Materialistic secular values

• Christian responses to materialistic secular values

  The concept of materialistic values involves the idea that status in society is measured by wealth and possessions, rather than by qualities such as wisdom, virtue and intelligence
• Christian responses to materialistic secular values

  Materialistic values may be religious if given by God e.g. Solomon in the Old Testament

  Materialistic values are secular when wealth is not seen as a gift from God
• Christian responses to materialistic secular values

  Jesus in the Bible deals with both poor and rich alike, and even argued that poor people were blessed as the roles would be reversed in heaven.
• Christian responses to materialistic secular values

  In the early church, people shared everything, but Biblical letters do show communities divided by economic distance
• Christian responses to materialistic secular values

  In the middle ages, monasticism was seen as a superior state to that of the householder. During the following centuries, the increase in trade as countries expanded their power led to the development of capitalism. The industrial revolution further strengthened capitalism
• Christian responses to materialistic secular values

  Bruderhof communities: Early 20th century - 'we pledge to give up all Property and to live simply in complete freedom of all possesions'

  Prosperity gospel: a branch of Christainity that regards prosperity as a sign of God's favour
• The concept of materialistic values


  The idea that status in society is measured by wealth and possessions, rather than by qualities such as wisdom, virtue and intelligence
• Materialism in the 21st century is now seen at every level of British society, those who are wealthy depend on aquiring greater wealth, and those who are poor see money and wealth as the key to happiness
• In the time of Jesus, wealth was seen as a good thing, as it was a sign of God's approval. However, Jesus' teachings challenged this. In Mark, Jesus told the rich man that if he wished to gain eternal life, he must give up his wealth and give it to the poor. In Luke, Jesus spoke about the Parable of the rich man and Lazarus. This parable contained a warning of the consequences for those who enjoyed great wealth but ignored the needs of the poor.
• On the other hand, Jesus did not condemn wealth in itself. Tax collector Zacchaeus was a wealthy man who would've still been wealthy even after giving away great amounts of money, but Jesus said he was 'saved' (Luke)
• The New Testament adopts a similar attitude. 1 Timothy - 'For the love of money is the root of all evil'. The possession of wealth was not seen as wrong in itself, it was the attitude to it that mattered
• The Prosperity Gospel


  Another extreme belief to materialism is the Prosperity Gospel. This community originated from the USA and believes that Christian beliefs and practises will be rewarded by God in terms of material prosperity and physical well-being. Members are expected to give generously to the Church
• Whilst mainstream denominations denounce prosperity gospel, they also denounce the beliefs of the Bruderhof Communities. There's nothing intrinsically wrong having wealth, but it entails great responsibility for its use. E.g. George and Richard Cadbury introduced good housing, reasonable wages, a pension scheme and medical care for employees
• Christians are to be responsible stewards of wealth, sharing it generously with those in need. Many churches are involved in charities such as food banks, and encourage their members to become involved in charitable projects, such as caring for the homeless.