TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

1. Introduction 2

2. How to use the study guide 3

3 Topic: Internal differentiation in religions 4

5

3.1 Background 4
5

3.2 Key Concept 56 -- 68

3.3 Christianity 79 -- 11
16

3.4 Islam 12
17--15:
22

3.5 Hinduism 16
23 -17
- 25

3.6 ATR 18
26 -- 22
32

3.7 Buddhism 33–- 26

23 39

3.8 Activities 40
27

4 Study and exam tips 28 - 29

5 Reference 41
30

Internal Differentiation in Religions 1

 INTRODUCTION

The declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation in 2020,
led to the disruption of effective teaching and learning in all schools across South Africa.

Many learners, across all grades, spent less time in class due to the phased-in reopening of
schools, as well as rotational attendance and alternative timetables that were implemented
across provinces, to comply with social distancing rules. This led to severe teaching and
learning time losses. Consequently, the majority of schools were not able to complete all the
relevant content prescribed in Grade 10-12 in accordance with the Curriculum and Assessment
Policy Statement.

In order to mitigate and intervene against the negative impact of COVID-19, as part of the
Recovery Learning Plan for Grades 10-12, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) worked
in collaboration with Subject Specialists from various Provincial Education Departments
(PEDs) to develop this Self-Study Guide for learners in Grade 12.

The content in this study guide is critical towards laying a strong foundation to improve your
performance in this subject.

The main aims of this study guide is to:

• Assist learners to improve their performance, by revising and consolidating their understanding
of the topic;
• Close existing content gaps in this topic; and
• Improve and strengthen understanding of the content prescribed for this topic.

This study-guide is meant as a self-study guide for learners and therefore should be used as
a revision resource to consolidate learning at the end of a particular topic taught in class.

Learners are encouraged to complete the exercises and activities to test their understanding
and to expose themselves to high quality assessment.

This study guide can also be used by study groups and peer learning groups, to prepare for
the final NSC examination in this subject.

Internal Differentiation in Religions 2

 How to use this Self Study Guide?

This study guide covers 9 of the topics that pose the most challenges in the examinations.
Please also note the remaining topics that are set out in the CAPS. This Self-Study Guide
includes the following topics:

• History and present dynamics of inter-religious relationships in South African, African

and international communities
• Religion in areas of recent conflict in South Africa, Africa, and the world
• Analysis of secular worldviews with reference to the definition of religion and universal
dimensions of religion: atheism, agnosticism, humanism, and materialism
• Religion and the natural sciences
• Religious freedom, human rights, and responsibilities
• Normative Sources
• Internal Differentiation
• Central Teachings
• Social Issues

This is a Self-Study Guide that is designed to explain the concepts and content that is
examinable in Religion Studies Paper 1 and Paper 2. It also provides explanations of the
common action/command verbs used in the Question Papers and how to use these to analyse
and understand what you are required to do to respond to a question. It also provides quick
tips on how to approach specific content in an exam situation in order to save time.

The booklets have been designed to provide simplified notes and a variety of questions
sourced from various past question papers. Instead of providing responses for all questions,
the Self Study Guides assist with the analysis and interpretation of questions. This is to ensure
that learners focus on studying the content instead of the questions. Learners are also
reminded that the same content may be tested in different ways. Therefore, it is important to
understand the command verbs and to have both conceptual and content knowledge.

A second package of the Self Study Guide labelled the Revision Package focuses on subject
specific key concepts as examined over a period of 6 years and sourced from past Question
Papers. There are 12 sets of questions/activities and Marking Guidelines provided to guide
you and assist with revision and exam preparation. You are expected to answer these

Internal Differentiation in Religions 3

questions without looking at the responses. You may do a self-assessment after you have
completed answering the questions.

Additional to this Self Study Guide learners are expected to:

(a) Know current affairs or topical issues in the media that are relevant to Religion Studies
(b) Use of past NSC papers – (Thutong and past papers on your internet search engine)
(c) Use the 2021 Examination Guidelines (Thutong – Religion Studies Exam Guideline)
(d) Use various textbooks, newspapers and other sources such as internet

Lastly, Religion Studies is designed to test critical thinking, application of knowledge and
provision of advice or solutions from a religious perspective. Therefore, a good grounding in
the prescribed knowledge, skills and values in Religion Studies is essential.

Internal Differentiation in Religions 4

 TOPIC: INTERNAL DIFFERENTIATION IN RELIGIONS

3.1 BACKGROUND

Every religion has some beliefs that are not negotiable. These beliefs are shared by each
religion’s adherent. However, within most religions, interpretations of beliefs may differ
from one school of thought to another. Sometimes these differences are major and have
even led to religious wars, and sometimes they are minor.
This section of the study guide will assist you to identify some differences within religions,
with respect to teachings, governance, and practice.

