Candy Converts and Cults: Grade 9 IDU Exhibition

By Jay Cheung, Grade 11

On October 29, 2025, the 9th Grade IDU Exhibition took place. And boy…was it a wild one.

From 12:00-12:40, 9th graders were proselytizers (people spreading religion) for 17 different religions, trying to convince 10th, 11th, and 12th graders to convert to their religion (putting in a paper vote, each voter got 3 votes). 

Now, how did they convince people to join their religion? Mostly incentives (Candy, Birthday hats, potatoes, and more, making it almost a free buffet…)

Potatoism, the potatoes were quite tasty.

But we can’t forget the creative and unique ideas for religions that the 9th graders spent weeks on. Each group was required to construct a belief system using the 8 characteristics of religions: 

1. Belief in Supernatural Beings

2. Sacred vs Profane: Objects, Places, Times

3. Ritual Acts Focused on Sacred Objects, Places, Times

4. Moral Code With Supernatural Origins

5. Characteristically Religious Feelings

6. Prayer and Other Forms of Communication

7. A World View & Organization of One’s Life Based on the World View

8. A Social Group Bound Together by the Above

Demonstrated perfectly here by the Logism group

As well as using propaganda techniques to attract normal people into becoming believers: 

1. The Bandwagon effect

2. Sloganeering

3. Cult of personality 

4. Euphoria

5. Flag waving

6. Rewards (My personal favorite!)

literally flag waving.

The 17 groups certainly delivered in terms of all these aspects as the assignment they were given—especially in the incentives department—each with a little something wild…giving each religion its own little personality.

At the event, I saw a wild variety of religions, ranging from serious plausible religions, to some almost satirical.

Nevertheless, I was thoroughly impressed by the work I saw. I sincerely hope all 9th graders get the 8 they deserve. Kudos to Mr. Bailey for continuing the tradition of this religion IDU event. I hope all 9th graders had as much fun as I had when us 11th graders participated in this religion exhibition 2 years ago. Time sure flies.

Special congratulations to the Rizzanity Group for getting 1st place with a whopping 91 Votes.

First place: Erica, Emily, Alyssa and Audrey

The Biscuitology Group for 2nd place.

Second place: Belle, Gillian and Olivia

The third place spot was claimed by the Deluluism Group.

Third place: Sofina, Ashley and Serena