islam, an 'Imam' is simply a leader of a congregational prayer.
• Imam does not denote formal training in Sunni Islam.
• Muttah (temporary marriage) is forbidden.

Shi'a

• Imams are only descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, who they believe to be divinely appointed.
• The shrine of Hussein in Karbala is an important pilgrimage for the Shi'as.
• Muttah (temporary marriage) is allowed.
• They practise self-mutilation, for example at the commemoration of the tragedy of Karbala.
• There are two schools of legal opinion – Akbar and Usuli.

Example 2: Christianity
Catholicism

• There is regular attendance of the Holy Mass.
• Confirmation is a sacrament and all members must undergo the training before they are confirmed.
• There is a veneration of the cross.
• The followers are expected to confess their sins to a priest.

Eastern Orthodox

• There is the lighting of candles.
• There is the kissing of the Saints called icons.
• They use incense during the Holy Mass.

Protestantism

• They regularly attend church services on Sunday.
• There is a performance of healing services.
• There are revival crusades.

NOTE: If all the branches are not mentioned, a maximum of eight marks are allocated (10)

2.3.3 DIFFERENCES IN GOVERNANCE
Example 1: Islam
Sunni

• There is no clergy in Sunni Islam.
• Any Muslim can serve on community boards.
• Governance is community based.
• Scholars of Islam (ulema) and community members (volunteers) serve on governing boards of mosques and madrassah and schools.

Shi'a

• Shi'a Muslims revere the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, and believe that they have divine right to lead Muslims.
• Such a leader is referred to as 'imam'.
• The final word in any uncertainty about any religious or political issues lies with the representative of the imam.
• Governance is in the hands of mullahs (priests) who rule by religious decree.

Example 2: Christianity
Catholicism

• The head of Catholicism is the Pope.
• The centre of power of this branch is in Rome.
• The catholic branch has many orders, namely monks, nuns, priests and friars.
• The Catholic branch is governed at parish level by priests, deaneries by deans, dioceses by bishops and arch dioceses by archbishops.
• A cardinal can govern an entire country or a geographical region.

Eastern Orthodox

• This branch is controlled by priests and bishops.
• Authority within the church is in the hands of a group of bishops.
• A diocese is a group of parishes under the leadership of a bishop.

Protestantism

• The churches are ruled by ordained ministers and bishops or elected elders.
• Overall rule is by higher authority such as a synod or general assembly chaired by the presiding bishop.
• Some Protestant churches are independent and not responsible to any higher authority than the congregation.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (10)
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QUESTION 3
3.1.1 EXAMPLE: 1 African Traditional Religion

• They believe in the existence of a Supreme Being.
• The Supreme Being is given different names in different parts of Africa, e.g. Bembe in Central Africa.
• The Supreme Being does not communicate directly with the living.
• Communication is conducted through the intermediaries called ancestors, also known as the living dead.
• African tribes recognise the existence of different gods and goddesses, e.g. uNomkhubulwane by the Zulu nation.
• The Supreme Being is regarded as the source of life and the ultimate cause of death.

EXAMPLE: 2 Judaism

• They believe in the existence of a Supreme Being called Yahweh.
• God is the Creator of the universe.
• God revealed Himself to their forefathers and prophets.
• God is the Spirit, but has the attributes of man.
• He is eternally present, through history and beyond.
• God continuously creates, judges, redeems and has personal involvement in human life. (10)

3.1.2 EXAMPLE 1: African Traditional Religion

• Only those persons who lead good lives can become ancestors.
• This encourages people to lead a good life, i.e. upholding the principles of ubuntu.
• Reward and punishment take place in the here and now.
• Doing well is rewarded in this world by the ancestor, who is believed to be the mouth-piece of the Creator.
• Doing evil things to God's creation, or ignoring one's duties, results in punishment such as misfortune and sickness.
• If misfortune or sickness is a result of punishment by the ancestors, a ritual of appeasement is performed.
• This ritual is intended to encourage a person to return to leading a good life.

EXAMPLE 2: Judaism

• According to Judaism, people are born good.
• All people have divine souls, with unlimited potential to do good.
• Man has a choice between good and evil.
• One can overcome evil through personal growth.
• The study and practice of the Torah, are seen as an antidote to evil.
• Those who honour God's Commandments are regarded as doing good, and they are rewarded. (10)

3.1.3 EXAMPLE 1: African Traditional Religion

• The African Traditional Religion acknowledges that there is life after death.
• They believe that when a human being dies he or she departs to the land of the living dead.
• From this world they watch over the deeds of the living, and protect or punish them.
• The living dead appear to the living through dreams or visions.
• They believe that death takes them from the planet earth, but it does not take the life away from them.
• Death turns them into invisible but living beings.

EXAMPLE 2: Judaism

• Judaism believes in life after death.
• Jews believe that in the time of the Mashiach, the dead will be resurrected.
• They maintain that when people die, their souls move to another existence.
• They believe that one attains a place or portion in the future world, by performing good deeds in this world.
• A belief in the world to come is based on the belief that the soul, an emanation from God Himself, returns to a place of spiritual closeness to its source.
• Heaven and hell are not the places but are part of a spiritual reality that has no time or space. (10)

3.2

• Grammar and historical context
• Clearest meaning
• Plan, purpose and time
• Meaning of words
• Figurative language
• The consideration of other sacred texts (10)

3.3 The importance of sacred books in religion:

• Written sacred text is more rigid than oral texts.
• Sacred books are fixed yardsticks of measuring right and wrong.
• Sacred books contain the history of different eras of the past.
• They also reflect the languages and cultures of the past eras.
• Sacred books serve as reliable references of the teachings and beliefs of a religion.
• Sacred books serve as a unifying source of religion.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (10)
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QUESTION 4
4.1 EXAMPLE 1:

• Agnosticism
• This term was introduced by Thomas Huxley (1825–1895).
• Huxley teaches that it is not possible to prove either way – the existence or non-existence of God.
• Agnosticism is derived from the Greek words 'a', meaning 'without', and 'gnosis', which means 'knowledge'.
• It means 'not having knowledge' to confirm or deny that God exists.
• Agnostics teach that it is impossible to prove that a god exists or does not exist.
• They also teach that if a supreme being does exist, it is beyond human understanding.
• Agnostic ideas predate the use of the term 'Agnosticism'.