Internal Differentiation in Religions 5

 3.2 KEY CONCEPTS

No. CONCEPT EXPLANATION

1 Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) Holy Spirit or holy ghost is God's presence on earth

This refers to the splitting of the Catholic Church into an

East-West Schism (Great
2 Eastern branch (known as the Eastern Orthodox Church)
Schism)
and a Western Branch (known as the Catholic Church)

3 Nirvana A state of perfect happiness and peace in Buddhism

The result of a person’s actions as well as the actions

4 Karma
themselves.

The way of Higher Truths and the teachings and

5 Darma
doctrines of the religion

Is like a strand or branch e.g. in Christianity there are

6 School of thought different branches like Roman Catholicism, Protestantism
& Eastern orthodox

The spiritual head of a Muslim community. He could be a

7 Imam
teacher, a prayer leader or a learned person

A learned person who acts as judge and teacher is

8 Mullah
honoured by the term Mullah

This person is known as a sangoma. She/He acts as a

9 Diviner go-between/intermediary between humans and the
ancestors.
The perfect and all-powerful spirit or being that is
worshipped especially by Christians, Jews, Muslims and
10 Supreme being
most religions as the one who created and rules the
universe.

11 Reincarnation The rebirth of the soul or spirit in a new body

Internal Differentiation in Religions 6

 A verse, syllable or phrase believed to be of divine origin,
12 Mantra and which is used in ritual or mediation in different
religions

A Muslim religion leader whose authority is believed to

13 Caliph
be derived from Muhammad

14 Trance State of altered and peaceful consciousness or mind

A Bodhisattva is a Buddhist who has achieved

enlightenment, but who chooses to stay behind in this
15 Bodhisattva
world to lead others to truth. The Bodhisattva is already a
Buddha-to-be.

16 Governance The action or way of governing and controlling

17 Pantheon Several gods in a particular religious tradition

The line of descent from an ancestor to a person or a

18 Lineage
family

A person who comes after someone else, usually a

19 Successor
leader and is given the same status

20 Infallible Incapable of making a mistake or being wrong

21 Confrontational Challenging and argumentative

Baptised To go through a religious ceremony in which you are

22 made a member of that church community; water is used
during the ceremony as a sign of purification and new life

To go through a religious ceremony that marks your

23 Confirmed
formal acceptance into a Christian church

Internal Differentiation in Religions 7

24 Intermediaries People who act as ‘go-betweens’ between two parties

A sheik is a teacher. This is the name given to a man

25 Sheik who is looked up to for his religious piety. Sheik could be
imam or preachers, or even village leaders or chief.

26 Khatib A khatib is a Muslim preacher

Internal Differentiation in Religions 8

 3.3 Christianity

Internal Differentiation in Religions 9

 BRANCHES OF CHRISTIANITY

CATHOLICS PROTESTANTS EASTERN ORTHODOX

3.3.1. History of Christianity: The separation – Great Schism

• Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox belong to the same religion, Christianity.

• It is by disagreements about certain principles and the form of practice that they differ,
which has caused two schisms (separation or split) in the course of history.
• These differences ultimately led to the East-West Schism, also known as the Great
Schism, in 1054 A.D., in which Rome and Constantinople broke with one another.
• Each side blamed the other for the rupture, sometimes even accusing the other of
heresy.
• The Eastern Church then became the Orthodox Church and the Western Church
the Catholic Church.
• The Eastern Orthodox church accounts for around 200 million members, most of them
in eastern Europe, Greece and the Caucasus.
• Its traditional base is in modern-day Istanbul, previously known as Constantinople.
• In its first thousand years, the Eastern Orthodox Church coexisted with the Rome-
based Catholic Church, although relations between the two were always fraught by
both theological and political differences.
• The religious role of Constantinople dates to the Emperor Constantine, who in the 4th
century made Christianity the official religion of the Byzantine Empire and thus of its
capital.
• It was then in the sixteenth century that Protestantism appeared when Jean Calvin and
Martin Luther wanted to reform the Catholic church, creating a new current,
Protestantism.
• Protestantism is a form of Christianity that originated with the 16th-
century Reformation, a movement against what its followers perceived to be errors in
the Catholic Church.
• Protestants originating in the Reformation rejection of the Roman Catholic doctrine
of papal supremacy, as well as disagree among themselves regarding the number

Internal Differentiation in Religions 10

 of sacraments, the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and matters
of ecclesiastical polity and apostolic succession.

Differences in Catholicism, Protestantism and Eastern Orthodox Church

3.3.2 Beliefs/teach

EASTERN
CATHOLICS PROTESTANTS
ORTHODOX

Catholics recognise Protestants recognize The Eastern Orthodox

the BIBLE and only the Bible and its recognises the BIBLE
the oral tradition which scriptures as a source of and oral tradition which
INTERPRETATION has been constructed authority in religion, that has been constructed
OF THE BIBLE over the is, they base their over the
centuries through behaviour on what is centuries through
various dogmas and written in the Bible and various dogmas and
doctrines. nothing else. doctrines.

Catholics pray to The Eastern Orthodox,

Saints, believe in pray to Saints, believe in
The Protestants DO
Purgatory or worship Purgatory or worship the
NOT believe in praying
VENERATION OF the Virgin Mary as a Virgin Mary as a holy
to Saints, nor believe in
SAINTS holy figure after the figure after the
Purgatory or worship the
establishment of establishment of various
Virgin Mary.
various doctrines over doctrines over the
the centuries. centuries.

According to Catholics According to Catholics

The Protestants believe
and Orthodox, faith in and Orthodox, faith in
THE HOLY that ONLY faith in God
God alone is not God alone is not
SACRAMENTS alone is enough to be
enough to be "saved" enough to be "saved" by
“saved” by Jesus Christ.
by Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ.

