consumerism, individualism and materialism
12 Oct 2007
After my last post on consumerism and my research, I noticed a news story, on most major newspaper front pages
and on the radio, and BBC new site etc. You can read about it here.
A comprehensive survey by Cambridge University of Primary school children that highlighted the record levels of anxiety, depression, and alienation our current generation of young people face, due to consumerism, individualism and materialism.
Family breakdown, exam pressure, celebrity culture and crime are the background to children’s formation. A UK society, where family isn’t valued, and the goal of life is to live commitment free, and be ‘happy’, with stuff and experiences, and the cult of celebrity and associated image management that goes with that, is the overriding meaning of life, that our young people are being formed into.
It makes depressing reading. And I wonder how much we form church around that culture, rather than offering an alternative to it. Do we even know how to live and do life together any more?
Tagged: Church, Consumerism, Culture, Ph.D, Religion, Thesis
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Comment by James Prescott
11.11 am on 12 Oct 2007
Very challenging post.
I’ve begun to realise more and more that a lot of my previous, bad, Christian experiences locally were in very conservative, polite churches which always seemed to serve becuase they had to. People came to church for what they could get. Its more of a tradtion and and institution in some places and people’s hearts aren’t set on what Jesus wants or His agenda.
I think there are so many pharissee-type people out there. In fact, I think a lot of Christians can behave like the Pharisees used to at times. In an all-Christian atmosphere in a rich nation, especially in Surrey and near London, it’s probably easier.
However, Jesus was counter-culture. Our ‘culture’ should be Jesus’ values, standards, attiutudes and behaviour. As we reflect those and really put Jesus as our ideal abd our culture and put it into practice, people do see a difference. If we stand up for truth, we fight injustice, we take action against poverty and to help those in need, if we beleive in and help those who everyone else has forgotten, making sacrifices to serve, if we let Jesus be the definer of how we live then people see Jesus living and breathing, and that can sometimes be more powerful than any sermon.
Our whole foundation needs to be different, our whole approach – both as church and as individuals.
However, as a church we need to preach the gospel in a way that people can understand, using methods and parables people today relate to. But that isn’t a consumer church.
A consumer church is one which adapts is theology to suit its memebers.
Theology and truth don’t change, just the way we live it out – which constantly changes. Its different now from 20 years ago, 50 years ago and 100 years ago. But the essential message remains.
Essentially the question should always be ‘How can I live like Jesus and serve others today – where I am, in what I am doing, in my society and culture?’
By products of that will include ‘Who is in need today?’ ‘What are the issues facing people today?’, ‘What are the injusitices in the world and what can I do about them?’ ‘WHow can I be Jesus in this situation?’ ‘What does the Bible say about equivalent or similar types of issue and what does Jesus say or do about it?’
These are the questions we need to be asking ourselves constantly as individuals and a church.
Looking at the Bible in its orginal context and culture is important, as it allows us to re-interpret what that looks like today.
Its not easy at all and God doesn’t necessarily expect perfection from us, but He does ask us to try. He wants us to re-define culture as Jesus tried to, bakc to the orginial vlaues we had before we rebelled against God.
Not only that, but to do that whatever the consequences. That’s not an easy truth to hear. Its certainly not easy to put into practice.
Comment by Paul
9.18 am on 13 Oct 2007
the reality is that we are formed and informed by our culture all the time – we never have enough time, money, emotional resource – we’re not rich enough, we’re not loved enough, we haven’t got enough stuff, nor are we good looking enough. Being a celebrity is modelled as the nivarna of our age – where we can find and be feted for achieving all these things…
how can we not be doing church where we are riddled with that – maybe that is part of the detoxing process – to recognise our shaky motivations, insecurities and our angst avoiding me saving tendancies. And then practice some outragious opposites together?
Comment by Anri van Toor
11.41 am on 13 Oct 2007
Jason, couldn’t found the article in the Daily Mail. (And didn’t found it with the search function)
Comment by Jason
11.52 am on 13 Oct 2007
The Daily Mail changed the link, I have re-linked it, and it should work now! Thanks for letting me know.
Comment by Richie Rich
9.42 pm on 14 Oct 2007
How ironic that the link to the daily mail report has a side-bar full of useless information regarding celebrities! It really is everywhere. Chuck Palaniuk (author of Fight Club) said in an interview recently about how increasing consumerism and virtual culture is creating a dangerous society as people no longer need to meet and socialise to be entertained with the vast amount of resources available at home i.e. internet, computer games etc. He said that the day before the virginia tech shooting (published in the big issue).
I like what you said James about Jesus and the church – I feel exactly the same way. I am not going as I no longer want my understanding of the word (and of Jesus in particular) to be misguided as I feel it has been in the past. I have been let down by too many church ‘elders’ and want to discover Christ for myself, by daily (as best as possible) reading and studying of the word. Having been doing this recently I feel my faith has increased and I am at much more peace…
Comment by Richie Rich
9.45 pm on 14 Oct 2007
Hahaha, I realise that makes me sound like i’m isolating myself! I’m not, I still meet with friends and socialise as much as possible!!! And I discuss ideas with other Christians on interpretation and application of the word….;)
Comment by James Prescott
9.00 am on 15 Oct 2007
Having personal space to develop our relationship with God is important Richie I agree, however I think church – done correctly – is also very important. Having community, fellowship and accountability with fellow Christians is very important. Getting fed in a Christian sense with good teaching and having a chance to be disciplied, trained and developed in your gifts and as a person is really important. Serving as a community is important.
I’m glad that you have some sort of community Richie, but finding a good church would be really cool I think. I know that good churches can be hard to find, but they do exist.
Comment by Bryan Riley
8.35 pm on 24 Oct 2007
More, more, more. Resulting in less intimacy, less focus, and less freedom. It’s amazing how Jesus is always right… you just can’t worship God and Mammon…
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