Are you sure?
This bookmark will be removed from all folders and any saved notes will be permanently removed.
Eye on the World: Consumerism
Shopping can be a big part of the holiday season, especially in countries where there’s a cultural emphasis on finding gifts for friends and family. In the United States, “Black Friday” sales—in which items such as electronics and toys are steeply discounted—took place earlier than ever, and in some cases actually began on Thanksgiving Day. Record numbers of shoppers participated, and weekend sales were up 13 percent over last year.
Most people agree that rampant consumerism can be damaging, distracting us from spending time with family and nudging us to spend money on things we don’t really need. One response to the Black Friday shopping frenzy is Giving Tuesday, on which people and companies will be encouraged to make charitable donations in the spirit of strengthening communities. Movements like Giving Tuesday are a welcome antidote to consumerism -- but for those interested in looking at things from a spiritual perspective, it’s possible to respond in an even more profound way.
When we take time for quiet prayer, we discover that it’s God -- not an acquisitive mindset -- that really sustains and refreshes us. Evan Mehlenbacher points out in “You aren’t what you buy” that where consumerism would have us look to material possessions as a measure of contentment or joy, we can instead recognize that God, Spirit, is providing us with everything we need.
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
