13.6 greed materialism and the sacrifice of wealth

• what is greed?


  desire to have more, regardless of need, and is against the teaching of Jesus
• what is materialism?


  belief that physical objects matter far more than other things, places great value on having many possessions
• why do some people take a vow of poverty?

  to show they are willing to go without wealth and possessions, as a sign that they have committed themselves to the service of God and others
• what does Luke 12:15 say?


  ' Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed ; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions '
• why do some people believe greed is not bad?


  • helps the economy if people desire possessions
  • if they work hard to earn money they should spend it however they wish and should put their own desires before others
• What are factors of greed?

  • desire for more
  • Jesus warned against it
  • one of the seven deadly sins
  • goes against the teaching to ' love thy neighbour '
  • makes people put their own needs first
  • destroys a persons relationship with God
  • makes people ignore spiritual things
• what does Pope Francis say to warn about the dangers of materialism?


  ' Whenever material things, money, worldliness, become the centre of our lives, they take hold of us, they possess us ; we loose out very identity as human beings '
• what does the quote said by Pope Francis mean?


  being materialistic distorts a persons sense of value, gives people a false sense of purpose and takes control of life
• what does the catholic church teach about living a materialistic life?


  • encourages judging people on what they earn and makes people little more objects lacking value
  • can make people seem falsely important because they have possessions
  • leads to shallowness of life and destroys appreciation of the beauty of creation
• what is the vow of poverty?


  monks, nuns, some priests and religious brothers and sisters take a vow of poverty to commit themselves to fully serving God and others
• what does Matthew 19:21 say?


  ' If you wish to be perfect, go ,sell your possessions, and give all the money to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come and follow me '
• what are contrasting views on the vow of poverty?


  • living simply will help solve the imbalance of wealth in the world
  • simplicity in life leads to happiness as it removes stress and the mentality of having to match other peoples wealth
  • HOWEVER
  • call to live a life if poverty can only apply to those with limited family responsibilities
  • having worked for their money they believe that they should enjoy their wealth and possessions