Consumerism and the Church
We live in a consumerist society. On one hand, this is simply the way things are: we exchange our labor for wages and our wages for those things we both need and want. On the other hand, we are always in danger of allowing this system to rule over us: wanting the latest style, trend, or gadget, wanting more than we need, hoarding what we have, and allowing our purchases to dictate who we are.
Because consumerism is such a big part of our lives, it can bleed over into every single aspect of our lives. Donors to sports programs demand winning results. Large donors to hospitals or universities want to see their name on buildings or research centers in recognition of those donations. Every interaction is a transaction and viewed with an eye as to how it can benefit me.
This, unfortunately, can also be seen in churches. People have been known to withhold pledges because they didn’t like the priest, or the programs, or the Communion wine, or the music, or you name it. People have donated large amounts of money to choir programs with the understanding that they, not the choir director, would choose the music for special days. I once had wealthy parishioners who, during a complete renovation of the nave (new paint, new floor stain, new carpet), offered to pay for the carpet portion as long as they got to choose the carpet. After politely telling them no thank you, I’m not sure I ever saw them in church again.
Having a consumerist mentality works for businesses and day-to-day operations, but it will eventually destroy a parish. That’s because it allows parishioners to make ceaseless demands in trying to get the most of what they want for the least amount of effort or cost. It’s because it teaches people to put themselves and their desires over and above the needs of others. It’s because it blinds a person to the true cost of discipleship: the willingness to follow Christ in all things, the willingness to search out Christ again and again, the willingness to continually ask for forgiveness of sins done and left undone, and the understanding that discipleship will cost you your life (D. Bonhoeffer).
A consumerist mentality causes us to ask: What do I get out of this?
A discipleship mentality causes us to ask: From the gifts God has given, what am I giving to God?
Which question are you asking?
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