Measurable Christianity?

I have recently spent some time studying what is known as a Christian Life Profile Assessment Tool. The idea here is that we can measure the level of our Christian maturity (spirituality) through the use of an objective assessment.

The assessment divides Christianity into what the authors call 30 Core Competencies. There are ten each under the categories of beliefs, practices and virtues. Beliefs are basic doctrinal issues such as the Trinity, Salvation by Grace, Authority of the Bible, etc. Practices include worship, prayer, Bible study, spiritual gifts, and others. Finally, virtues are those fruits which the Bible says should be readily evident in our Christian lives, such as love, joy, peace, patience, etc.

In the assessment, each individual is given 120 statements which they are to rate from 0 (does not apply at all) to 5 (applies completely). Thus, a sample statement might be, "I control my tongue". The examinee is then to determine whether this "does not apply to me" - 0, or it "applies to me completely" - 5. After rating every statement, he or she must total the scores to determine areas of the thirty core competencies where they have strengths (high scores) or weaknesses (low scores). Recognizing our propensity to sandbag, the assessment requires that each participant get ratings in the same areas from three additional people who are close to them and able to judge these areas. These assessments, call the "one another" assessments, are shorter (40 statements instead of 120) and are designed to be relatively easy to complete.

After one completes the assessments (self and one another), the totals are calculated, presumably giving a clear indication where spirituality is less than desired and giving guidance on which areas need work. Each person designs their own plan for improving their walk with God, then finds one or more people to be accountable to for the follow-up.


Taken as a whole, there are some very interesting aspects to this process, such as:
- can you measure spirituality?
- does this provide an artificial standard?
- is it legalism to try to "train" everyone to a minimum spiritual level?
- and others I haven't thought of yet.

At the same time, it is an intriguing possibility.

So, fellow bloggers, what think ye?

Just warming up

This post is just to let my friends and neighbors know that I am joining the ranks of the great underground influence peddlers. I am now a spin doctor with electronic instruments. I am a blogger.

Actually, I already know the nature of my first, ah-hem, serious post. But I don't have time to post it today. So.....the world will have to wait.

But be warned, I'm just warming up.

This is going to be great!

Bro. Tom