“Are There Other Ways to God?”
Purpose: This activity exposes students to other religious belief systems, to show them why other
religions are false, and to bolster their confidence in the truth of Christianity.
Age Group: Junior High or High School
Duration: 3 weeks
Instructions:
1. Choose a particular religion (e.g. Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Mormonism, Jehovah’s
Witnesses, Judaism)
2. Spend one week teaching students about the essential doctrines of that religion (use video clips,
props, religious icons, etc. to add creativity to the lesson)
3. Spend one week teaching students how that religion contradicts the essential doctrines of
Christianity and why the beliefs of that religion are false (a very good resource for both lessons is
Bruce & Stan’s Guide to Cults, Religions, and Spiritual Beliefs)
4. During the third week do one of two things:
• Arrange to visit a religious site of that particular religion. For example, visit a Buddhist
temple, a Hindu temple, an Islamic mosque, or a Mormon temple and/or visitor center. If
arranged beforehand, most religious leaders will be more than happy to give your group a
tour, discuss their religious beliefs, and answer your student’s questions.
• Invite representatives of that religion to come speak to your group and answer questions
your students may have (beforehand, prompt your students to be extremely courteous and
gracious with their guests but encourage them to still ask the hard questions).
5. Afterwards, spend some time debriefing your students using the discussion questions below.
Commentary:
In our multicultural world, students will be exposed to other religious beliefs. But where will
their first exposure come from? Rather than isolate our students from beliefs contrary to Christianity,
we need to inoculate them from those beliefs. We want to be the first ones to expose them to
contrary religious claims so that we can help them see how those beliefs contradict the Christian
message and why they are false. This activity does just that, but it will require some research and
hard work on your part. However, the payoff in the lives of your students will make it well worth the
investment.
*Warning: Expect some parents to raise a suspicious eyebrow when you tell them you’re taking their
kid to the local Buddhist temple! But help alleviate parental concerns by explaining the purpose and
benefits of this activity.
Discussion Questions:
1. What is your first reaction to the things we heard today? Why did you react that way?
2. What are your thoughts about the people we met today?
3. Did anything you heard today surprise you? Why?
4. What were some of the key beliefs of this religion?
5. How do the key beliefs of this religion contradict the essential beliefs of Christianity?
6. In what ways can you reach out to people who are practicing this religion?
Scripture References: Isaiah 44:6 & 8; John 14:6, 17:3; Acts 4:12
“Are There Other Ways to God?” activity ©2004
Brett Kunkle, Stand to Reason, www.str.org or 1-800-2-REASON