Confused on Materialism

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SnowAngels

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Hi CAF,

I’m having a hard time discerning between simply buying something and being materialistic. Is it always materialistic to buy something when you don’t need it, and just want it?

Thank you! God bless!
 
It depends on why you want it.

For instance, most of us do not need holy statues and painting, but we get them as they help our prayer life.

Or we do not need games, but we get them to help us relax and have fun with others.

If you want it only because your neighbors have one, then you have a problem.
 
T.A.Stobie_SFO said:
It depends on why you want it.

For instance, most of us do not need holy statues and painting, but we get them as they help our prayer life.

Or we do not need games, but we get them to help us relax and have fun with others.

If you want it only because your neighbors have one, then you have a problem.
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What about in the instance of en electronic device that you want for your own personal enjoyment and not because your neighbors have it? Thank you!
 
Modern Catholic Dictionary:

MATERIALISM. The theory that all reality is only matter, or a function of matter, or ultimately derived from matter. There is no real distinction between matter and spirit; even man’s soul is essentially material and not uniquely created by God. In ethical philosophy, materialism holds that material goods and interests, the pleasures of the body and emotional experience, are the only or at least the main reason for human existence. In social philosophy, the view that economics and this-worldly interests are the main functions of society.
 
If the device is for fun and is not overexpensive (taking away from your needs) and you are charitable as well, there is no problem unless you let it become an addiction.
 
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