Has the materialism of the West severed the like to Spirituality?

Question

For example.......We have Xmas coming up (again), but how many will actually celebrate the season for what it represents rather than go and spend more then thay have coming in on presents that will be forgotten in a month from then, at best?

Answer 1

how many actually know what the season represents ... i mean really know ?

Answer 2

Yes, without a doubt.

The living entity is by nature, searching after pleasure, that real pleasure that is being sought after is only available on the spiritual platform, unfortunately rampant materialism and consumerism has been promoted within Western culture to a degree that the majority of people are completely oblivious to this
higher or superior pleasure even existing.

Instead the "brainwashing" through advertising that promotes the material way of life and a promise of success and pleasure from such superficial consumer based products, can only provide some temporary pleasure on the sensual platform and on the subtle mental platform through false ownership and illusory prestige that is all too fleeting, this in many cases has completely replaced the real purpose of human life, which is to revive the original, eternal spiritual body and return back home, back to Godhead.

The exploitation that exists within the corporate world for so called profit has almost completely eradicated the deeper purpose of human life, leaving people frustrated and generally unhappy.

To discuss further:-Sriman Sankarshan Das Adhikari ([e-mail])

Answer 3

Hi, I am Rational Spirituality,

My answer to your question is: Not to me. In my case, the materialism of the West pushed me closer and faster to Spirituality, because like you, I found it repulsive, was not prepared to take part, and sought alternatives.

Now my belief is so strong and firm that no-one, and nothing can move it, or spoil it.

Partly responsible for the corruption of the Christian Spirituality is the Christian church itself, it gives in too much to conventionality which it benefits from, by receiving societal support, but that will also lead to its demise.

I have last year at Christmas listened on the readio to a morning programme by a priest, he invited some children for an interview, and the first question he asked every child was, what presents they got for Christmas, and the priest expressed great enthusiasm and approval, when they started listing... Do I have to say more?

I now do not need the church or a religion to find my way to Christ, or to God. The concept of Rational Spirituality explained to me all I needed to know, gave me all the answers I was searching for, but no-one before could give me, and provides me with the inner strength I need to get on with the challenges of life.

You may read it on the Dhaxem website.

My regards to Scotland.

Answer 4

I posted a similar question about christians who when they mary spend way to much on the wedding and the ring..Most people answered me as if I was jelous...hahaha...Religous people in general will spend on materialistic things instead of donating..If they donate a few bucks a month they think they've done there job..No one like to live as a pauper...Same goes for christmas..People will spend more on themselves than what they give..I mean to give to those who have none.

Answer 5

I'm afraid it's true.

I have to sit and think very carefully about what Christmas really represents. I love the gift things, the decorations. I love getting people gifts, all of it.

Christmas is my favorite time of year, but not for the right reasons.

Answer 6

I would argue that the severed link between people and God comes first, and the rampant, Godless materialism sets in as a result.

That is, if one knows God, one does not fall prey to faith in material/matter--whatever its form, and no matter the arbitrary value attributed to it by others.

If one does not know God, it naturally follows that one will fall prey to faith in material and matter.

That is, A (materialism) doesn't lead to B (severed link to God). But A (severed link to God) can very well lead to B (materialism).

Answer 7

The blur between history and mythology, the blur between doctrine and philosophy, and the blur between morals and ethics, are what has severed society's link with spirituality, not what it owns.

Answer 8

Do you imagine that Jesus invented the festivities of Winter? What did we do before the Christians, sit and wait?

Answer 9

This question was answered in the dim, distant past. The answer was yes.

Answer 10

maybe it has severed the need for spirituality -- leaving a void.