I feel that the end of consumerism is upon us. As a christian, I try as much as possible to not buy into the fads. It is difficult to do this i.e. western christianity is soft and mediocre compared to 3rd world christianity.
I need to focus really on what matters and not on what I want. endlessly ranting and raving about random point of view that no one will care about LOL cc.com I love you

Dear koalabear,

It seems to me that you are painting "consumerism" with a pretty broad brush. We all know that the Apostle, Paul, said "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Timothy 6:10) This is certainly true of many Western Christians; I cannot dispute your point. However, I believe that it is the person we need to focus on; not the "ism". Consumerism is just another word for "greed". Many people are greedy; a good many (thankfully) are not. A good example would be Bill Gates, who just a few years ago gave millions (was it billions?) of dollars to charity. Can he really be faulted for buying what he wants?

While the end of consumerism as you seem to define it would be a good thing, I don't think we will see it in your lifetime. There is far too much greed in this world, and "me firstism" encouraged by all sorts of media, for people to suddenly change their outlook. The good people will continue to give; the greedy people will continue to acquire.

Jesus told his disciples. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33) It is a shame that more of us, Christians included, don't heed that advice. But I would be very surprised if we see it.

God bless.

__________________
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Thank you, koalabear & dmdave17, for contributing such reasoned & valued comment.
As dmdave17 says, why shouldn't a person buy what the want.
My problem would be with where that person got their money. It must be earned entitled to & not obtained on the back of others. I feel we may be surprised at how many (myself included) give a percentage (30% for me.

Despite the current period of austerity, I know that I am due an
due an embarrassing salary bonus for my performance. As is usual I will donate this % to charities of my choosing. + my "Home Church". The only reason I cannot give more is I have a family to support. However, as a Fiscal Prosecutor & Forensic Auditor, who's main rule is the investigation, etc. of profit & loss accounts contained within a company's, it is truly nauseating to see the abuse of accounts by the Corporate individuals.
J.

Consumerism is annoying to recluse folk like myself, but its antithesis is worse.

__________________
"All men dream, but not equally..." TE Lawrence

I would like to know what you mean, Mr Ritter.

.

The compulsion to buy by appealing to incentives is preferable to state coercion.

__________________
"All men dream, but not equally..." TE Lawrence

Thank you.

.

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Pronunciation:/kənˈsjuːmərɪz(ə)m/

noun

[mass noun]

• 1 the protection or promotion of the interests of consumers:the growth of consumerism has led to many organizations improving their service to the customer
• 2 often derogatory the preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods:

consumerism: (2) the preoccupation with the aquisition of consumer goods.
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Of course, it's really going pretty well in China, among the top half of India and the oil-rich Arab states.

But you're interested in the US of A.

So am I, in an intellectual, goldfish-bowl sort of way.

Most nations have an interesting paradox. And (one of) yours is between the commitment to image-making and the determination for the real.

How much is consumerism the driving force, and if it was eliminated, what is left?

And what does down-sized America look like?

Wow so many great comments! we all can come to a consensus, greed and firstism is not good. I wrote my first comment based on my experiences as a consumer. My tendency to overspend was astronomical, yet I did not put priority to my obligations such as bills, food, ect. I have now decided to get a very low paying job, so that I may begin to value and manage income properly. I was a typical consumer.

I have since understood my mistake and have taken the actions needed to correct myself, still working on it. Money and material things are some people's weakness.

It will be interesting to see how you go. (though, of course, not obliguing you to let us know.)

I have just been through a refining, coming here to Australia on limited funds, and it was an educating experience (that is, educating the inner man.)

And this happened on top of my life up 'til then. While the United States has prospered fabulously in our lifetimes, my family have looked at it from afar.

Although sophisticated and educated, we, especially I, have lived in what may quaintly be called 'reduced circumstances'. I did not follow a career path and have always refined spending to have as much time as possible solely at the Lord's disposal.

Arriving in Australia having left steady employment behind, I 'watered down' my funds as I waited for a stable situation, walking many places and sleeping out many times. I learnt in the end it is better to plan well and be prudent, but bold. I should have bought a car straight off.

But the Lord was merciful. And he has been merciful. For at least 20 years He has faithfully provided for me, it's a miracle really, and I am full of praise, and my life is a testimony.

Best wishes to you.

Steve4U that is very encouraging.
I am not saying that spending or having are bad things.
I just have seen in myself a loss of priority in a lot
of spheres of life because I was uneducated in money.
Money is a tool. Money, sadly, in our world means power and social status.
I am not against making money LOL I am against my lack of self control
and indulgence in empty materialistic things. Lord is helping me

I have had a recent paradigm shift in the recent days.
Not only have I had change in how I manage finances
but also how I handle my giftings and embrace the Lord.
Money can corrupt you, but the Lord takes aways things
that maybe spoiling us for a season or two.
God is good.

Uneducated in money hits it right on the head.

It's how we raise our children these days. It has to stop because young people just setting out on their own are digging themselves holes they cannot possibly get out of. They become slaves to money because of poor decision making and total ignorance.

Society tells us some pretty insane lies and we're eager to believe them. You have to go to college if you want a good job. You're too good for manual labor. The jobs are totally out there and they pay huge if you just get that piece of paper. You can start a family, buy a house, have 2 cars, pay down student loan debt and save for a vacation all at the same time...it's your right as an American. Just take out another credit card...you can pay it back later!

The way we overspend in this country is outrageous because we are totally deluded. Can we be surprised that the entire country is in such economic trouble when the average person is just as bad? We live way beyond our means and people prey on those who dare to dream the American dream. We end up locked into fixed rates for this and that, ensuring that we won't have a chance of being in the black until we're retired (if retirement is still an option when we're older). We will be slaves to money until we die because we think we're too good to settle for less than everything.

Pride will bring this country to its knees. We're almost there.

wow^^^....


I concur

Your posts keep getting better, Rainacorn.

It's been three weeks since this thread started. I'm surprised consumerism hasn't fallen yet.

__________________
"All men dream, but not equally..." TE Lawrence

HAHAHAHA Ritter

Good to hear from you!