Questions About Other Religions

Has anyone ever asked you about other religions?

Maybe they asked if devoted followers of other religions will go to heaven. It is easy to see the beliefs that religious people have in common regardless of their faith background. They are typically all moral people. They are probably kind and generous. They probably do not lie, cheat, or steal.

So what are the differences? If the results are the same, does it really matter what someone believes about God or spirituality?

Let’s explore a few major world faith systems. It should also be said that each of these religions has sects with a variety of differing beliefs. However, we will only briefly look at some of the core beliefs of each.

Hinduism

Hindus worship 300,000 different gods and goddesses. These various gods all converge into a universal spirit called the Ultimate Reality or Brahman. Brahman is not a god, but more of a term for ultimate oneness. Hindus believe their position in life is based on their actions in a previous life. If their behavior was evil, they might experience tremendous hardships in this life. A Hindu’s goal is to become free from the law of karma … to be free from continuous reincarnations. There are three possible ways to end this cycle of karma:

Be lovingly devoted to any of the Hindu gods or goddesses.
Grow in knowledge through the meditation of Brahman (oneness) to realize that circumstances in life are not real, that selfhood is an illusion, and only Brahman is real.
Be dedicated to various religious ceremonies and rites.

New Age

New Age promotes the development of the person’s own power or divinity. When referring to a god, a follower of the New Age is not talking about the almighty, personal God who created the universe. Rather, a New Age god refers to a higher consciousness within that person.

A person in New Age would see themselves as a god, the cosmos, or the universe. In fact, everything that the person sees, hears, feels, or imagines is to be considered divine.

New Age presents itself as a collection of ancient spiritual traditions. It acknowledges many gods and goddesses, as in Hinduism. The earth is viewed as the source of all spirituality and has its own intelligence, emotions, and deity. Self is the creator, controller, and god of all. There is no reality outside of what the person determines.

They teach techniques such as meditating, breathing exercises, chanting, and drumming – all to develop an altered consciousness and one’s own identity.

Buddhism

Buddhists do not worship any gods or God. People outside of Buddhism often think that Buddhists worship the Buddha. However, Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) never claimed to be divine and Buddhists reject the notion of any supernatural power.

Buddhists see the universe as operating by natural laws. Life is seen as consisting of pain—in birth, sickness, death, and continuous sorrow and despair. Most Buddhists believe a person has hundreds or thousands of reincarnations, all bringing misery. It is the desire for happiness that causes a person’s reincarnation.

Therefore, the goal of a Buddhist is to purify one’s heart and to let go of all desires. A person must abandon all sensuous pleasures, all evil, all joy, and all sorrow. To do so, Buddhists are to follow a list of religious principles and intense meditation.

When a Buddhist meditates, it is not the same as praying to or focusing on a god, but is more of a self-discipline. Through dedicated meditation, a person may reach Nirvana, the blowing out of the flame of desire, the highest state of inner peace.

Christians believe in a God who is loving and approachable.

Islam

A follower of Islam is called a Muslim. Muslims believe there is one almighty god, named Allah, who is infinitely superior and distant from humankind.

Allah is viewed as the creator of the universe and the source of all good and all evil. Everything that happens is Allah’s will. He is a powerful and strict judge, far too great to be approached by people. It is impossible for individuals to have a relationship with Allah or know much about him.

Though Islam honors several prophets, Muhammad is considered the last or most recent prophet; therefore, Muhammad’s words and lifestyle are the Muslim’s authority. To be a Muslim, one must follow five religious duties, called the Five Pillars of Islam:

Repeat a creed about Allah and Muhammad.
Recite certain prayers in Arabic five times a day while facing Mecca.
Give to the needy.
Observe Ramadan, during which, one month each year, from sunrise to sunset fast from food, drink, sex, and smoking.
Pilgrimage once in one’s lifetime to worship at a shrine in Mecca.

At death, based on one’s faithfulness to these duties, a Muslim hopes to enter Paradise, a place of sensual pleasure. If not, they will be eternally punished in hell.

Christianity

Christians believe in a God of justice and love who has revealed Himself and can be personally known in this life. In Christianity, the believer’s focus is not on religious rituals or performing good works, but on enjoying a loving relationship with God and growing in knowledge of Him.

