Access Religion Studies Grade 12 notes, Religion Studies Grade 12 past exam papers, Religion Studies Grade 12 study guides, and Religion Studies Grade 12 memorandums to help you prepare for your final exams with confidence and success.
Question
Belief in the existence of gods or god:
A Dualism
B Judaism
C Theism
D Monotheism
The correct answer is, C Theism.
Theism refers to the belief in the existence of at least one god or supreme being, and it is a broad term that includes many religions that hold this belief.
Question
‘The One produces the Two. The Two produces the Three and the Three produces the ten thousand things’ is a quote from the …
A Talmud.
B Tao-te-Ching.
C Book of Mormons.
D Vedas.
The correct answer is, B Tao-te-Ching.
This quote reflects Taoist philosophy, describing the creation of the universe from unity to multiplicity, a concept explained in the Tao-te-Ching, the foundational text of Taoism.
Question
Religious laws observed by Orthodox Jews are called …
A belief in the Torah.
B teaching about Yahweh.
C Genesis.
D Halakhah.
The correct answer is, D Halakhah.
Halakhah refers to the collective body of Jewish religious laws derived from the Torah and other sacred texts, guiding all aspects of life for observant Jews.
Question
Holding on to traditional, conventional values is called …
A Confucianism.
B Secularism.
C conservatism.
D heresy.
The correct answer is, C conservatism.
Conservatism is an approach that emphasizes preserving traditional institutions, values, and practices, favoring continuity over radical change.
Question
Which ONE of the following is NOT one of the Hindu scriptures?
A Upanishads
B Punjab
C Vedas
D Bhagavad Gita
The correct answer is, B Punjab.
Punjab is a geographic region in South Asia, not a sacred Hindu scripture. The Upanishads, Vedas, and Bhagavad Gita are all recognized Hindu religious texts.
Question
Buddhism was greatly influenced by …
A Hinduism and Islam.
B Islam and Sikhism.
C Taoism and Hinduism.
D Islam, Hinduism and Confucianism.
The correct answer is, C Taoism and Hinduism.
Buddhism developed in India and shares many philosophical ideas and practices with Hinduism, while also interacting with Taoist thought, especially as it spread into East Asia.
Question
The person who succeeded Prophet Muhammad after his death in 632 CE was …
A Abu Bakr.
B Husain.
C Umar.
D Ishmael.
The correct answer is, A Abu Bakr.
Abu Bakr, a close companion and father-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, became the first Caliph (leader) of the Muslim community after Muhammad’s death in 632 CE.
Question
‘No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile …’ is a quote from the …
A Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
B Charter for Compassion.
C United States Declaration of Independence.
D Freedom Charter.
The correct answer is, A Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
This statement comes from Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasizing protection against unjust deprivation of freedom.
Question
The central doctrines of the Bahá’i Faith are contained in the …
A Qur’an.
B Torah.
C Vedas.
D Kitab-i-Aqdas.
The correct answer is, D Kitab-i-Aqdas.
The Kitab-i-Aqdas, meaning “The Most Holy Book,” is the central book of laws and teachings for followers of the Bahá’i Faith, authored by Bahá’u’lláh.
Question
The line of descent from an ancestor to a person or family:
A Predecessor
B Paternal
C Literalist
D Lineage
The correct answer is, D Lineage.
Lineage refers to the direct line of descent from an ancestor, tracing family heritage and ancestral relationships through generations.
Question
A religious teaching with absolute authority is called …
A Yang.
B karma.
C dogma.
D caliph.
The correct answer is, C dogma.
Dogma refers to a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true, often used in religious contexts to denote teachings that must be accepted without question.
Question
The … is the Bahá’i holy book.
A Torah
B mantra
C creed
D Kitáb-i-Aqdas
The correct answer is, D Kitáb-i-Aqdas.
The Kitáb-i-Aqdas is the central book of laws and teachings in the Bahá’i Faith, written by Bahá’u’lláh, and regarded as the most authoritative text in the religion.
Question
An example of a popular Chinese philosophy is …
A evolution.
B reincarnation.
C Shintoism.
D Confucianism.
The correct answer is, D Confucianism.
Confucianism is a well-known Chinese philosophy focusing on morality, social relationships, justice, and sincerity, shaping Chinese culture for centuries.
Question
The leader in African ritual performances in the family is the …
A firstborn female.
B firstborn male.
C youngest child.
D chief.
The correct answer is, B firstborn male.
