Religious Orientation Scale – ROS

Although I believe in my religion, I feel there are many more important things in my life.

It doesn't matter so much what I believe so long as I lead a moral life.

It is important for me to spend periods of time in private religious thought and meditation.

The primary purpose of prayer is to gain relief and protection.

If not prevented by unavoidable circumstances, I attend church.

I try hard to carry my religion over into all my other dealings in life.

The church is most important as a place to formulate good social relationships.

What religion offers me most is comfort when sorrows and misfortune strike.

I pray chiefly because I have been taught to pray.

The prayers I say when I am alone carry as much meaning and personal emotion as those said by me during services.

Quite often I have been keenly aware of the presence of God or the Divine Being.

I read literature about my faith (or church).

Although I am a religious person I refuse to let religious considerations influence my everyday affairs.

If I were to join a church group I would prefer to join a Bible study group rather than a social fellowship.

A primary reason for my interest in religion is that my church is a congenial social activity.

My religious beliefs are really what lie behind my whole approach to life.

Occasionally I find it necessary to compromise my religious beliefs in order to protect my social and economic well-being.

Religion is especially important because it answers many questions about the meaning of life.

One reason for my being a church member is that such membership helps to establish a person in the community.

The purpose of prayer is to secure a happy and peaceful life.

Religion helps to keep my life balanced and steady in exactly the same way as my citizenship, friendships, and other memberships do.