Download - 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