Christianity And Consumerism Essay
Chris Noble
May 5, 2014
Christ Church & Culture
Disciplined Essay - Materialism & Consumerism "Christ alone can free man from what enslaves him to evil and selfishness: from the frantic search for material possessions, from the thirst for power and control over others and over things, from the illusion of easy success, from the frenzy of consumerism and hedonism which ultimately destroy the human being." This quote was from a homily delivered by Pope John Paul II which dealt with the topic of consumerism and materialism. The age in which we live puts a great emphasis on the possession of goods and of living with excess. What way can Christianity, or more specifically Catholicism, change the worlds view when it comes to the possession of items and goods? Catholicism can show that, in moderation, consumerism is not an inherent evil, as long as we do not let our material possessions consume us to the point that they become our God. Is Consumerism harmful? Many Catholic scholars would argue the point that it is harmful to the human person, not allowing one to live to the higher demands of love, rather, …show more content…
The realization is that we live in a capitalist society, and no matter how hard we try, people of our society will accumulate wealth and goods. However, we as Catholics can change how they view their wealth and materials, and how they are used. If one is able to use their time, talents or especially in our case, treasure for the betterment of those around them , this is materialism and consumerism in it’s least harmful sense. We, as people of God, must step back and look at our lives and how we are using what God has given us. When one can give selflessly of all they have earned or accumulated, then and only then, are they able to escape the emptiness of their own
May 5, 2014
Christ Church & Culture
Disciplined Essay - Materialism & Consumerism "Christ alone can free man from what enslaves him to evil and selfishness: from the frantic search for material possessions, from the thirst for power and control over others and over things, from the illusion of easy success, from the frenzy of consumerism and hedonism which ultimately destroy the human being." This quote was from a homily delivered by Pope John Paul II which dealt with the topic of consumerism and materialism. The age in which we live puts a great emphasis on the possession of goods and of living with excess. What way can Christianity, or more specifically Catholicism, change the worlds view when it comes to the possession of items and goods? Catholicism can show that, in moderation, consumerism is not an inherent evil, as long as we do not let our material possessions consume us to the point that they become our God. Is Consumerism harmful? Many Catholic scholars would argue the point that it is harmful to the human person, not allowing one to live to the higher demands of love, rather, …show more content…
The realization is that we live in a capitalist society, and no matter how hard we try, people of our society will accumulate wealth and goods. However, we as Catholics can change how they view their wealth and materials, and how they are used. If one is able to use their time, talents or especially in our case, treasure for the betterment of those around them , this is materialism and consumerism in it’s least harmful sense. We, as people of God, must step back and look at our lives and how we are using what God has given us. When one can give selflessly of all they have earned or accumulated, then and only then, are they able to escape the emptiness of their own