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Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Religion Studies - Question 3 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 3
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. Similarly, each religion, no matter how closely linked to others, has unique features. Many religions a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Religion Studies - Question 3 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Write down the features that are fulfilled by the uniqueness of a religion.
Answer
- It strengthens the believer's faith, making it more resilient and personal.
- It identifies the religion from others, establishing its distinct identity.
- It guides the believer's way of life, providing moral and ethical direction.
- It helps the believer to unite in the spiritual life as a community with fellow believers.
- It assists believers in explaining why they chose a particular religion, reinforcing their commitment to it.
Step 2
Briefly discuss the unique features on any ONE of the religions.
Answer
Taking African Traditional Religion as an example, some unique features include:
- The belief in a Supreme Being that oversees all events.
- Communication with ancestors through rituals, particularly animal sacrifices, which are vital for maintaining harmony.
- Importance placed on the communal aspect of worship, emphasizing community solidarity.
- Recognition of sacred objects, like the goat-hide bracelet (ispandla), which symbolize deeper spiritual truths.
- The existence of unwritten traditions that honor the ancestral beliefs and practices.
Step 3
List FIVE common beliefs shared by the three Abrahamic faiths.
Answer
- Belief in one God, the sole creator.
- Belief in the existence and the role of the Devil or Satan.
- Belief in the existence and the role of angels.
- Belief in life after death, emphasizing accountability.
- Belief in the authority of sacred texts as the Word of God.
Step 4
Discuss the roles that are played by parables in philosophical or religious teachings.
Answer
Parables serve multiple important roles:
- They provide wisdom and insights that enrich the listener's understanding of moral truths.
- They convey religious beliefs, ideas, and moral lessons in an accessible way.
- They often illustrate the relationship between God, humanity, and the world around us.
- Parables can simplify complex ideas, making them relatable and easier to grasp.
- They often convey deeper spiritual truths through simple narratives, encouraging reflection.
Step 5
Briefly discuss the concept doctrine in a religious context.
Answer
Doctrine refers to the official teachings and beliefs upheld by a religious group.
- It functions as a guiding framework for followers, ensuring consistency in understanding the faith.
- Doctrine is synonymous with dogma, and it outlines the essential beliefs that adherents must accept.
- It may comprise foundational beliefs, such as the nature of God, the role of Jesus in Christianity, or the significance of the Quran in Islam.
- Doctrine plays a crucial role in maintaining unity and integrity within a religious community.