Internal Differentiation in Religions 11

 Among the essential
Among the essential
elements of the
elements of the Catholic
Catholic doctrine of
doctrine of salvation are
salvation are the seven Protestants recognize
the seven sacraments,
sacraments, only baptism and the
namely: baptism,
namely: baptism, Eucharist because they
confirmation, the
confirmation, the are the only sacraments
Eucharist, penance and
Eucharist, penance instituted by Jesus
reconciliation, the
and reconciliation, the according to the Bible.
anointing of the sick, the
anointing of the sick,
Holy Orders, and
the Holy Orders, and
matrimony.
matrimony.

CATHOLICS PROTESTANTS EASTERN

BELIEFS/TEACHI BELIEFS/TEACHI BELIEFS/TEACHI
NGS NGS NGS

The Protestants'
rejection of the
Catholic BELIEVE in The Orthodox faith
Immaculate Conception
the concept of original rejects the Catholic
is more to do with the
sin, which is what doctrine of the
idea that Christ’s
makes the Immaculate Immaculate Conception
THE VIRGIN MARY Conception of the humanity, and therefore
of the Virgin Mary, in
Mary’s humanity needed
Virgin Mary seem which Jesus' mother was
to be the same in its
necessary to the church conceived without
nature as the rest of
of Rome. "original sin."
mankind for him to be
the saviour.

Internal Differentiation in Religions 12

 Catholics and
Catholics and The Orthodox Church
Protestants, the Holy
Protestants, the Holy believes the Holy Spirit
THE HOLY SPIRIT Spirit "proceeds from
Spirit "proceeds from the "proceeds from God the
the Father and the
Father and the Son." Father,"
Son."

Some Orthodox
Critics of the Orthodox Critics of the Orthodox believers see the
version say it is version say it is Catholic/Protestant
demeaning not to demeaning not to the version as
acknowledge the Son's acknowledge the Son's underestimating the role
role in the Holy Trinity. role in the Holy Trinity. of the Father in the
Trinity.

Internal Differentiation in Religions 13

 3.3.3 GOVERNANCE

EASTERN
CATHOLICS PROTESTANTS
ORTHODOX

The Pope is For Protestants and the For Protestants and

considered the Orthodox, the Pope is Orthodox, the Pope is
representation of an important figure an important figure
LEADERSHIP IN THE
Jesus Christ on earth, because he remains one because he remains one
CHURCH
and the figure of of the principal of the principal
authority of the advocates of the advocates of the
Catholic church. Christian religion. Christian religion.

His word is
authority for them However, they do not However, they do not
and is considered recognize in him a recognize in him a
infallible. Catholics source of authority source of authority
also recognize the because for them no because for them no
authority of bishops, human being is infallible, human being is infallible,
and of the Catholic only the word of God is. only the word of God is.
hierarchy.

The Eastern Orthodox

Church is organized into
self-governing
(autocephalous)
churches, many of
which carry the title of
patriarchate.

Traditionally, the leading

authority in Orthodox
Christianity is the
Istanbul-based
Ecumenical Patriarchate
of Constantinople,

Internal Differentiation in Religions 14

 currently presided over
by Bartholomew I.

Although he does not

wield the power enjoyed
by the pope in the
Catholic Church, he is
considered by his
followers to be "primus
inter pares" (first among
equals).

3.3.4 PRACTICES

EASTERN
CATHOLICS PROTESTANTS
ORTHODOX

Most Orthodox Churches

have both ordained
In the Catholic Church,
16th-century Reformer married priests and
celibacy — the vow of
Martin Luther refused to celibate monastics, All of
CELIBACY abstaining from
accept that virginity was the bishops and
marriage and sexual
superior to marriage. patriarchs are normally
relations —
taken from the ordained
monks

Therefore, celibacy is Therefore, Therefore celibacy is

obligatory for priests in Protestants reject optional in the Eastern
the Catholic Church. celibacy. Orthodox Churches.

Internal Differentiation in Religions 15

 The Orthodox Church
observes the Julian
Catholics and Catholics and
calendar, so its followers
Protestants who use Protestants who use the
FESTIVALS celebrate religious
the more recent more recent Gregorian
festivals on different
Gregorian calendar calendar
dates to Catholics and
Protestants

For example, Christmas For example, Christmas

For example, Christmas
Day, celebrated by Day, celebrated by
Day, is celebrated by
Catholics and Catholics and
Orthodox Christians
Protestants on Protestants on
around January 7
December 25 December 25

Internal Differentiation in Religions 16

 3.4 ISLAM

BRANCHES OF ISLAM

SUNNI SHIA
§ The great majority -- upwards of 85 to 90 Shia constitute about 10 to 15 percent of all
percent -- of the world's more than 1.6 Muslims, and globally their population is
billion Muslims are Sunnis. estimated at less than 200 million.

