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Read the extract below and answer questions that follow - English General - NSC Religion Studies - Question 1 - 2016 - Paper 2
Question 1
Read the extract below and answer questions that follow. No religion is a solid, monolithic unity. They all have many internal differentiations and have had such di... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the extract below and answer questions that follow - English General - NSC Religion Studies - Question 1 - 2016 - Paper 2
Step 1
Discuss the internal differences of ONE religion under the following headings: Teachings
Answer
For this response, I will focus on Christianity, which has several branches, including the Roman Catholic Church and Protestantism.
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Roman Catholic Church: This branch sees itself as the original branch of Christ. Its teachings emphasize the role of the Sacraments, including the Eucharist (Holy Communion), and the concept of original sin, believing that all humans are born sinful due to Adam and Eve's disobedience. The authority rests not only on the Bible but also on Church traditions and the Pope's infallibility in matters of doctrine.
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Protestantism: In contrast, Protestantism prioritizes Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura) and believes in justification through faith alone (Sola Fide). It rejects the Papal authority and maintains that direct communication with God is available to all believers without intermediaries, emphasizing a personalized faith experience.
Step 2
Discuss the internal differences of ONE religion under the following headings: Practices
Answer
Continuing with Christianity, here are some examples of practices:
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Roman Catholic Church: Practices include lighting candles, the Sacraments, and specific rituals such as confession and Mass. These rituals are designed to foster community and personal devotion, with a structured liturgical framework guiding worship.
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Protestant Practices: Protestant practices tend to be less formalized and can vary greatly among denominations. Common practices include prayer services, Bible study groups, and singing hymnody, focusing on direct interactions with God rather than prescribed rituals.
Step 3
Evaluate the possible consequences of internal differences for religions.
Answer
The internal differences within religions can lead to various consequences:
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Internal Conflicts: Different interpretations can lead to divisions within a religion, creating factions that may conflict with one another, as seen in Christianity's numerous denominations.
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Intolerance: Adherents may become intolerant, expecting uniformity in beliefs and practices among their members, leading to social discord.
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Confusion: People might feel lost or confused due to conflicting teachings, potentially leading them away from their religion altogether.
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Cultural Matters: Internal differences can alter how a religion is practiced in different cultural contexts, impacting community solidarity and mutual understanding.
Step 4
List any FOUR hermeneutical principles and explain the significance of each principle in the interpretation of sacred texts.
Answer
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Historical Context: Understanding the historical setting of the text is crucial for grasping its intended meaning. It aids readers in recognizing how cultural factors influenced the authors and the message.
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Plan, Purpose, and Context: The structure and purpose behind a sacred text guide interpretation. Recognizing whether a text is narrative or poetry dictates how it should be read and understood.
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Meanings of Words: Language evolves; thus, the meaning of specific terms may change over time. Original words should be interpreted accurately to avoid misrepresentation of the text.
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Figurative Language: Many sacred texts contain metaphorical language. Understanding figurative expressions is necessary to grasp deeper meanings and avoid literal misinterpretations.