In many African traditional contexts, the firstborn male holds leadership responsibilities during family rituals, acting as a representative and mediator between the family and the spiritual realm.
Question
The oral teachings of the Vedas were compiled into a standardised text by …
A Krishna Dwipayana.
B Gandhi.
C the Dalai Lama.
D Ram Mohum Roy.
The correct answer is, A Krishna Dwipayana.
Krishna Dwipayana, also known as Vyasa, is credited with compiling and organizing the oral teachings of the Vedas into written form, preserving these ancient Hindu scriptures.
Question
The mixing of different religious beliefs, resulting in a new belief system is called …
A unity.
B syncretism.
C ideology.
D pluralism.
The correct answer is, B syncretism.
Syncretism refers to the blending of different religious, cultural, or philosophical beliefs into a new, cohesive system, often seen where diverse traditions intersect.
Question
The belief that every action has consequences is called …
A judgement.
B karma.
C reincarnation.
D salvation.
The correct answer is, B karma.
Karma is the belief that a person’s actions, whether good or bad, will determine future experiences or consequences, central to religions like Hinduism and Buddhism.
Question
A unified system of beliefs and practices related to sacred things is called …
A Creationism.
B Secularism.
C non-theistic.
D religion.
The correct answer is, D religion.
Religion is defined as an organized system of beliefs, rituals, and practices centered around sacred or divine elements, helping followers make sense of existence and morality.
Question
In African Traditional Religion, the names Modimo, UMvelinqangi and Mukurukuru refer to …
A God.
B the ancestors.
C priests.
D the king.
The correct answer is, A God.
Modimo, UMvelinqangi, and Mukurukuru are names used in different African communities to refer to the Supreme Being or God, showing the diverse ways African Traditional Religion acknowledges a creator.
Question
The Tanach is the holy book of …
A Taoism.
B Hinduism.
C Judaism.
D Islam.
The correct answer is, C Judaism.
The Tanach, also known as the Hebrew Bible, is the canonical collection of Jewish texts, comprising the Torah (Law), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings).
Question
The Buddhists refer to a state of perfect happiness and peace as …
The correct missing word is, Nirvana.
Nirvana is the ultimate goal in Buddhism, describing a state of complete liberation from suffering, desire, and the cycle of rebirth.
Question
Hinduism’s belief in a fixed order in the whole of existence is called …
The correct missing word is, Dharma.
Dharma in Hinduism refers to the moral order of the universe, including duties, rights, laws, and conduct that maintain balance and harmony in life.
Question
A Muslim religious leader whose authority is derived from the Prophet Muhammad is the …
The correct missing word is, Caliph.
A Caliph is regarded as the political and spiritual successor to the Prophet Muhammad, leading the Muslim community in both governance and faith.
Question
According to Tao Te Ching, ‘All things come from being, and being comes from …’
The correct missing word is, Non-being.
In Taoist philosophy, “non-being” represents the formless, mysterious source from which all existence originates, emphasizing emptiness and potential.
Question
A ceremony where the ‘living dead’ are established as ancestors is called …
The correct missing word is, Brought back / Bringing back / Umbuyiso / ukubuyisa.
This ceremony in African Traditional Religion formally introduces the spirit of a deceased family member into the ancestral realm, recognizing them as an ancestor who guides and protects the living.
Question
The 50th day after Jesus’ resurrection, when the disciples were filled by the Holy Spirit is called …
The correct missing word is, Pentecost.
Pentecost marks the day when the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus’ disciples, empowering them to spread the Christian message, celebrated as the birth of the Church.
Question
Liberation from the cycle of rebirth in Hinduism is called …
The correct answer is Moksha.
Moksha refers to the ultimate goal in Hinduism, where the soul is freed from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) and unites with the divine.
Question
The adoption of false religious belief and practice is called …
The correct answer is Heresy.
Heresy describes the rejection or deviation from established religious teachings, often viewed as a false or unorthodox belief.
Question
The person who leads congregational prayer in Islam is the …
The correct answer is Imam/Hafizi/Alim.
An Imam is a respected leader who guides Muslims in prayer, while Hafizi and Alim refer to individuals with deep knowledge of the Qur’an and Islamic law.
Question
This spiritual and physical exercise using specific body postures and breathing control is called …
The correct answer is Yoga.
Yoga is an ancient practice from India combining physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to promote spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.
Question
A belief that says all religions are paths toward the truth and they are equally true is called …
The correct answer is Pluralism.
Pluralism emphasizes respect for all religions, seeing each as a valid way to understand spiritual truths without claiming exclusive authority.