3.4.1 The history of Islam – split into 2 branches

• Though the Sunni and Shia, agree on most of the fundamental beliefs and practices of
Islam, a bitter split between the two goes back some 14 centuries.
• The divide originated with a dispute over who should succeed the Prophet Muhammad
as leader of the Islamic faith he introduced.
• After the death of Muhammad in 632, his companion Abu Bakr was made the caliph.
• Ali, who was both cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad did not accept this.
• On his deathbed, Abu Bakr nominated his son Umar as his successor.
• Umar became caliph in 634 but was killed ten years later in 644.
Internal Differentiation in Religions 17
 • Uthman, Umar’s son was elected as the next Caliph, but Uthman was killed in 656.
• Ali then took control of the caliphate in 656 but he was not accepted by all and saw
few rebellions.
• In 657, the founder of the Umayyad dynasty, Muawiyah declared himself caliph and
went on a war against the ruling caliph Ali.
• Though the war turned out to be a stalemate, the caliphate went to the Umayyad
dynasty after Ali was assassinated in 661.
• His rule lasted for five years, and this period is known as ‘Fitna’ (The first Islamic Civil
War).
• The reign of four successive caliphs- Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali, is known as
Rashidun Caliphate.
• The followers of Ali came to be known as Shi’a (‘Shiaat Ali’, partisans of Ali) which
is the minority sect of Islam and makes 15% of the Muslim population today.
• The followers of all four Rashidun Caliphs came to be known as the Sunni sect,
the majority Muslim sect today.
• After Ali’s death, his son Hasan was elected as the next Caliph, but he abdicated a few
months later to avoid any conflict within the Muslims. Muawiyah became the next
Caliph.
• Under the Umayyads, the Caliphate grew in size extensively.
• For various reasons, the Umayyads were not universally supported by the Muslims
because the Umayyads were not elected by ‘Shura’ (Consultation).
• The Shi’a sect wanted the Caliph from Muhammad’s bloodline.
• The Umayyad dynasty saw many rebellions and to make things worse, the
Umayyads killed Ali’s son Hussein and his family in the Battle of Karbala.
• Eventually, the supporters of the lineage of Ali brought down the Umayyad dynasty in
750.
• But to the disappointment of the Shi’a sect, the Abbasid dynasty took the Caliphate.
• The Abbasid dynasty was based in Baghdad, and they were the descendants of
Muhammad’s uncle and not Ali’s. All this solidified the Shi’a-Sunni divide.

Internal Differentiation in Religions 18

3.4.2 Differences in the branches of Islam

• The Sunni and Shiite sects of Islam encompass a wide spectrum of doctrine, opinion
and schools of thought.
• The branches agree on many aspects of Islam, but there are considerable
disagreements within each.
• The separation between the Sunni and the Shiites stemmed initially, not from spiritual
distinctions, but political ones.
• Over the centuries, these political differences have spawned a number of varying
practices and positions which have come to carry spiritual significance.
• These differences are:

Internal Differentiation in Religions 19

 GOVERNANCE

SUNNI SHIA

-The word Sunni, in Arabic, comes The word Shia in Arabic means a group or
from a word meaning "one who follows the traditions supportive party of people.
of the Prophet." This term is shortened from the
-85 to 90 percent of about 1,6 billion Muslims in the historical Shia't-Ali, or "the Party of Ali."
world are Sunni Shia are also known as Shiites or followers
of Ahl al-Bayt or "People of the Household" (of
the Prophet).
- Shia constitute about 10 to 15 percent of all
Muslims, and globally their population is
estimated at less than 200 million.

Sunni Muslims agrees with many of the Prophet's Shia Muslims believe that following the
companions at the time of his death: that the new Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership
leader should be elected from among those capable should have passed directly to his cousin and
of the job. son-in-law, Ali bin Abu Talib.
For example, following Prophet Muhammad's death, Throughout history, Shia Muslims have not
his close friend and adviser, Abu Bakr, became the recognized the authority of elected Muslim
first Caliph (successor or deputy of the Prophet) of leaders, choosing instead to follow a line of
the Islamic nation. Imams which they believe have been
appointed by the Prophet Muhammad or God
Himself.
Sunnis regard imams as prayer leaders without any the Shiites consider Ali and subsequent leaders
spiritual or political authority as imams since imams are a direct descendant
of Muhammad.
They believe in 12 imams, the last of which has
vanished in Iraq after the murder of his father.
The Sunnis also believe that the Madhi will come and The Shiites who follow this are known as
bear the name of the Prophet before the Last Twelvers, they anticipate his return in the form
Judgement. of the Mahdi, or Messiah.
The Sunnis do not believe it will be a specific person The Shia believe that the Prophet Muhammad
named Muhammad will return and will bring forth a new era of
peace and justice, which precedes the Last
Judgement.

Internal Differentiation in Religions 20

 TEACHINGS / BELIEFS
SUNNI SHIA

-The Shia branch gives more importance to the

-The Sunni branch believes that all the teachings
teachings of Muhammad that were recorded by
contained in the books of Hadith are equally
his family members.
important.
-The Shia follow the teachings and opinions of
-Sunnis follow the teachings of scholars from the 7th
living scholars only.
and 8th centuries and the present day scholars.
-The Shia believe that the last caliph from the
-Sunnis do not accept that the caliph can come
Prophet's family was hidden in a cave and
exclusively from the Prophet's family.
would one day appear as a leader.