Faith in Jesus Christ Himself, not just in His teachings, is how the Christian experiences joy and meaningful life. In His life on earth, Jesus did not identify Himself as a prophet pointing to God or as a teacher of enlightenment. Rather, Jesus claimed to be God in human form.

Jesus performed miracles, forgave people of their sins, and said that anyone who believed in Him would have eternal life. He made claims such as, “I am the light of the world! Follow Me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life” (John 8:12).

Christians regard the Bible as God’s written message to humankind. In addition to being a historical record of Jesus’ life and teaching, the Bible reveals God’s identity and character as He interacts with people through history, specifically His chosen people, the Jews.

What Is the Difference?

In looking at these major belief systems and their views of God, we find tremendous diversity:

Hindus believe in 300,000 gods.
Buddhists say there is no deity.
New Age followers believe they are gods.
Muslims believe in a powerful but detached god.
Christians believe in a God who is loving and approachable.

Obviously, it is not logical to say that all these claims are equally true because different religions claim things that contradict the claims of the other religions. Christianity speaks of a God who brings us into a relationship with Him and comes alongside us as Comforter, Counselor, and All-Powerful God Who loves us.

Why Does It Matter?

Religions are more than just a moral code for how to live your life. If a person believes that is all they are, then it may be true that it would not matter which one you follow. However, that is not what most religions claim to be.

Each religion offers an understanding of ultimate reality and truth; none of them agree on this point. In the Bible, we see that God offers an invitation to humanity. He invites us to follow Him. Of course, many do not believe and decide to follow a different source of truth other than the God of the Bible. This is the story from the very beginning of the Bible’s narrative and continues on throughout all of scripture. This should not be a surprise to us.

We can respond, however, by following the example of God’s heart for all people (Genesis 12:3, Acts 1:8) and extending the invitation to anyone, even those from other religions. We do not have to be offended or offensive if people choose not to agree. We can take the initiative with people and trust God with the results.

This was a brief look at how some religions of the world compare to Christianity, but of course, much more could be said. You can explore Cru’s website EveryPerson.com for more on this topic and much more.

Next Step

Choose a religion that interests you the most, or that some of your students are connected to and do some more research. Visit a worship service or interview a religious leader. Seek to understand and look for ways to love with the love of Jesus.

Made for Students, Helpful for Adults

This Playbook is designed first for students. It helps you take ownership, lead your friends, and build something that actually reaches your school.

At the same time, if you’re an adult, youth leader, parent, or volunteer, this gives you a clear way to come alongside students without taking over.

Students lead
Adults support
Everyone moves forward together

Why Most People Don’t Start

A lot of students never take the first step. Not because they don’t care, but because they feel stuck.

“Where do I even begin?”
“What if no one shows up?”
“How do I get others involved?”

Uncertainty can keep people from moving. This Playbook breaks that barrier. It gives you a clear path so you can stop overthinking and start doing.

What This Helps You Do

This isn’t just ideas sitting on a page. It’s a practical guide you can actually use right now.

With the Playbook, you can:

Start something meaningful, even if you’re on your own
Gather a few friends and build momentum
Share your faith in natural, real ways
Lead with confidence, even if you’ve never led before
Build something that lasts beyond you

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need a place to start.

“Start where you are, use what you have, take the first step.”

A Simple Path to Follow

The Playbook walks you through five clear steps. Each one is simple, practical, and designed to help you take action.

DREAM: Start with a vision for your school and what God could do there
PRAY: Learn how to pray for your campus in real, meaningful ways
GO: Take action, gather a team, and begin reaching people
GROW: Build a group that develops leaders and multiplies
SEND: Help others step out and reach their friends too

You don’t have to guess what to do next. It’s right there in front of you.

Built to Be Used, Not Just Read

This isn’t a long manual you’ll never finish. It’s short. It’s simple. It’s designed to move you forward.

Easy to read
Clear next steps
Real examples
Space to think and act

You can go through it on your own, or walk through it with a couple of friends. Adults can use it to guide conversations and help students take ownership.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Starting something can feel intimidating. But you’re not on your own. The Playbook connects you to tools, coaching, and a bigger movement of people who are doing the same thing. Take one step, and you’ll find support along the way.