Question
The organisation that convened in Kyoto, Japan, for the first time in 1970, is the …
The correct answer is World Conference for Religions for Peace.
This organization was created to bring together people of different faiths to work cooperatively for peace, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
| COLUMN A | COLUMN B |
|---|---|
| 1. The supreme authoritative body is in Haifa, Israel. H | A. Ash-Shahada |
| 2. A summary of religious beliefs. F | B. African Traditional Religion |
| 3. Religious story in which deep truths about life are revealed. E | C. Reincarnation |
| 4. A wide variety of spiritual exercises. G | D. Taoism |
| 5. Communal way of life. B | E. Myth |
| 6. Bearing witness to the belief that there is no god apart from God and that Muhammad is His messenger. A | F. Creed |
| G. Meditation | |
| H. Bahá’i faith |
1. The supreme authoritative body is in Haifa, Israel.
Answer: H. Bahá’i Faith
The Bahá’i Faith has its supreme governing body, known as the Universal House of Justice, which is located in Haifa, Israel. This body serves as the highest decision-making authority in the Bahá’i community.
2. A summary of religious beliefs.
Answer: F. Creed
A “creed” refers to a formal statement or summary of religious beliefs. It encapsulates the core principles or doctrines of a religious group.
3. Religious story in which deep truths about life are revealed.
Answer: E. Myth
A “myth” is a traditional story that often involves gods or supernatural beings and explains natural phenomena, societal norms, or deep truths about existence.
4. A wide variety of spiritual exercises.
Answer: G. Meditation
“Meditation” refers to practices that involve deep thinking or contemplation, often used for spiritual growth or enlightenment. It is a form of exercise for the mind and spirit, commonly found in many religions.
5. Communal way of life.
Answer: B. African Traditional Religion
African Traditional Religion is typically practiced in a communal setting, where rituals, customs, and beliefs are shared and practiced by a group, often focused on the connection with ancestors and nature.
6. Bearing witness to the belief that there is no god apart from God and that Muhammad is His messenger.
Answer: A. Ash-Shahada
The “Shahada” is the Islamic declaration of faith, stating that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His prophet. It is the fundamental creed of Islam.
| COLUMN A | COLUMN B |
|---|---|
| 1. Other subdivisions within Protestantism. G | A. Kosher |
| 2. Understanding and forgiveness between people who have had a bad relationship. D | B. Ahimsa |
| 3. That which is permissible in Judaism. A | C. Mantra |
| 4. Showing deep respect or reverence for someone or something. H | D. Reconciliation |
| 5. Never harm any living thing. B | E. Nirvana |
| 6. State of perfect happiness and peace in Buddhism. E | F. Eucharist |
| G. Denominations | |
| H. Veneration |
1. Other subdivisions within Protestantism.
Answer: G. Denominations
Denominations refer to different branches or groups within Protestantism, such as Baptists, Methodists, and Lutherans.
2. Understanding and forgiveness between people who have had a bad relationship.
Answer: D. Reconciliation
Reconciliation is the process of restoring friendly relations and resolving conflict between individuals or groups.
3. That which is permissible in Judaism.
Answer: A. Kosher
Kosher refers to food and practices that conform to Jewish dietary laws and regulations.
4. Showing deep respect or reverence for someone or something.
Answer: H. Veneration
Veneration means showing great respect, often toward saints, sacred objects, or religious figures.
5. Never harm any living thing.
Answer: B. Ahimsa
Ahimsa is a principle in Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism advocating non-violence toward all living beings.
6. State of perfect happiness and peace in Buddhism.
Answer: E. Nirvana
Nirvana is the ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.
Question
Shoghi Effendi; Haifa; Jerusalem; Bahá’u’lláh
The word that doesn’t match is Jerusalem.
The reason: The others belong to the Bahá’i Faith.
Question
Muhammad; Allah; Bahá’u’lláh; Abu Bakr
The word that doesn’t match is Bahá’u’lláh.
The reason: The others are linked to Islam.
Question
Saivism; Shaktism; Sufism; Vaishnavism
The word that doesn’t match is Sufism.
The reason: The rest are Hindu schools.
Question
Mitzvot; Tripitaka; Bible; Vedas
The word that doesn’t match is Mitzvot.
The reason: The others are sacred books.
Question
Buddhism; Hinduism; Taoism; Bahá’i
The word that doesn’t match is Bahá’i.
The reason: The others are Eastern religions.
Question
Tao Te Ching; non-being; the Ten Commandments; unpredictability
The word that doesn’t match is The Ten Commandments.
The reason: The others are linked to Taoism.
Question
Muhammad; Buddha; Jesus Christ; Charles Darwin
The word that doesn’t match is Charles Darwin.
The reason: The other three are founders of religions.
Question
Brahma; Modimo; Allah; Apocrypha
The word that doesn’t match is Apocrypha.
The reason: The other three are names of gods from different religions.
Question
Shruti; Theravada; Upanishads; Smriti
The word that doesn’t match is Theravada.
The reason: The other three are scriptures from Hinduism.
Question
Talmud; Bahá’i; Shinto; Buddhism
The word that doesn’t match is Talmud.
The reason: The other three are religions.
Question
Catholic Church; Zion Christian Church; Twelve Apostolic Church; Nazarath Baptist Church
The word that doesn’t match is Catholic Church.
The reason: The other three are African Initiated Churches.
Question
The sacred text of the Bahá’i faith was originally written in Greek.
The correct answer is False.
It was originally written in Arabic, not Greek. The New Testament of Christianity was originally written in Greek.
Question
In Judaism, the divine name of God is Abraham.
The correct answer is False.
Abraham is the founder of Judaism, not the name of God. In Judaism, the divine name of God is Yahweh or Jehovah.
Question
The head of the Catholic branch of Christianity is the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The correct answer is False.
The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church. The Archbishop of Canterbury leads the Anglican Church.
Question
The word ‘Sutta’ means ‘Prophet’ in Buddhism.
The correct answer is False.
In Buddhism, ‘Sutta’ refers to a text or scripture, not a prophet.
Question
‘Kosher’ is that which is permissible in Hinduism.
The correct answer is False.
Kosher refers to what is permissible in Judaism, not in Hinduism.
Question
In Taoism both the nothing and the happening are divine.
The correct answer is True.
Question
In Judaism, the divine name of God is David.
The correct answer is False.
The divine name of God is Yahweh (YHWH), Elohim, Adonai, or Ha Shem. David was a king of Israel.
Question
The sacred text of the Bahá’i faith was originally written in Greek.
The correct answer is False.
It was written in Arabic. The sacred text of Christianity was written in Greek.
Question
In the Taoist view, all of the world’s processes originate from ten thousand things.
The correct answer is False.
The world’s processes originate from two forces: Yang and Yin.
Question
Hinduism teaches that a person can be god.
The correct answer is True.
Question
The founder of Buddhism was Swami Vivekananda.
The correct answer is False.
The founder of Buddhism was Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha). Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu priest who founded the Rama Krishna Mission.
Question
Yin and Yang
In Taoism, everything consists of two forces: Yang is active, light, forceful, male; Yin is passive, dark, yielding, female. These opposite yet complementary forces work together to maintain balance and harmony in the universe.
Question
Ideology
Refers to the prevailing, overarching worldview that gives people meaning and an overall pattern of existence. It shapes beliefs and values and can be used as a substitute for religion by providing a similar sense of purpose.
Question
Myth
A sacred story that deals with the origin or end of time or other key events in time, often combining historical and metaphorical material. It explains why the world is as it is and offers insight into the nature of human experience.
Question
Unity
Signifies harmony between religions and promotes the peaceful coexistence of religions. It also expresses a common purpose and identity within a religion, encouraging shared values and collective belonging.
Question
Uniqueness
Refers to the characteristics of a religion that are not shared by others, which give it a distinct identity. Highlights how adherents themselves see their own religion as different and special compared to others.
Question
Eucharist
A ceremony or sacrament based on Jesus’ last meal (Lord’s Supper) with His disciples. In Christianity, it is called Holy Communion and symbolizes believers sharing in Jesus’ body and blood as an act of faith and remembrance.
Question
Queen Elizabeth II
She was the supreme head of the Church of England (Anglican Church) and played a major role in nominating the bishops of the Anglican Church, showing her significant influence in religious leadership within the church.
Question
Tenzin Gyatso
He is the Dalai Lama of Tibetan or Zen Buddhism, known as the former ruler of Tibet. He currently lives in exile in India and was also a close friend of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, reflecting his global religious and humanitarian connections.
Question
Eucharist
A ritual in Christianity celebrated as a thanksgiving service using bread (body of Christ) and wine (blood of Christ), also called Holy Communion. It is a ceremony based on Jesus’ last meal with His disciples, known as the Last Supper, and symbolizes remembrance and unity among believers.
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