-The Hadith narrated by the companions of the -They believe that the Hadith narrated by the
Prophet have equal status to those narrated by his companions of the Prophet have less
family members. significance than those narrated by his family
-Sunnis use the term 'imam' to refer to a leader of a members.
congregational prayer -They follow only the teachings and opinions of
-Sunni refers to 'following' the Sunnah (example) of a living scholar.
the Prophet Muhammad. They hold the belief that even if a fellow
Muslim has passed away, they are still of the
way of Allah
-Sunnis believe that the faithful, rather than the -They believe that the caliphate (successor to
descendants of the Prophet, should elect their Prophet Muhammad) should be from among
leaders. his descendants.
-Sunni refers to the followers of the ‘sunnah’ -They believe that caliphs are divinely
(example) of the Prophet Muhammad. appointed imams.
-All the companions of the Prophet are believed to -They also believe that caliphs have
be given equal respect in Islamic jurisprudence. supernatural knowledge and authority to lead
-Sunnis do not believe in the Mutta (temporary the faithful.
marriage). -They share a collective guilt for not coming to
the aid of Husain when he was martyred.
-They believe in Mutta (temporary marriage).

Internal Differentiation in Religions 21

 PRACTICES

SUNNI SHIA
-Religious practices are strictly in accordance with - Shi'as go for their pilgrimage at the shrine of
the Sunnah of the Prophet, as laid down in the Hussein in Karbala
Hadith. -Muttah (temporary marriage) is allowed.
-In Sunni Islam, an 'Imam' is simply a leader of a -They practise self-mutilation, for example at
congregational prayer. the commemoration of the tragedy of Karbala.
-Imam does not denote formal training in Sunni -They can combine prayers to pray three times
Islam. a day
-Muttah (temporary marriage) is forbidden.
-They pray five times a day

- Sunni Muslims mainly rely on the Sunnah, a record of - Shi’ites rely more heavily on their ayatollahs
the teachings and sayings of the prophet Muhammad to (religious leaders), whom they see as a sign of
guide their actions God
- Sunni Muslims are completely opposed to praying at
- Shia Muslims have no issues with praying at
graves. They view it as a sin because it means you are
graves and they even encourage it.
relying on someone else other than Allah for help.
- Shi’ites pray with their arms by their sides
- Sunnis pray with their arms crossed over their chest

Internal Differentiation in Religions 22

 3.5 Hinduism

STREAMS / SECTS OF
HINDUISM

Shaiva Vaishnava Shakteya Smarta

Monotheistic

3.5.1 Historical background on how the split came about

Hinduism has no evidence of split. However, it is said to be an umbrella for a large number
of beliefs and practices, not a single religion. There are FOUR different sampradyas
(streams) under the umbrella, namely Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shakteya and Smarta. While
these streams share common beliefs, traditions, rituals and personal deities; they hold
different views on how to achieve liberation, moksha, and how they speak about god
(Brahman)

Internal Differentiation in Religions 23

3.5.2 Differences in the streams/sects

TEACHINGS /
GOVERNANCE PRACTICES
BELIEFS

- In traditional Hinduism,
The Hindus believe that the
Traditional Hinduism has no performance of domestic
highest concept of God is
central control. and temple ritual is
Brahma, the Supreme Being
obligatory for all.

- Originally every temple

They believe that Brahman
was independently - Much time is taken up by
is everywhere and is the
governed by the local these rituals
source of their existence.
community.

- Hinduism believes that - Hindu believers engage

Local priests determine God can be experienced in themselves in the lighting of
rituals to be practised within graded stages according to lamps and the correct
that community the spiritual development of preparation of
the devotee food.

This was in line with The first level or experience - In Neo-Hindu movements,
Hinduism being an of God under Brahman is less emphasis is placed on
'umbrella' of related, but Ishwara, the formless God, rituals. They give more
varied, beliefs and who is everywhere and importance to serving
practices. formless. humanity (seva).

Internal Differentiation in Religions 24

 Hinduism's nature of divinity
is illustrated by their belief in In Neo-Hindu movement
Reformers worked within the
reincarnation, which is a emphasis is placed more on
existing system. There was
spiritual evolution, since one individual and group
no breakaway movement.
can experience Brahman in devotion (bhakti)
gradual stages.

They believe that the

Creator can either be in an
There are also regional active or passive state. The - Debates and exchange of
organisations with linguistic passive state of the Creator ideas are encouraged
and cultural focus (for is a state of rest when between schools and
example Gujarati, Telegu). nothing happens. The active traditions.
state was when the Big
Bang happened.

- In India, each Hindu

temple is independent in
Devotion is directed to a
terms of governance. Since God is seen in many
specific form of God.
Today in countries with forms, Hindus believe that
- In many cases such
major Hindu presence all religions lead to one
devotional sessions involve
outside of India, there are truth.
a formal ritual element.
structured Hindu
movements

- In Hinduism the universe is

In South Africa such body is
the Creator, so they do not Worship takes place at
the South African Hindu
have a problem with the home and in the temple.
Maha Sabha.
theory of evolution.