EXAMPLE 2:

• Materialism
• This secular world view teaches that matter is the only reality and denies the existence of a spirit of supernatural realm.
• It developed in different areas in Europe and Asia during what is known as the Axial Age (800 – 200 BCE).
• Expressions of this philosophy can be found in ancient Indian philosophy, in Buddhism and Confucianism.
• Karl Marx used the term 'dialectical materialism', which is a teaching that matter is the fundamental cause of everything.
• He also used the term 'historical materialism', which is a teaching that economics and relationships between workers and owners are the fundamental structure in the society.

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

• Secularism has paved the way for the development of human rights.
• All religions are given equal status before the law, because of the ideas of secularism.
• It allows different religions to co-exist in harmony.
• Different religions, including minorities, do participate in the formal activities of the state.
• All religions are now free to conduct their religious practices without fear of discrimination.
• All religions are given equal status and are free to observe their holy days.
• Secularism has minimised religious wars and general religious conflict in the world.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (10)
4.3

• The scientific explanation of creation is called the Big Bang Theory.
• According to the Big Bang Theory, it is not known what existed before the Big Bang.
• The Big Bang Theory states that there was an enormous explosion and within a second the universe appeared and filled out to an enormous size.
• The Big Bang Theory states that the process of creation occurred within a second.
• According to the scientific account, the Big Bang took place about 13,7 billion years ago.
• Small temperature differences led to varying densities of matter throughout the universe.
• Those densities formed into clusters of matter and energy.
• The clusters continued to condense in a lumpy way and eventually formed the vast collection of stars called galaxies.
• Some galaxies condensed into a combination of stars called solar systems.
• Scientists believe that the universe is expanding at this moment.
• The scientific account does not mention any Creator. (20)

4.4

• Darwin's theory of evolution provided an alternative explanation of creation which differs from the Abrahamic religious explanation of creation.
• This theory also provided an explanation that did not require the idea of an intelligent designer.
• The influence of this theory challenged the authenticity of the sacred texts as a message from God.
• Most people started to treat the Genesis account of creation as symbolic.
• This theory caused those who believed in the Abrahamic religions to interrogate the sacred texts more closely.
• Darwin's theory provoked religious people to study science.
• Religions responded with the concept of “intelligent design”, to explain the variation in species.
• Eastern religions, such as Hinduism and Taoism, are unaffected by Darwin's theory.
• This is because they lay less emphasis on right beliefs, and attach more importance to right action.
• Hinduism believes in the evolution of the soul.

In Taoism humans have no special status, and are merely a result of Yin and Yang.
NOTE: A maximum of 6 marks may be awarded if only Darwin’s theory or only religious teaching is discussed. (10)
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QUESTION 5
5.1

• The north of Sudan comprises mainly Arabic-speaking tribes.
• A number of tribes, some of whom are animists, while others are Christian, live in the Darfur region and the south.
• The conflict in Sudan has lasted more than a hundred years.
• There are also economic factors that play a role: the economy of the north is better developed than that of the south.
• The Fur and Masalit tribes are farmers, while the Arabs are mostly nomads. This has led to conflict over grazing.
• The discovery of oil in the south (Heglig fields) has led to factional conflicts, as well as a greater effort by Khartoum to exert political control over the south.
• When Khartoum imposed Sharia law on the whole country, it resulted in an armed uprising against the government.
• The Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) was formed and led the attacks against the government.
• However, the SPLA soon split into different factions, and turned on each other.
• These splits were mainly along tribal lines.
• Even after South Sudan was established as an independent state in 2011, fighting still continued. (14)

5.2

• Religion plays only a minor role in the conflict, and therefore this is not a religious war. No attempt has been made by one religion to convert another.
• Muslims also enlisted in the SPLA.
• The conflict in Sudan is known as the longest running civil war in history (Focus, p. 94). The imposition of Sharia law was therefore not the cause of the conflict.
• There was also evidence of infighting in the SPLA soon after it was formed.
• The conflict was therefore not caused by religion.
• There are numerous other divisions (economic, cultural and tribal), which have continued even after the establishment of South Sudan.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (12)
5.3

• They can be seen as favouring one side.
• They do not always have influence over politicians.
• They have limited funding, usually through public donations.
• There may be more than one organisation involved in brokering peace. This can escalate the conflict.
• Religious organisations do not have a mechanism to enforce agreements, e.g. an army.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (10)
5.4

• There must be disarmament of all warring factions.
• They should form a government of national unity (GNU), which must include all factions of the society.
• All corruption by government officials should be exposed and punished.
• They should establish a truth and reconciliation commission, so that past atrocities may be brought to light.
• Those who confess their political crimes should be given amnesty.
• The state must adopt a secular approach and must protect all religions equally.
• An independent judiciary must be established.
• A religious leaders' forum must be established so that all religions can interact with the government.

NOTE: Other relevant responses must be credited. (14)
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TOTAL: 150