"Success"

The definition of success in the context of religion is tricky. I guess, one of the purposes of religion in general is to define goodness and badness and develop a schema for morality and foster morality in individuals while offering salvation to those who have a sense that they need it for whatever reason.

Perhaps that is the core measure of success in religion- salvation. Like many other concepts in religion, this is a somewhat vague term. Salvation from what? Here, I will develop a list of things we need to be saved from and begin to rank them from most important to least; it is inevitable that avoiding some of these evils will demand embracing some others; helping people make that determination int eh gray area is I think where religion really finds its purpose. The easy questions can be answered by the police and judicial system.

Most Dire- Destructive to Self and Self-Identity

Destruction of Self, psychologically and physically
Destruction of kindred, psychologically and physically

Moderately Destructive/Threatening

Wanton Destruction of others

Slow Poisoning of Self & Kindred

Threat of destruction to self & kindred

Alienation

Just Annoying- Physical Suffering

Hunger

Poverty

Disease

Crime

Pollution 

Violence

Hatred

Religion and Politics

Religion and Politics

I have been recently re-engaged on the topic of religion by a Facebook friend who was disappointing by the charisma and direction of the presidential office in general. He thought what was needed was more charisma and a more spiritual bent to assuage the American public. The issue I take with this is very important separation of state and church in America. I do acknowledge that churches are political bodies and social bodies and the purpose of church and state do frequently coincide or come into conflict.

I do however take issue with having religion come to the forefront of policy or political rhetoric because we are not a theocracy. Articles of faith should not directly form the basis of national direction or policy.

However, herein lies an important strategic point for the success of my new religion. The Christian and Jewish faiths have become very influential political powers on the Right. There is a weak spiritual front on the Left, I think primarily because of the conservative nature of religion in general and because of the association between Communism and Atheism. This leaves a bit of a hole for some religion to step in as a backer of the political Left.