Internal Differentiation in Religions 25

 3.6 AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION (ATR)

BRANCHES OF AFRICAN
TRADITIONAL RELIGION

Southern Africa Region: West Africa Region: Central Africa

e.g. Nguni tribes (AmaZulu,
e.g. Yoruba e.g. Aka
AmaXhosa)

Mainly found in Southwest Mainly found in the Congo and

Mainly found in South Africa
Nigeria Central African Region

3.6.1 Historical background on how the split came about

• Unlike other religions there is no trace of any split in ATR

• What is evidently vivid are subdivisions that continue to thrive per region across the
world

3.6.2 Differences in the branches:

Nguni tribes (AmaZulu, AmaXhosa)

GOVERNANCE TEACHINGS/ BELIEFS PRACTICES

Authority is arranged in a They believe in the The Nguni people approach

hierarchy (ranking of existence of the Supreme the Supreme being through
positions of authority with a being. the ancestors.
chain of command from
highest to lowest).
The King is the leader over Among AmaZulu the They burn incense when
the tribe. supreme being is called, they communicate with the
uMvelinqangi, and Qamata ancestors.
among amaXhosa.
The authority of the king is AmaZulu believe that there During certain rituals, an
delegated to lower ranks of is a feminine goddess, animal is slaughtered.
the chiefs and the headmen. called, uNomkhubulwane.

Internal Differentiation in Religions 26

 The positions of the king They believe that the Among amaXhosa intlabi
and chiefs are based on ancestors are intermediaries slaughters the animal.
genealogy (descent from between the supreme being
one generation to another and the living.
within the same family).
Families are grouped into Everyone is expected to Intlabi is officially given a
clans. know his or her family tree, sacred assegai (Umkhonto
both the father’s side and wekhaya) by the elders of
the mother’s side. the clan during a special
ceremony.

TEACHINGS / BELIEFS
GOVERNANCE in Nguni PRACTICES in Nguni
in Nguni

After an elder has died, an

animal is slaughtered during
At the clan level, the elderly The aunts (ooDadobawo /
the ritual called, ukubuyisa
people, both men and ooMakazi / Rakgadi) of the
- Ukubuyisa ritual is
woman (oogogo nomkhulu), clan are responsible for the
believed to return the spirit
are the advisors of their moral teachings of the
of the deceased elder to the
respective clans children
homestead for care and
protection of the family
They believe that: -Zulu women and young
- souls are immortal and girls perform rituals in
In times of clan disputes, there is life after death honour of the feminine
elders act as an arbitrators - punishment and reward goddess, uNomkhubulwana
(a mediator who is accepted happen while the people are -Unomkhubulwana is
by both parties in dispute) still alive approached through a
- people are rewarded by pilgrimage to the mountains
the ancestors for doing good in times of drought
on earth

If a person has offended the

The first-born male (inkulu) They believe those who
ancestors, they perform a
of the clan is the leader disturb harmony by
ritual of appeasement to

Internal Differentiation in Religions 27

 during the ritual disrespecting the elderly ease the anger of the
performances and do bad things to God’s ancestors
creation can be punished in
the form of misfortunes and
sickness by the ancestors

They teach that a person

Inkulu works in consultation who has been punished by Certain tribes among
with the first-born female the ancestors must do a AmaZulu do ritual cutting on
(umafungwashe) ritual of appeasement (a their faces
ritual to ease the anger of
the ancestors)

They teach that a person

Among amaXhosa, the first-
who has been punished by When there is illness or
born male is intlabi (a
the ancestors must do a misfortune, a traditional
person who slaughter the
ritual of appeasement (a healer or diviner is
animals during the rituals)
ritual to ease the anger of consulted
the ancestors)

Some rituals like initiating The spirit of Ubuntu (respect

There is no punishment or
Diviners / Sangomas are led and empathy for human
reward after death
by experienced Sangoma beings) prevails among the
/Diviners people

-A man with a lot of oxen

The King and the chiefs are
The concept of ubuntu help those who are poor and
the custodians of the
teaches the people to show offer his animals to plough
customs and rituals.
respect and empathy for the fields of the needy
Custodian means being
human beings and help people
responsible for taking care
those in need -In the practice of i-Lima, the
and protecting
people come together and
help one another at no cost

Internal Differentiation in Religions 28

 3.6.3 YORUBA

GOVERNANCE BELIEFS/TEACHINGS PRACTICES

There is a hierarchical King,
There is a belief in a hierachy of The King (Oba) is the
known as the Oba, who
deities (Supernatural being). ritual leader and is
governs with the council of
considered sacred.
chiefs.
-Olodumare is the Supreme
Being, as a Creator.
-Orissa which are off-springs of
Initiation ceremonies are
Oludumare.
held to introduce new
-Emi, the breath of life.
members and induct
-Obatala, Lady of Mercy
The King’s authority is Priests, through prayers,
-Ogun, divinity of blacksmiths
delegated to the Chiefs. head shaving and animal
and metallurgists, soldiers,
sacrifice
hunters and all those who work
in iron and steel is
- Shango, the god of thunder
and lightning

Internal Differentiation in Religions 29

 They believe in ancestors Contact with the deity is
The Chiefs further delegate (dead elders believed to made through the
their authority to the Headman continue to exist in spirits, caring ancestors and lesser
and protecting the family) divinities

