"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