ZIMSEC · A Level
Family and Religious Studies
7 topics7 with notes
0%
Study this subject topic by topic
Progress is saved on this device. Join free to keep it everywhere.
Form 5 · Lower 6 4 topics
- Theories and approaches to the study of religion Substantive definitions (belief in spiritual beings – Tylor), functional definitions (what religion does – Durkheim) and family-resemblance approaches.
- African Traditional Religion: beliefs and practices The Supreme Being (Mwari, Musikavanhu, Nyadenga; uMlimu, uNkulunkulu) – creator, all-powerful, often approached through intermediaries. The Mwari cult at the Matonjeni/Njelele shrines in the Matobo Hills is consulted for rain and national well-being.
- Christianity: scripture, beliefs and African Christianity The Bible: Old Testament (Law, Prophets, Writings) and New Testament (Gospels, Acts, Epistles, Revelation). Approaches: literal, historical-critical, and contextual (reading in African contexts).
- Islam: sources, beliefs and practices The Qur'an (the word of Allah revealed to the Prophet Muhammad), the Sunnah and Hadith (sayings and practices of the Prophet), ijma (consensus) and qiyas (analogy). Together they inform Shari'ah (Islamic law).
Form 6 · Upper 6 3 topicsExam year
- Family, marriage, gender and sexuality ethics Gender roles in religious traditions; patriarchy and its critiques; feminist theology (reading scriptures for women's liberation); women's leadership in religion; gender-based violence and religious responses.
- Religion and contemporary ethical issues Euthanasia, organ transplants, genetic engineering, IVF, and the sanctity versus quality of life debate.
- Religion, the state and society Theocracy, established (state) religion, secular states with religious freedom, and hostile secularism. Zimbabwe's Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and religion.