Start Today

You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a first step.

Next Step

Download the Playbook with the button above and walk through the first section this week with a friend!

Comment Cards 101: Capture Interest, Build Relationships

Why Comment Cards Matter

The most important thing you do in ministry isn’t running events, it’s building relationships. Big gatherings are great, but they aren’t personal. Comment cards help you bridge that gap. They give students a simple way to raise their hand and say:

“I’m interested”
“I want to get involved”
“I want to talk”
“I made a decision”

A comment card is more than a form. It’s a filter. The event gathers the crowd, but the comment cards reveal the ones who are ready. Instead of guessing who’s interested, students tell you. And that’s what allows you to follow up personally and meaningfully.

Download Comment Cards

Tip: Start simple. You can always customize later.

Physical vs. Digital Comment Cards

You can collect information digitally, but physical cards still win.

Physical Cards

Higher response rate
Easier to complete in the moment
No distractions
Feels more intentional

Digital Options

Students are less likely to fill them out
Distractions
Technical glitches

Digital can work, but many ministries find they get about half the responses compared to physical cards. Even in a digital world, physical cards often get better results. If you want the most responses, go physical first.

“The card isn’t the win, the conversation is.”

How to Use Comment Cards

1. Pass Them Out at the Right Moment
Usually at the end of a meeting or outreach, when interest is highest.

2. Give Everyone a Pen or Pencil
Don’t assume students have one. They won’t.

3. Walk Through the Card Together
This is huge. Once everyone has a card, read each section out loud and guide them:

“Write your name here”
“Check this if you want to get involved”
“Check this if you prayed to receive Christ”

If you don’t do this, students rush through and check random boxes.

4. Give Them Time to Complete It
Pause. Let them actually fill it out.

5. Collect Them Immediately
Don’t leave it optional or vague.

Use Incentives to Increase Response

Want more cards turned in? Use prizes.

Gift cards
Snacks
Fast food coupons
Free merch

Tell them:
“Turn in your card, we’ll draw for prizes.”

It works. A simple prize can double your response rate.

Best Practices That Make a Big Difference

Use cardstock
Regular paper tears or gets ruined. Cardstock holds up better.

Keep it simple
Too many options overwhelm students.

Look through cards immediately
Scan for:

Students who want to get involved
Spiritual decisions
Urgent needs

If possible, connect with them before they leave the meeting. The best practice is to follow up within 24–48 hours. After that, interest fades fast. So if. you can talk with them before they leave and set up a time to connect again in the next day or so, you will get your best results.

Turning Cards Into Conversations

A comment card is just the beginning. The goal isn’t collecting information. The goal is connection. Use what they checked to guide your follow-up:

Grab lunch
Meet after school
Start a Bible study
Have a gospel conversation

Final Thought

Comment cards can feel like a small detail, but they might be one of the most important things you do at an event. They help you move from a crowd, to a conversation, to a changed life.

Next Step

Download a comment card and use it at your next meeting.

Student Leader Application and Covenant

Strong student leadership doesn’t happen by accident.

Whether you’re a student leading your peers or an adult supporting a movement, clarity around leadership can make a huge difference. These simple documents are designed to help you communicate expectations, invite the right students in, and build a healthy leadership culture.

They’re optional tools for any campus movement, not requirements, but many teams find them incredibly helpful.

Student Leadership Application

This application is a simple way for students to express interest in leadership and for you to get to know them better. It creates space for students to share their story, their faith, and why they want to lead. It also helps ensure they understand the purpose and message of your ministry before stepping into a leadership role.

Leaders often use this as a starting point for conversations, discernment, and development, not just as a form to collect.

Student Leadership (Editable Document)
Student Leadership Application (PDF)

“Great leadership starts with clarity, not assumptions.”

Model Student Covenant

This covenant helps define what it means to be a student leader in your group. It clearly communicates expectations, both in character and commitment, and gives students a chance to step in with understanding and ownership. Because it’s customizable, you can adapt it to fit your local context, adding practical expectations that make sense for your team.

Many leaders use this as part of training or onboarding, helping students not just say “yes” to leadership, but understand what they’re saying yes to.

Model Student Covenant (Editable Document)

Next Step

Review these documents and choose one to use with your leadership team this semester: