RELIGIOUS STUDIES
PAPER 2
GRADE 12
NSC PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
QUESTION 1
1.1 Read the statement below and answer the questions that follow.
There are many religions in the world, each with its own identity. However, within any one religion, there are bound to be some differences. Sometimes these differences are minor, and at other times they spill over into open warfare. |
1.1.1 Name the major sects or branches of any ONE religion. (6)
1.1.2 Compare the religious BELIEFS of the various branches of the religion you have selected. (14)
1.1.3 Elaborate on the different ways in which religions deal with their internal differences. Give examples to illustrate your answer. (14)
1.2 In terms of CENTRAL TEACHINGS of any ONE religion, discuss the place and responsibility of humanity in the world. (16) [50]
QUESTION 2
2.1 Discuss the relationship between oral tradition and sacred text. Use examples from AT LEAST TWO religions to illustrate your answer. (20)
2.2 Read the statement below and answer the questions that follow.
| In 1859 Charles Darwin published a book titled, On the Origin of Species. In this book he argued that all living things change over time, to adapt to changing environments. |
2.2.1 Explain why certain religions objected strongly to Darwin's teachings. (16)
2.2.2 Explain the reasons for the popularity of Darwin's theory in modern day society. (14) [50]
QUESTION 3
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
Of course, not all religious conflicts are wars: sometimes the conflict is only verbal, and does not involve any violence. Sometimes conflicts simmer for many years. And at other times conflict spills over into open war. [Source: Adapted from Religion Studies, Steyn et al. p. 229] |
3.1 Select a recent armed conflict in any ONE of the following geographical regions (A–C), and answer the questions that follow.
A Europe
B Middle East
C Asia
3.1.1 State the region selected (A, B or C). Then name the country and warring groups. (6)
3.1.2 Explain the causes of the conflict (include both religious and other causes). (20)
3.1.3 What is the present situation in the conflict area? (8) 3.2 Religious conflicts throughout the world are decreasing. Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer. Use TWO examples to illustrate your answer. (16) [50]
QUESTION 4
4.1 What do you understand by the term world view? (4)
4.2 Name ANY TWO secular world views and explain the beliefs of each. (10 x 2) (20)
4.3 What is the impact of secularism on society? (14)
4.4 List and explain any THREE hermeneutical principles. (12) [50]
QUESTION 5
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
BEACH BULLIES RANT* ON SOCIAL MEDIA Social media is a convenient platform on which people can display their discriminatory attitudes. Holidays are exceptionally vocal times for racists on Facebook and Twitter who cannot stand the sight of black people enjoying some sand and surf. [Source: Adapted from News24.com. Accessed on 10 January 2017.] |
5.1 Explain the concept discrimination and use THREE examples to illustrate your answer. (12)
5.2 Analyse the impact of discrimination on society. (10)
5.3 With reference to any ONE religion, discuss the teachings that specifically address the problem of discrimination. (18)
5.4 What practical strategies can religious organisations implement to combat discrimination in our society? (10) [50]
TOTAL: 150