How is Materialism Destroying Society?
Posted: Monday, September 28, 2009
by Jim Anderson
Weddings That Last
When tough economic times hit, there is always the question as to whether greed is the cause of our economic problems. However, this isn't necessarily the root of the problem. It is a bit more complex than that. Railing against the greed in capitalism doesn't take into consideration the other factors that are equally present. Greed can also be for power. Power comes with money, but it isn't always the money people are after. This is why big government is as dangerous as corporate monopolies. The people who have consolidated significant power tend to be corrupted by it. As human beings, we all tend to lean toward materialism in our actions, and find our personal significance and value in things we control and own.
So in America, we have come to equate financial wealth with a higher level of happiness. This is partly what is wrong with the caste system in India. The belief behind it is materialistic. This worldview is illustrated well in the movie Slumdog Millionaire. However, what we really need is a purpose for our life. But we can't find purpose in physical things. Since we have decided that objective truth can only be found in scientific conclusions, we have dismissed the existence of truth beyond what we can see, hear, feel, taste, or touch. Yet there is a non-physical reality where we find our sense of purpose and meaning in life. We are ignoring half of the knowledge we could be gaining by ignoring the knowledge from the non-physical realm. In Hosea 4:6 in the Old Testament, it tells us what happens when we lack knowledge. There are moral shortcomings that lead to a downfall. The ways of the people are characterized by self gratification and greed.
So the real solution to our economic and financial problems doesn't lie in putting our trust in an economic theory about what will restore our economy, but rather it lies in recognizing the thinking that has led us astray. As a nation we are turning away from the Bible as a source of moral authority, which was certainly in the minds of the founders of our country. It is found throughout the federal and state constitutions, as well as our Bill of Rights. It even says on our money "In God We Trust". It was this moral compass that has guided legislation in the early years of our country. But, as we have strayed from those original moral principles, we have caused the problems we have today. We have led our citizens to strange ideas about how the world works, and they have adopted them. We have let the marginalization of faith and the emphases on a materialistic worldview dominate, governed by a postmodern philosophy that denies any objective truth. It confuses our laws and destroys the core of what made this country strong.
Each individual can rise above this problem by returning to the Bible as a moral guide for their own lives and no matter what happens to us as a nation, they will find the strength through their faith in God to do what is good and right. They will find a sense of purpose that will give them the power to overcome adversity and will be the last ones standing in the end. These will be the people who were able to recognize their faith in God and the truth of the Bible heeding the wisdom of Proverbs 3:5 where it tells us to trust the Lord and not lean on our own understanding. We know what God teaches us in the Bible is reliable, and if we place our trust in that most reliable source, we've gone a long way to rising above the problems we have today.
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Top-level comments on this article: (9 total)Some of the happiest and most fulfilling days of my life were when I was in Youth With a Mission amd sometimes didn't even have 25 cents to make a phone call. thanks for writing this much needed focus article! Marijo (Mary Jo)Please log in to respond to this comment.Thanks for the encouragement! It is a difficult message to deliver because most people don't want to hear it. It is nice to know I'm not alone.Please log in to respond to this comment.We need to write. We need to share the truth in love. We need to pray that those who read would have ears to hear and eyes to see.... time is short. Keep on writing! MarijoPlease log in to respond to this comment.From your keyboard to God's ears.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Hi Jim.Isn't it sad knowing how far we have gone astray and turning away from the Bible instead of towards it, as our moral guide. I hope and pray that a lot of people will read your article to see clearly the solution of our economic woes.Thank you for this very articulate, uplifting article.Blessings to you.NenitaPlease log in to respond to this comment.Thanks for the support. Send it to your friends and foes. Maybe a discussion will get people thinking.Please log in to respond to this comment.I certainly will.Thanks.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Jim, we are a greedy nation, but also a very giving nation. If a need is announced, it is often met, once the word is out. It is sad that so many do equate financial status with happiness. Good article.Please log in to respond to this comment.The fact that we have always been a generous nation is often lost in the conversation. Thanks for making the point. I think that is one of the things that has made us a great nation.Please log in to respond to this comment.
An excellent article Jim and accurately presented. It is shameful just how far this country, as a whole, has removed itself from Godly morals and ethics. Even if people don't believe in a life after death, it would improve this nation (or any other) if it's citizenry would study and follow the teachings contained in the Holy Bible. Thanks for sharing this with us.Please log in to respond to this comment.You've said it well. Thanks.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Jim,This was so well-said and you hit the nail on the head. People need something to believe in...if God is not in the picture, then their beliefs are centered on that which can never make them happy. Materialism or idolatry is not the answer because it always leads to wanting more. I pity those who have nothing in their soul, who 'have no sense of purpose,' who never know the joy of valuing that which is within and not that which is without.Thank youPlease log in to respond to this comment.Thanks for the encouragement. You said it!Please log in to respond to this comment.
Amen Jim, I appreciate the way you shared this truth. Keep sharing, the world needs this message. If just one person is challenged and changed by it, it is worth any flack you might get. Blessings to you! TPlease log in to respond to this comment.Thanks for the encouragement!Please log in to respond to this comment.
You are so right,Jm. Greed is destructive, no matter what is for, money or power or both.Please log in to respond to this comment.Appreciate the comment!Please log in to respond to this comment.
So what do you do when Christians use the Bible to justify materialism?Please log in to respond to this comment.Dig into the scripture passages, cross reference credible commentaries for backup, and check related passages, to make sure the interpretation of the passage is correct. If it is justifying materialism, it is likely a misinterpretation of the passage. God does say He wants us to prosper, but not that He wants us to love material wealth.Please log in to respond to this comment.I've done that and concluded that Christians who are politically conservative have sold their souls to materialism. Either that, or the what is regarded today as Christianity is a farce. I am at the place where I believe the later.Please log in to respond to this comment.Sorry you feel that way. It has nothing to do with politics, and being a little off on biblical interpretation doesn't make Christianity a farce. It just means someone made a mistake in interpretation and is a bit mislead. Christianity can withstand Christians being in error. It stands on its own. It must, because we all fall short.Please log in to respond to this comment.I appreciate your concern, but it's not "being a little off on biblical interpretation" as you state. When Christians use the Bible to justify that they themselves must be served by others instead of understanding that the Bible dictates that they are to be the "servant of all" I believe this is a pretty good indication that what we recognize as Christianity in America is completely inaccurate.
I know lots of good people who call themselves Christian, but using the Bible as my basis, I don't think I've ever met anyone who is a true Christian.Please log in to respond to this comment.How do you define who is a "Christian"?Please log in to respond to this comment.
Although I have a strong belief in God, I do not follow the teachings of the biblePlease log in to respond to this comment.
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