The LAM Scales

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. (Agree, since available evidence proves God made everything.)

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. (Disagree, since available evidence suggests some type of spontaneous creation for which it is unnecessary to assume a God to create.)

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. (Agree, but only in the sense that this is an anthropomorphic way of talking about whatever Process, Being, or Ultimate Concern stands behind the creative process.)

I believe that men working and thinking together can build a just society without supernatural help. (Disagree, since man without God's help can do very little that is good.)

I believe that men working and thinking together can build a just society without supernatural help. (Agree, since men have and are increasing the ability and technical knowledge to improve society if they will apply this knowledge to the problems of society.)

I believe that men working and thinking together can build a just society without supernatural help. (Disagree, although men's ability and technical knowledge is increasing, they must build on the ultimate power within oneself to understand and accomplish the full implications of justice and a good society.)

The writings of such commentators on human life as Plato, Aristotle, Dante, and Shakespeare are as much inspired as are the writings of Moses and Paul. (Disagree, because the writings of Moses and Paul contain a special inspiration from God which other human writings do not have.)

The writings of such commentators on human life as Plato, Aristotle, Dante, and Shakespeare are as much inspired as are the writings of Moses and Paul. (Agree, since there is really little difference in these writings. In fact, Plato and Aristotle may be even more important for us than Moses or Paul.)

The writings of such commentators on human life as Plato, Aristotle, Dante, and Shakespeare are as much inspired as are the writings of Moses and Paul. (Disagree, although any writing may be inspired, the writings of Moses and Paul are especially significant because they form part of the revelation of God in history.)

All miracles in the Bible are true. (Agree, because the Bible cannot contain any false report of God's work.)

All miracles in the Bible are true. (Disagree, since 'miracles' can be explained by our modern understanding of the principles by which nature and human society operate.)

All miracles in the Bible are true. (Agree, but only in the sense that 'miracles' are a dramatic report and interpretation of a natural process, with the literary purpose of pointing to the sovereignty of God. They are probably not factually accurate.)

All miracles in the Bible are true. (Perhaps, since there is considerable evidence for extra-physical power used by a few persons in every major cultural tradition, though there is no clear scientific proof.)

Jesus was born of a virgin in a manner different from human beings. (Agree, since God conceived Jesus in Mary's womb before she had a sexual relationship with Joseph, her husband.)

Jesus was born of a virgin in a manner different from human beings. (Disagree, although most religions claim a virgin birth for their founder, we know that such an event is physically impossible.)

Jesus was born of a virgin in a manner different from human beings. (Agree, but only in the sense that this is an ancient mythological way of talking about the Ultimate Reality as manifested in Jesus.)

The attempt to believe in a supernatural being is a sign of a person's failure to accept responsibility for his own life. (Disagree, because belief in God is really the only way in which man can be saved and make his life worthwhile.)

The attempt to believe in a supernatural being is a sign of a person's failure to accept responsibility for his own life. (Agree, since belief in God is usually an escape from the problems of everyday life. Such belief does nothing to help solve one's problem.)

The attempt to believe in a supernatural being is a sign of a person's failure to accept responsibility for his own life. (Disagree, since belief in God is basically man's way of talking about his full acceptance of personal responsibility in the face of ultimate and sometimes uncertain reality.)

I believe in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. (Agree, since God has said that he will be with us always. Prayer thus is an effective way of listening to God's guidance.)

I believe in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. (Disagree, since the supernatural, if it exists at all, is in no way directly involved in telling man what to do.)

I believe in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. (Agree, because this is one way of describing the involvement of God with his creation and man.)

The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. (Agree, since God created man and expects man to do God's will at all times.)

The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. (Disagree, since man must find his own purposes in life. There are probably no purposes for man which are apparent in nature.)

The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. (Agree, because the essential purpose of God is that man achieve his own maximum fulfillment through personal development and service to others.)

The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. (Agree, since the individual who enjoys God's creation and serves his fellow man is at the same time glorifying God.)