Members of the patrilineage They believe in reincarnation They hold communal

(descendants from the fathers’ (belief that soul begins a new ceremonies in honour of
side)ive together under the life in a new body after death) the ancestors
authority of a headmen

They practice meditation

They believe in Ashe, the (focussing the mind on a
Constituent towns have their
divine energy that runs through particular thought or object
own rulers who is subordinate
all living and non-living things to achieve a clear mental
to the Oba
state and emotional
stability)

They believe in Astrology

There are voluntary They practise witchcraft
(forecast of a person’s future
associations including the (practice of black magic
based on the stars and planets
Egbe (humanitarian group) and spells)
positions

Internal Differentiation in Religions 30

 3.6.4 AKA (Central Africa)

GOVERNANCE BELIEFS / TEACHINGS PRACTICES

The Aka believes in creator They dance and sing in

There are few Aka status
spirit called, Bembe honour of the forest spirit,
positions
Dzengi

They are fiercely egalitarian

(belief in classless society They believe that Bembe They slaughter animals to
and that all people are equal retired after the act of communicate with the
and deserve equal rights creation ancestors
and equal opportunities)

There is no Chief in the Rituals are performed in

sense of a person They believe in the forest preparation for hunting, in
commanding ultimate spirit called, Dzengi order to communicate with
authority the animal spirit

There is a kombeti (leader),

They believe that Dzengi
who is generally more They hunt elephants as a
assists them in the
influential in subsistence religious symbol of physical
successful hunting of
and camp movement and mental strength.
elephants
discussions

The nganga (top healer) When there is illness or

provides community Family members become crisis in the family or
services like divination on ancestors after they die. community, the Ngangas
hunts, curing of witchcraft, (traditional healers) are
and herbal healing. consulted

Internal Differentiation in Religions 31

 The tuma (elephant hunter)
The ancestral spirits (edjo) They practice prestige
leads spear hunts, seasonal
visit the family, and want avoidance; one does not
rituals, and organizes the
things like slaughtering an draw attention to his or her
training of young boys in the
animal, African beer, etc. activities.
men's secret society

Many Aka believe in

The status positions are witchcraft, especially to Bragging or boasting is
usually held by males explain unexpected adult discouraged.
death

No individual has the right to A Nganga is the only one

force or order another who can diagnose and cure
They practise witchcraft
individual to perform an the attack of a which
activity against his her will

Internal Differentiation in Religions 32

 3.7 BUDDHISM

BRANCHES OF
BUDDHISM

THERAVADA MAHAYANA TIBETAN

SUB-BRANCH OF MAHAYANA

ZEN

3.7.1. Historical background on how the split came about

Buddhism began in India in the year 6th century BCE. It was started by the historical Buddha,
Siddhartha Gautama. It grew from small groups of wondering monks and nuns, and became
a major religion of the Indian sub-continent. During the 1st century BCE, the first Buddhist
scriptures were written. Buddhism divided into two schools, namely, Theravada and
Mahayana. In China, a sub-branch of Mahayana, emerged as a distinct school, which is
called, Zen, and it emphasizes meditation. Later Tibetan Buddhism was found in Tibet. Thus,
we have three branches of Buddhism, Theravada, Mahayana and Tibetan Buddhism.

Internal Differentiation in Religions 33

3.7.2 Differences in the branches:

3.7.2.1. THERAVADA BUDDHISM

GOVERNANCE BELIEFS/TEACHINGS PRACTICE

Teachings are based on:

-Four Noble Truths,
Monks live in monasteries;
Eightfold Path, Three
they beg for their food and
Shelters (Teachings),
meditate most of the day.
Patimokkha
The community of monks -Theravada monks also
(Accountability) and
and nuns, known as assist and co-operate with
Barshabsa (moral and
Sangha, are the leaders. laity in important life events
intellectual development).
such as births, weddings
and funerals
-Pali canon (scriptures),
traditions and wisdom of the
elders.

They believe in the doctrine

of ‘Anatman’, which
means that the ego/self Building stupas (tower- like
prevents us from becoming structures) is a widespread
enlightened and reaching practice.
nirvana -They leave altar offerings of
The monastery (building
food, incense, candles and
occupied by monks) is the
-Theravada Buddhism flowers at the temple, in
headquarters of governance
teaches that enlightenment front of the statue of
comes through an Buddha.
individual's efforts, and not
by the intervention of others
or any gods

Internal Differentiation in Religions 34

 Most practices are
performed in the home,
although there is also
individual and communal
meditation and chanting in
The laws of governance
temples.
include Four Noble Truths,
-The ideal in Theravada
Eightfold Path, Three
Buddhism is for the
Shelters (Teachings),
Theravadas revere the individual to lead a life of
Patimokkha (Accountability)
historical Buddha as a meditation in order to
and Barshabsa (moral and
perfect master. become enlightened. The
intellectual development).
monks assist and cooperate
with lay people in important
life events such as births,
weddings and funerals.
-The monks do not preside
but are in attendance to give
weight to the events

Internal Differentiation in Religions 35

 3.7.2.2 MAHAYANA / ZEN BUDDHISM

GOVERNANCE BELIEFS / TEACHINGS PRACTICE

Each group of the This branch believes that Human beings are assisted
Mahayana is governed by a there is no such thing as an to reach enlightenment
senior monk. individual, autonomous self. stage by a Bodhisattva.
-The senior monk is -All beings are connected. -A Bodhisattva is a person
assisted by a council of who could on his or her own
other senior monks and merit enter Nirvana, but has
sometimes senior nuns. decided out of compassion
-No woman has ever for suffering humans, to
become the master of the delay this entrance in order
school or tradition to help others.

