This post was last updated on August 8, 2026
Lesson 2: Christianity and Other Religions
Key scripture: “For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords.” (Deuteronomy 10:17a)
The Bible speaks of how we can communicate with God the Father, and the way is through knowing Jesus Christ. He is the Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). And from Him we can receive eternal life (John 5:39). Christianity does not deny the reality of other religions. Contrarily, other religions may lead people toward the God Most High. Here are some major religions.
1. Buddhism. The original meaning of Buddhism is the education of the Buddha, rather than a religion of worshipping Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. Compared to other religions, it is more like a philosophy. This is because in the most primitive Buddhist concepts, there was no clear definition of a deity, and it even opposed superstition. The Buddha believed that time should not be wasted on thoughts that do not help eliminate suffering.
2. Taoism. Taoism is a polytheistic religion with the primary goals of pursuing immortality, attaining the Tao to become an immortal, and helping the world. Organized groups emerged only in China in 140 C.E. Zhang Daoling practiced Taoism at Heming Mountain in Yizhou (Sichuan) and founded the Celestial Masters sect, worshipping Laozi as the Lord. It emphasizes a simple, harmonious life with the universe.
3. Ancestor Worship. This refers to a religion of honoring ancestors. Some believe that if ancestral spirits suffer in dreams, their descendants will also meet with misfortune. Thus, worshipping ancestors with sacrifices is an act of merit. Others believe ancestors can bring misfortune or blessings, and thus people offer sacrifices and prayers to them for personal prosperity. Ancestor worship is often linked to filial piety toward elders.
4. Islam. It was promulgated by Allah’s (God’s) final messenger, Muhammad, in Arabia in the 7th century CE. A Muslim accepts surrender to the will of the Qurʾān (or Koran). Allah is the creator, sustainer, and restorer of the world. The Five Pillars, considered obligatory acts of worship, are the Islamic oath and creed, daily prayers, almsgiving, fasting in a specific month, and a pilgrimage to Mecca. Islamic law, sharia, touches on every aspect of life, including Halal food with no alcohol.
5. Atheism. In a broad sense, this refers to disbelieving in the existence of God. In a narrow sense, it refers to the rejection of belief in any gods or spirits. Atheism denies at least one theory of a god’s existence and denies any supernatural or transcendental concepts. Atheism is often associated with a disdain for any moral norms.
Christians need the wisdom to discern different religions. In fact, sincerely believing in Jesus is the wisest! The core of Christianity is Jesus.
(Jesus Christ is) “… the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things have been created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:15-16)
There have been many poor examples of Christians who cannot represent Christianity. According to the Bible, Christianity is indeed superior to other religions. The Bible mentions that in other sacrifices, what is being worshipped are in fact demons. “The Gentiles … sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons.” (1 Corinthians 10:20b) Those who believe in Jesus must abandon other gods and serve the only God (Matthew 6:24), the triune God, because He is the God of gods.
Discussion questions:
1. Apart from Christianity, have you gotten exposure to or believed in other religious faiths?
2. Comparing Christianity with other religions, what are its strengths or weaknesses?
3. If human life is created for Jesus, how do you feel about that? 4. If you encounter disagreements on faith with people of other religions, how will you handle it?