Religion Studies Grade 12 | Judaism and the nature of divinity

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Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.

All religions have a set of beliefs about the nature of humanity, the world, the divine, creation and other parts of our lives. Such broad beliefs are referred to as religious teachings. Religious teachings can be in the form of written or oral texts.

Question

With reference to Judaism, Discuss the nature of divinity.

In Judaism, the nature of divinity is centered on a deep, personal relationship between God and humanity, rooted in covenant, history, and continuous divine involvement. They believe in the existence of a Supreme Being called Yahweh, who is the central figure of worship and the foundation of all existence. Yahweh is not one god among many, but God alone is to be worshipped, reflecting Judaism’s strong monotheistic belief that no other deity or idol holds any spiritual authority.

Central to Jewish belief is that God is the Creator of the universe, who brought everything into being through His divine will and wisdom. The entire cosmos—time, space, and life—are understood to be sustained by God’s power. This belief affirms that the universe is not random or purposeless, but rather the product of intentional divine creation.

Furthermore, God revealed Himself to their forefathers and prophets, such as Abraham, Moses, and the great leaders of Israel. These revelations form the foundation of Jewish teachings and ethics, recorded in sacred texts such as the Torah. Through these revelations, God gave guidance, laws, and promises to the Jewish people, affirming a covenant relationship that still holds deep meaning today.

In Jewish understanding, God is the Spirit, but has the attributes of man. This means that while God is not a physical being, He is often described using human traits to help believers relate to Him. Attributes such as mercy, justice, and love are ways in which God’s divine character is understood, even though His essence is beyond full human comprehension.

A key feature of Jewish theology is that He is eternally present, through history and beyond. God is not confined by time. He has always existed, is active in every moment, and will exist for eternity. His presence is seen throughout Jewish history, guiding and protecting the people, even in times of exile and suffering.

Moreover, God continuously creates, judges, redeems and has a personal involvement in human life. Judaism does not see creation as a one-time event; rather, God sustains creation at every moment. He judges human actions with justice and compassion, redeems people from oppression and sin, and engages directly with each person’s life. This divine involvement gives meaning to daily living and reinforces moral responsibility.

In addition, Judaism teaches that God is one and indivisible. This belief is affirmed in the daily Jewish prayer, the Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One” (Deuteronomy 6:4). This oneness of God underscores the idea that all power, truth, and life come from a single, unified divine source.

Finally, it is also believed that God is righteous and just, and demands the same from His followers. God’s justice is seen not only in how He judges individuals and nations, but also in His concern for the oppressed, the widow, and the orphan. This inspires Jews to pursue justice and mercy in their communities as an expression of God’s will.

In conclusion, the nature of divinity in Judaism is characterized by an unwavering belief in Yahweh, the sole Creator and eternal Spirit, who is both transcendent and deeply personal. God reveals Himself to humanity, especially through the prophets, acts through history, and is involved in the ongoing creation, judgment, and redemption of the world. He is one, just, and merciful, calling His people into a covenant of ethical living and spiritual devotion.

Get free Religion Studies Grade 12 study resources: Religion Studies Grade 12 notes, Religion Studies Grade 12 study guides, Religion Studies Grade 12 past papers, exam questions, textbooks & revision tools to ace Grade 12 Life Sciences.”

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