The leader of a Mahayana Followers of Mahayana They practise more ritual

school exercises his power believe in collective elements than Theravada
by means of the monastic enlightenment. Buddhism, such as
institution -Believes in the promotion of prostrating themselves.
other monks too and not -Only people who live in
exclusively Buddha monasteries are allowed to
practise meditation.

The leadership of the Mahayana Buddhism Lay people are allowed to

individual schools and teaches that the motivation practise chanting and prayer
traditions lies solidly in the for enlightenment is -Zen practitioners meditate
hands of learners and compassion for all living in order to attain
influential monks. things enlightenment

Internal Differentiation in Religions 36

 Zen Buddhism Zen Buddhism Zen Buddhism
-Zen Buddhism is led by a -They teach that direct -Zen is a Chinese word
Zen teacher who specialises communication, and not Ch’an meaning meditation.
in meditation. scriptural study, is the way Their techniques are
-The teacher must lead a life of experiencing compatible with other
of humility, labour, service, enlightenment. religions and faith.
prayer and gratitude -They believe that Zen is the -Their practice relies on
-The Zen teacher is assisted way of life and not solely a concentrating on the breath
by senior monk. state of conscience -They practise meditation in
order to attain
enlightenment

The senior monk is assisted They choose Zen teachers

They believe that Buddha
by a council of senior monks to guide students in
can be shown in a human
and senior nuns. meditation and performing
form, such as in the person
-Zen Teachers serve the rituals.
of Padmasambhava (one
role of teaching Dharma, -They practise dharma
who brought Zen Buddhism
guide students in meditation transmission (passing of
in Tibet).
and perform rituals Buddha's teachings from the
master to the students

Internal Differentiation in Religions 37

 3.7.2.3 TIBETAN (VAJRAYANA ) BUDDHISM

GOVERNANCE BELIEFS / TEACHINGS PRACTICES

Believe in pantheon of Their practices include

A dual system of
Buddhas, bodhisattvas and meditation, rituals, use of
government is their tradition
dharma protectors objects and chanting

-They use trances to

Desi co-exist with spiritual Belief in reincarnation of
recover lost or hidden
authority of the realm, lineages of certain lamas
ancient scriptures by
usually unified under a third (teachers) such as Dalai
spiritual matters to recover
single ruler Lama
such wisdom

The actual distribution of Belief that a Buddha can be

-Ritual and chanting are
power between institutions shown in human form such
also used to teach Buddhist
varies over time and as in the person of
doctrine and principles
location Padmasambhava

In 1751, the Seventh Dalai Padmasambhava is the

Lama abolished the post of saint who brought Tibetan Tibetan Buddhist monks
Desi (or Regent), in whom Buddhism to the Himalayan wear orange robes in their
too much power had been mountains in Asia temples
placed

These Buddhists practise

The Desi was replaced by
Enlightenment is attained by many rituals, such as
the Kashag (Council) to
means of radical ‘shock’ making offerings to statues
represent the civil
techniques of Buddha, and attending
administration
public teachings

Internal Differentiation in Religions 38

 Dalai Lamas from the 17th Techniques may include -They use rituals and
century until 1959. acting in strange and even chanting for prayer.
-The Dalai Lama thus antisocial ways -They also engage in
became the spiritual and -The doctrine of Karma is a meditation.
political leader of Tibet central theme in Tibetan They engage in trances
-When the People's Buddhism (mantras) to obtain wisdom.
Republic of China invaded - Deity Mantras are an
Tibet in 1959, the current important aspect of Tibetan
Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, Buddhism.
fled Tibet. -They are said to be
-He has been a spiritual effective in calming the mind
leader in exile ever since. and settling the mood for
meditation (Mantra is a
‘sunskrit’ term – refers to a
sacred word

Internal Differentiation in Religions 39

 3.8 ACTIVITIES

Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.

Within most religions, interpretation of beliefs may differ from one school of thought to
another. A school of thought is a strand or branch.
[Source: Shutters Top Class Religion Studies Grade 12]

1.2. With reference to ONE religion, answer the following questions.

1.2.1. State the difference in teachings

1.2.2. State the difference in governance

How to answer this question?

When answering this question first mention the religion that you want to discuss

First mention the religion that you want to discuss

1.2.1 Discuss the differences – show how these branches that you have identified differ

1.2.2 Continue with the branches that you have chosen in 1.2.1 then explain how these
branches differ in terms of governance

Internal Differentiation in Religions 40

 REFERENCES

Steyn, H.C; Kruger, J.S; & Clasquin, M, 2007 Religion Studies Grade 12 Learner’s Book

Hofmeyr, J; Mndende, N; Maclagan, B; Ryan, M & Thraves, P. 2019 Shuters Top Class
Grade 12 Learner’s Book

Internal Differentiation in Religions 41

 ISBN : 978-1-4315-3546-0
Internal Differentiation in Religions 42