RS questions

• With reference to any ONE religion, discuss its teachings that promote human rights.

  • Christianity
  • Thou shalt not sin
  • This refers to the sanctity of human life
  • Murder is seen as a cardinal sin
  • You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31)
  • This teaching encourages Christians to ensure that they share their basic needs, such as food, shelter and water.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of allowing people freedom 'to change their religion or belief'?

  Advantages: A person has freedom to experiment with different religions. A person can abandon his/her religion if it does not satisfy his/her spiritual needs.

  Disadvantages: By switching religions, a person can become confused. It can lead to interreligious conflict between the religion losing followers, and the one gaining followers.
• Religious freedom is a human right. Name any TWO other human rights and discuss ONE responsibility associated with EACH of them.

  
  

  Freedom of discrimination: You have the responsibility to uphold this right both for yourself and others.

  The right to education: You have the responsibility to attend classes.
• Use ONE example and illustrate how religious teachings may be used to deny certain people their basic human rights.

  
  

  Christianity: 'Women submit to your husbands as the church submits to Christ'. This teaching is misused as a justification to control women, it is a violation of their freedom of expression.
• Minority religions could be disadvantaged in South Africa. Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer.

  
  

  No. South Africa is a secular state, which means all religions are equal before the law. There are interreligious organisations which embrace all religions, big and small.
• Give FOUR possible reasons why there is a global increase in religious intolerance.

  
  

  Social media is used to spread misinformation about religions. Sensationalism, the production of stories that 'go viral' on social media, is one of the ways to increase religion intolerance. These stories are often not factually accurate, or facts may have been distorted to gain a violent reaction. Politicians increasingly use religious intolerance to increase their support base.
• With reference to any of the religions you have studied, discuss TWO teachings that promote the rights of women.

  Christianity. According to the book of Genesis, men and women were created at the same time and they are equal. There is evidence that Jesus treated women as equals to men. He taught that both men and women are equally guilty if they commit adultery (John 4). He had women disciples who stayed with him at the cross (Mark 27:55). Jesus appeared first to women after his resurrection. Christianity promotes equality of male and female, 'there is no male and female in Christ'.
• Do you think we still have slavery in the modern world? Motivate your answer.

  Yes. Modern slavery is all around us but is often disguised. Human trafficking still exists in many countries.
• Discuss any TWO teachings that emphasise the importance of taking responsibility for our actions.

  Christianity. You reap what you sow. This teaches Christians to be responsible for whatever they do or say. Christians believe in the Judgement Day, where everyone will be judged according to what he/she did while in the flesh. This belief promotes responsibility in every action, since they will be held accountable.
• List THREE consequences (results) of religious intolerance.

  Religious discrimination and prejudice will occur. There will be no religious harmony. Religious conflict may occur.
• Explain the notion of religious freedom.

  It is the act of enabling individuals to pursue the religion of their chose without the fear of reprisal. The state does not promote any specific religion.
• Do you think there was religious freedom in South Africa in the period BEFORE the democratic election in 1994? Give reasons for you answer.

  No. During the apartheid era, Christianity was recognised as a state religion. Christianity was the dominant religion. Other religions recieved little or no state recognition.
• Explain the concept uniqueness in the concept of religion'

  Uniqueness implies more than just differences in religions. It may refer to the single most important feature that sets one religion apart from another. It may also make it identifiable as a different religion to others.
• Discuss the importance of uniqueness in religion.

  It helps members to identify who belongs and who does not. When a person agrees to the unique elements of a religion, he/she is recognised as belonging to that religion and not other. It provides members with reasons as to why they believe their religion is the best. It also helps them explain why they have chosen that religion.
• What is meant by religious identity?

  Religious identity is a form of self-identification, with beliefs and doctrines of the religion. A religion sets boundries that separates one religion from all others.
• THREE common features in Eastern religions:

  They originate in Indian sub-continents. They believe in reincarnation, although they have different perception of it. They have the teachings of Maksha and Karma.
• THREE common features of African religions:

  They believe in a supreme being. Veneration of ancestors. The belief in ancestral spirits.
• Name FOUR similarities that exist within Abrahamic religions.

  They are monotheistic. They believe in the existence of angels. They place great emphasis on religious teachings. They believe in the the Judgement Day.
• Hinduism's view on karma?

  Karma means that every action has a consequence. Positive actions bring good results, while negative actions produce bad results. These results are carried to the next life.
• The inyanga in ATR?

  Inyanga is a traditional healer. They treat people with herbal medicines. They may also act as a mediator between ancestors and the living.
• Baptism in Christianity?

  It is when a person is made a member of the Christian community. Water is used as a sign of purification. Baptism is also a sign of new life in Christianity.
• Comparability: Looking for similarities and differences in religion. Two or more religions can be compared.
• Canon: A determination of books with authority in religion. It originally referred to Christian and Jewish scripture, but now it refers to collections of holy and sacred texts in other religions as well.
• Belief: The word 'belief' is sometimes used as a synonym for the word religion. Belief may also refer to a firm opinion.
• TWO unique features of Baha'i faith?

  They believe that there is only one God and that other religions worship the one God in different ways. They also believe that in the distant future, theirs would be the only religion in the world.
• TWO unique features in ATR?

  It is a clan-based religion. When people die they join the spirit world. It promotes the values of Ubuntu.
• TWO unique features of Judaism?

  They believe that they are the chosen nation by God. They believe that Israel is their promised land.
• TWO unique features of Buddhism?

  Buddhists believe in impermanence - nothing lasts forever. Nirvana is the acceptance of reality as it is.
• The FOUR castes in Hinduism?

  Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Sudras.
• The Quran is regarded as the word of God.
• Hadith shows the examples set by the Prophet.
• Incarnation means that God becomes human.
• Resurrection means that a person has risen from the dead.
• Explain Shabbat in Judaism: 'Shabbat' stands for 'Saturday'. It is believed to be a day of rest for Jewish people.
• Parable: Refers to a story that is told to illustrate a principle or answer a religious question. It is usually very short and contains a definite moral.
• Bodhisattva: Any being who has taken the Bodhisattva vow can enter Nirvana on his own merit. A being who views their own comfort as concerns subordinate to the needs of others.
• TWO unique features in Christianity?

  Christians believe in Jesus as the Son of God. They also believe in the Holy Trinity.
• TWO unique features in Taoism?

  Taoists aim to live in harmony with the way of the universe and not to struggle to have their own desires. It is also one of the religions to have given rise to martial arts.
• TWO unique features in Hinduism?

  The purpose of life is to feel reunited with the divine being and to overcome the feeling of being trapped in the physical world with all its limitations. The ultimate method to achieve this is yoga.
• The relationship between people and ancestors in ATR?

  In ATR it is believed that even though they are dead, ancestors are still seen as part of the family and living community. The ancestors protect them from evil and misfortune.