Nondoctrinal Religion Scale – 1977 Version (NDRS-77)

I am not very interested in discussion of the question of the meaning or meaninglessness of life.

Despite the often chaotic conditions of human life, I believe there is an order to existence that someday we will come to understand.

I often wonder what life is all about.

Although mankind understands the world around him better, the basic meaning of life is beyond our understanding.

In recent generations, there has been a significant reduction in the amount of human suffering.

It is a mistake to believe that the reduction of suffering on earth is the critically important question for mankind.

The types of human suffering may have changed, and continue to change, but mankind is not likely to reduce the extent of suffering.

In recent generations, suffering has increased in the world.

The types of injustice may have changed, and may continue to change, but mankind is not likely to reduce the extent of injustice.

In recent generations injustice has increased in the world.

In recent generations there has been a significant reduction in the amount of injustice in human life.

It is a mistake to believe that the reduction of injustice on earth is the critically important question for mankind.

Mankind's most difficult and destructive experiences are often the source of increased understanding and powers of endurance.

In the long run, undeserving persons seem to be the ones who win the most advantages.

In the face of the almost continuous conflict and violence in life, I cannot see how men are going to learn to live in mutual respect and peace with one another.

Suffering, injustice, and finally death need not be negative experiences; their significance can be shaped by our religious beliefs.

Efforts to deal with man's most difficult problems by religious means seems to me to be a waste of time and resources.

There are many aspects of the beliefs and practices of the world's religions with which I might not agree; nevertheless, I consider them to be valuable efforts to deal with man's most important questions.

Efforts to deal with man's most difficult problems by political means seem to me to be a waste of time and resources.

In the long run, mankind will be able to reduce injustice and suffering by wise political action.