Isn't the US obsession with outward appearance and materialistic wealth in contradiction with the inner nature of spirituality/religion?
2007-04-13 04:37:16 · 21 answers · asked by purplepeace59 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
why do people always generalise about Americans?
some people need to do a bit more travelling rather than writing 1st year student questions.
2007-04-13 04:43:39 · answer #1 · answered by Abdul 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's worldwide, just yesterday the Wall Street Journal had an article about newly wealthy Chinese and their pursuit of luxury cars. (other luxuries have been the buzz for some time) It also stated that the most sought after color is black because the "ruling elite" traditionally drive black cars. Down through history throughout the world, men have been concerned with appearance. Crowns have been adorned with jewels (does this make a King or Queen more Royal?) since the time of the Egyptian Royalty. Church's are some of the most outwardly extravagant structures (nothing to do with inner spirituality). Europe has it's massive castles, and structures, Big Ben, Eiffel tower, London bridge, etc. I would have to say it is a global contradiction. Perhaps Americans are the epitome of obsession currently. But the next world economic power will be too.
2007-04-13 05:11:23 · answer #2 · answered by Mike M. 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The question is not formulated the way I would approach it. Obsession is by definition a pejorative. Focusing on material wealth is in fact crucially important for the future of all humankind and is in no way a contradiction with having a spiritual life. Also, I would dispute that that outward appearance is something that Americans are concerned with much at all. Look at the level of obesity and the generally low standards of dress in comparison with many Europeans.
2007-04-13 04:51:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
America is made up of several different outlooks and lifestyles. Unfortunately the other countries only hear about the Hollywood/Movie Star thing where these obsessions of appearance, material wealth etc. exist. There are many many Americans who are concerned more with inner nature of spirit/religion. Don't shoot all the dogs just because one has fleas!
2007-04-13 04:46:24 · answer #4 · answered by chatticathi52 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The USA is the both the most affluent, and, for unique historical reasons, the most religious country in the world. This apparent paradox is explained when it is noted that it has achieved this through fostering only the most worldly and nominal forms of religion. American religion is as shallow, showy and unintelligent as it can be- like very many Americans (and most of the rest are cunning). It's an amazing phenomenon that reveals a truth or two about human nature.
2007-04-13 04:55:51 · answer #5 · answered by miller 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For many people, religion is just as much about appearances and materialistic wealth as the clothing a person buys. I have a neighbor, who, after moving to this area, joined the area church that offered the most "extras", one that has enough members and thus enough money to sponsor outings and picnics and trips. This church recently spent over two thousand dollars to have a new sink put in, not because the other sinks didn't work, but because apparently, the church had no other outlet in which to spend the thousands of dollars they collect from the members. I liken this particular church to a frat house, where after you pay your dues you have guaranteed friends, social events, and free daycare, as long as you continue to show up for an hour each Sunday. Such disturbs me, but as it seems, no one else.
2007-04-13 04:46:49 · answer #6 · answered by manic.fruit 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It is. And regardless of one's spiritual path, we are constantly bombarded every day with consume consume consume. I do like to think that the American people over all are a very spiritual bunch though, but we are just so bombarded with the so called American way, and misled by it. No matter how spiritual you might be, it's hard to get up in the morning, to be faced with this constant bombardment, and not be contaiminated by it. There are alot of people seeking what is important, and seeking to define thier lives in less material terms, and others who just crack up and start screaming "stop the world, I wanna get off!" I guess spirituality is the difference between the two, where one has a source of guidance and support to help them find those things that are truly important, while the other is just adrift....
2007-04-13 04:49:28 · answer #7 · answered by beatlefan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all of America is obsessed with outward appearance and materialistic wealth.
2007-04-13 04:41:27 · answer #8 · answered by Mariah 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
1st Question: Yes, but the Lord looks on the heart, man looks on the outward appearance to judge how he treats people. If you don't believe in God of the bible then this will not apply and you will have to come up with your own opinion. And then what morality will you base your truth upon. What will give you peace when you die. What or in whom will you trust?
2007-04-13 04:43:02 · answer #9 · answered by The KNIGHT 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a generalization. It's like my friend in Syria asked why Americans think all Muslims are terrorists and it's just not true....
2007-04-13 04:46:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