RELIGION STUDIES PAPER 2
GRADE 12
NOVEMBER 2017
NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
QUESTION 1
Read the article below and answer the questions that follow.
CONCERNS ABOUT ABUSE OF THE ELDERLY
Last year the South African Human Rights Commission released the Older Persons' Report following hearings into the treatment and abuse of the elderly. The report found that the elderly lacked access to adequate health care, and faced gender discrimination and widespread abuse.
1.1 Give SIX reasons why the elderly are being abused. (12)
1.2 With reference to any of the religions you have studied, discuss the teachings that promote a healthy family life. (22)
1.3 Discuss at least EIGHT practical steps that should be taken by religious organisations to strengthen family life. (16)
[50]
QUESTION 2
Read the extract 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, and sometimes they are minor.
2.1 With reference to any ONE religion, give reasons for the internal differences in that religion. (10)
2.2 Why are there only minor differences in the Bahá'i faith? (10)
2.3 Choose any ONE religion and discuss the internal differences that exist under the following headings:
2.3.1 Differences in teachings (10)
2.3.2 Differences in practice (10)
2.3.3 Differences in governance (10)
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QUESTION 3
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
Through their teachings, all religions communicate to their followers why the world is the way it is. Religious teachings provide explanations for human concerns, such as life after death and ideas about good and evil.
3.1 Discuss the central teachings of any ONE religion under the following headings:
3.1.1 The nature of divinity (10)
3.1.2 The conflict between good and evil (10)
3.1.3 Life after death (10)
3.2 List FIVE hermeneutical principles. (10)
3.3 Discuss the importance of sacred books in religion. (10)
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QUESTION 4
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
Most modern Western democracies are secular states, that is, they believe in the separation of church and state. In the United States of America, for example, there is no official religion and religious institutions have no constitutional right to play a direct role in the development of civic law.
4.1 Name any ONE secular world view and discuss its teachings. (10)
4.2 Elaborate on the positive contributions that secularism has made to religions. (10)
4.3 Discuss the scientific explanation of the creation of the universe. (20)
4.4 To what extent does the theory of evolution challenge a religious outlook of life? (10)
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QUESTION 5
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
SUDAN AND SOUTH SUDAN
In 1983 President Nimiery of Sudan declared that the entire country would be ruled as an Islamic state. This meant that Islamic law (Sharia) would be imposed even on non-Muslims, who mainly lived in the south of the country.
In response to this declaration, the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) was formed. Soon the SPLA split up into several factions, mainly along tribal lines. The SPLA-Nasir group were armed by the Sudan government, and this increased the armed conflict.
More Southerners died at each other's hands than by the Northerners. In 2011 the southern states gained independence from the north, under a UN referendum. At this time, there were at least seven different armed groups at war with the South Sudan government.
5.1 Briefly discuss the events that led to the establishment of South Sudan. (14)
5.2 To what extent does religion play a part in the conflict? (12)
5.3 Why do you think religious organisations generally find it difficult to resolve conflict in many parts of the world? (10)
5.4 What lessons can South Africa teach South Sudan to end the conflict? (14)
[50]
TOTAL: 150