spirits in a material world: ian paul

Materialism and consumerism

Rev Dr Ian PaulUniversity of Nottingham

St Nic’s, Nottingham

Materialism

• the theory or belief that nothing exists except matter and its movements and modifications;

• the theory or belief that consciousness and will are wholly due to material agency;

• a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values.

Materialism

Materialism

Newton’s first law:• an object either

remains at rest or continues to move at a constant velocity, unless acted upon by an external force

• Compare Hebrews 1.3

Materialism

Natural laws: • universal • absolute• eternal• omnipotent

Materialism

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)• Two kinds of knowledge• ‘Useful’ which tells us

about the world• ‘Aesthetic’ which functions

as adornment

Materialism

Three kinds of truth• Scientific truth• Historical truth• Personal truth

Consumerism

• 25% have been lifted out of extreme poverty in 25 years

• Consumerism means ‘choice’ is the only valid ethical category

Consumerism

• Global capital makes all the claims of empire—eternal, fulfilling, controlling, victorious, demanding of loyalty

Consumerism

• Consumerism and its economic system, capitalism, inevitably lead to deepening inequality

Responses

• Anti-materialism– Bodiliness– Resurrection

• Critical discernment– Book of Revelation

• Sabbath• Fasting• Simplicity