AFFLUENZA
When is Enough? How to be a discerning Christian in a time of affluenza.
Recently I went to a public workshop/lecture concerning the growing problems of a consumption based society and the awareness and responsibility of Christians towards this.
The workshop was presented by William T. Cavanaugh, Professor of Theology, St Thomoas University, St Paul's Minnesota. The topic was obviously of current interest generated from Clive Hamiltons book Affluenza.
The afternoon was a thought provoking and challenging session for myself. We looked at the detachment and enlarging gap between us 'western consumers' and producers, production and products. Each of these aspects was well discussed from a historic and modern stance. William them looked at the Christian community and how this consumerism lifestyle can easily undermine the values of God's Kingdom. We looked closley at Creation, the Body of Christ and the teachings of Jesus with some suggestion concerning practical applications.
If anything I left feeling a mixture of thoughts. Knowing that I am a Christian who lives and participates in a market driven economy – my Kingdom centered values (still developing) should radically affect my activities in this market place. This is a big change for me – to consider what I buy, why I need it – (usually I don’t) but often more importantly who made it – their working and living conditions as a result of my purchase, the problems of waste and unsustainable and unfair living practices. However I don't seek to change purely for the sake of making the world happier/fairer, I deeply believe it should be change that is trying to grow and point towards the Kingdom. I'm still wrestling with some of this, but it's a good thing to wrestle with.
One concept that was helpful was a comment made about God's 'economy', that being-He is the 'gift' the 'giver' and shares this with all. The opposite to modern day economies, and to live with that understanding is very different to the 'mine not yours', 'self sufficieny' and 'storing treasures away' economy. But rather to be active in the marketplace in ways that point people towards the true giver and the true gift.
Currently I'm reading Affluenza and Beyond Greed. Two books looking at similar issues, one written from a more secular view and the other with a obviously Christian view.
Recently I went to a public workshop/lecture concerning the growing problems of a consumption based society and the awareness and responsibility of Christians towards this.
The workshop was presented by William T. Cavanaugh, Professor of Theology, St Thomoas University, St Paul's Minnesota. The topic was obviously of current interest generated from Clive Hamiltons book Affluenza.
The afternoon was a thought provoking and challenging session for myself. We looked at the detachment and enlarging gap between us 'western consumers' and producers, production and products. Each of these aspects was well discussed from a historic and modern stance. William them looked at the Christian community and how this consumerism lifestyle can easily undermine the values of God's Kingdom. We looked closley at Creation, the Body of Christ and the teachings of Jesus with some suggestion concerning practical applications.
If anything I left feeling a mixture of thoughts. Knowing that I am a Christian who lives and participates in a market driven economy – my Kingdom centered values (still developing) should radically affect my activities in this market place. This is a big change for me – to consider what I buy, why I need it – (usually I don’t) but often more importantly who made it – their working and living conditions as a result of my purchase, the problems of waste and unsustainable and unfair living practices. However I don't seek to change purely for the sake of making the world happier/fairer, I deeply believe it should be change that is trying to grow and point towards the Kingdom. I'm still wrestling with some of this, but it's a good thing to wrestle with.
One concept that was helpful was a comment made about God's 'economy', that being-He is the 'gift' the 'giver' and shares this with all. The opposite to modern day economies, and to live with that understanding is very different to the 'mine not yours', 'self sufficieny' and 'storing treasures away' economy. But rather to be active in the marketplace in ways that point people towards the true giver and the true gift.
Currently I'm reading Affluenza and Beyond Greed. Two books looking at similar issues, one written from a more secular view and the other with a obviously Christian view.
posted by Kirbster at 9:27 PM
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