Materialism

[HailMary90]

Is it a sin to have a lot of material things? For example, lets say someone has two cars and a big house with a big screen TV and two computers.

For some reason I feel fairly hostile towards materialism. I refuse to own much, just what I need. I don’t even own a phone, until I will absolutely need one I dont plan on getting one.

 

[wsxyz]

Is it a sin to have a lot of material things? For example, lets say someone has two cars and a big house with a big screen TV and two computers.

It depends. If the person who has the things is wealthy, and the purchase of those things represents a small portion of his wealth, and he is not inordinately attached to material objects, then it would not be a sin to purchase and own such things.

If, on the other hand, the person doesn’t have a lot of money, and makes the acquisition of such material objects his primary objective in life, then it would be sinful.

For some reason I feel fairly hostile towards materialism. I refuse to own much, just what I need.

That is a healthy attitude.

 

[Maureen_Brilla]

I had the opportunity to spend one year living in a small Maasai village in the Serengetti, without running water, electricity, or plumbing. It was magnificent! One day as I was hurrying back to my compound with my konga over my face so I could breath as a sand storm rolled through, it came to me that I had lived my life “back home” never thinking about the difference between the words “want” and “need”. It was my habit, that if I spotted something interesting while shopping I would say/think “I need this” as opposed to “I want this”…there, in the bush surrounded by extreme poverty, I learned that what I needed was something in which to carry water, something to protect the soles of my feet, something to protect my skin from thorns and sun and sand, and something with which I could start a fire. It would also be handy to have something sharp. Other than that, I really didn’t NEED anything. I wish everyone could have this experience. It would be difficult, although not all together impossible, to replicate that manner of life here. I returned completely freed of WANTING anything I didn’t NEED. I am much more able to trust in Jesus Christ to provide for my needs, and am still surprised at how loyal He is in his generosity. Materialism is a byproduct of a consumer society, but would the United States even exist if it were not for this material glut that confuses wants with needs? It’s a hard question.

I agree with the response from wsxyz.

 

[valentino]

Its not necessarily sinful.Everyone has to recognize that everything comes from God.Therefore a person with money will be expected to share his wealth.of course that depends on a number of things.if a person is married for instance he may have quite a bit of money but he has a lot of expenses also.The bottom line IMO is he should give as much as he can.His reward in heaven will be that much greater.

 

[ljsedivy]

I had the opportunity to spend one year living in a small Maasai village in the Serengetti, without running water, electricity, or plumbing. It was magnificent! One day as I was hurrying back to my compound with my konga over my face so I could breath as a sand storm rolled through, it came to me that I had lived my life “back home” never thinking about the difference between the words “want” and “need”. It was my habit, that if I spotted something interesting while shopping I would say/think “I need this” as opposed to “I want this”…there, in the bush surrounded by extreme poverty, I learned that what I needed was something in which to carry water, something to protect the soles of my feet, something to protect my skin from thorns and sun and sand, and something with which I could start a fire. It would also be handy to have something sharp. Other than that, I really didn’t NEED anything. I wish everyone could have this experience. It would be difficult, although not all together impossible, to replicate that manner of life here. I returned completely freed of WANTING anything I didn’t NEED. I am much more able to trust in Jesus Christ to provide for my needs, and am still surprised at how loyal He is in his generosity. Materialism is a byproduct of a consumer society, but would the United States even exist if it were not for this material glut that confuses wants with needs? It’s a hard question.

I agree with the response from wsxyz.

What an excellent post!! Thank you!

Yes, I’m constantly thinking about this area, too. Consumerism/materialism are such great sins, IMO. I am constantly thinking about living a more “Amish” lifestyle.

When my brother-in-law gave us a tour of St. Anthony’s retreat center, and when I saw the humble little rooms they lived in, I was overwhelmed and felt such joy thinking of this monastic lifestyle. I thought immediately, “OH! I could live like this!” Just the thought of being so free from any attachments. Just talked to my sons about the importance of not having any attachments to this world just last week.

 

[puzzleannie]

Is it a sin to have a lot of material things? For example, lets say someone has two cars and a big house with a big screen TV and two computers.

For some reason I feel fairly hostile towards materialism. I refuse to own much, just what I need. I don’t even own a phone, until I will absolutely need one I dont plan on getting one.

no it is not a sin to own whatever you think you and your family need. What you chose to buy or don’t buy is a personal prudential decisions. We were given the virtue of prudence with baptism so it is up to us to exercise it.