(And how do these beliefs oppose Christianity and Buddhism?)
2007-01-14 23:37:20 · 5 answers · asked by perpetualyesterday 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Materialism, in the philosophic sense, is the belief that all things are basically made of materials. There is no "spiritual" or "etherial" part of matter. We're all just matter and energy.
There also the meaning of the word "materialism" to mean highly valuing things that can be bought. A materialistic person buys to impress others.
Consumerism is the focusing of society on consumer products
2007-01-14 23:41:39 · answer #1 · answered by nondescript 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Materialism is a system of belief encouraged by modern Western Society, as is Consumerism:
Materialism states that it is what we possess that makes us happy, and that the reason we work is to go home at the end of the day and buy and enjoy more and different things.
Consumerism is very similar but doesn't limit our happiness to objects. Anything which can be purchased or enjoyed can make us happy. This is things like going to the Gym, sky diving or a night of Kareoke. These are purchased but are not materials we come to own. Consumerism however does allow that objects purchased make us happy but it is not owning them but using them that we enjoy.
2007-01-14 23:45:24 · answer #2 · answered by jleslie4585 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Materialism and consumerism are based upon the belief that *self* is the center of all, and that all other things and persons exist, only to serve the self.
Christianity, on the other hand, is based upon *love.*
The true definition of love is willing the good of the other for the other's sake and not for what you will get out of it.
One who truly loves is concerned about the other's joy, happiness, and pleasure in life that will make his or her life better.
The other person is not a means, but is an *end* in his or herself, whose good is sought for his or her own sake.
With true love, an ego transcendence is effected.
Buddhism, on the other hand, is completely different from Christianity.
Here we get right back to *self.*
The whole purpose of Buddhism is to avoid personal suffering in life (as opposed to Christianity which embraces the Cross for a higher good).
There is "compassion" in Buddhism, but that is only a means for your own "enlightenment. It has nothing to do with the agape love of Christianity.
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2007-01-14 23:48:28 · answer #3 · answered by Catholic Philosopher 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are no beliefs. It's simply an all-consuming lust for money.
2007-01-14 23:40:32 · answer #4 · answered by Khalin Ironcrow 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Stuff.
2007-01-14 23:41:01 · answer #5 · answered by Voodoid 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