Is wanting the best considered greed? (Catholic)?

Question

I am a Catholic and know greed is a sin, but my question is: does wanting the best you can buy constitute greed?

For example, I know clothes are a neccessity, but I want to buy the best I can because I know they'll last longer and look better than some pair of jeans for $20. Is this bad for me to desire things that are the best purchase for my money... such as a $1000 handbag that I know will look good 20 years from now?

I don't desire an endless supply of shoes, handbags, and clothes which would constitute greed to me, but I do like the best and even though some people would think it's bad to desire quality (expensive) goods, this seems more logical to me because you waste money on the less expensive things that either break, wear out, or go out of style.

I don't know what to think about this.

I would never sacrifice what's good for my family JUST to buy a new bag/outfit, etc... I also don't buy items with logoes, because I think that constitutes vanity.

... I also donate ALL of my old clothes to the Salvation Army.

Answer 1

It looks like you're actually just trying to use good common sense and wisdom with your purchases, which there is nothing wrong with. It's simple math really: a pair of shoes might cost $20 while another costs $50, but is the more expensive pair better made and will actually last longer provided its taken care of? Also, what are your current needs/abilities to spend the extra money or hold back?

The definition of greed is: "An excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth."

In your case, that definition does not apply. You're simply trying to be a smart shopper.

Answer 2

Buying a quality item that will last you for 20 years always makes more sense than buying a "disposable" item that will wear out in months.

For example, if you spent $20 on a pair of jeans at Old Navy and you knew they were going to wear out in a year or less and compared that to buying a $75 pair of top quality jeans that you new you could wear for 5 years no problem, the Old Navy jeans cost you $20 a year and the top quality ones cost you $15. So they are actually cheaper in the long run.

However, I don't think there is ever a way to justify a $1,000 handbag. The handbag fashions change so much, there is no way you are going to be using it in 20 years. And even if you were, $50 a year for one handbag is hard to justify. Especially because you probably don't use it every day or even every season, right? The designer handbag I carry now was purchased at a thrift store for $5.

It's a fine line to walk, but being aware, as you are, is the way to start.

I have found that if I shop at consignment stores and thrift shops, I can usually find the top-quality stuff I need/want for pennies on the dollar. I recently bought a black Ralph Lauren dress in a classic style I can wear for years for only $2.98 at a thrift store. I didn't have to spend $160 on it but still have the same quality and classic styling.

As far as donating goes, you might want to consider taking your clothing budget and seeing what you can get at thrift/consignment stores first. You should save plenty of $$ that you can use to help the less fortunate. For example, while you are at those thrift shops, you can pick up practical items that needy people could use, such as warm clothing, sturdy shoes in good condition, back packs, towels in good condition, etc. Then donate that to your local St. Vincent de Paul Society, which will give them away at no cost. Your fancier handbags and clothing can go to Salvation Army for resale to somebody like me. :-)

Answer 3

No handbag is worth $1000. It's only greed if we're buying things we don't really need, for exorbitant amounts, when other people are suffering because they're poor.

If I have $20 to spend, I'll find the very best product I can buy for that $20. That's not greed, that's making the most out of what you have. If I need something and I can get a good one for $50, that'll last for 3 years, or something useable for $20 that will last for only one (and I'd have to buy it again) then I'd buy the $50 item.

Some people think that things are the 'best' just because they're expensive. You should be going for the best value, not the label, or look that appeals to vanity, IMO. Not when it drives the cost way above a product that's comparable and would do the job.

Answer 4

To an extend, yes. The problem with Catholicism, and other religions is the idea that greed is a bad thing. Ultimately, anything you do is because you have a will to do it. You are satisfying yourself. Even people who sacrifice themselves for others do this because they want to put the other person ahead of their own welfare. As they are dying, they are content in the knowledge that they did what they wanted to do.

Wanting things is not a bad thing. If you never wanted anything, you'd die of starvation and apathy.

What is bad for you is taking something to extremes. Wanting too much or too little are both equally counterproductive. We live in a society, and those around us are valuable to our existence. Therefore, it is good to treat others fairly. To take from other people without conpensation is to show how little you value others. People will treat you with the same respect you treat them. That is why obsession with gain is bad. What would it gain you to own the world but lose all of your friends?

Note that from this point of view, spending money on quality stuff really isn't a bad thing. Even spending money on closets of shoes is not really bad. Everybody has a hobby that they obsess over. It's only when you start neglecting people around you or taking undue advantage of them that your material possessions can get in the way of a happy life.

Note that none of this has anything to do with old lists of rules about what is a "sin" or not. You don't need religion to realize what is good and bad in the world.

Answer 5

As long as it doesn't stray into "vanity", it is not bad to want quality products.
But, if you buy a 500 dollar Gucci handbag when you have a kid that needs things, THAT would be a sin.
As for your 1000 dollar handbag, That is getting mighty close to "vanity". How about a 100 handbag, and donating some money to the poor.

Answer 6

vanity is a sin.

i have a handbag that cost $90 at the coach outlet - had it for 5 years now....they also stand behind their products for life so that would be a good investment. i'm okay when you say longer lasting but have to admit - i cringe when you say - go out of style. spening higher dollars on items that do not go out of style - that makes sense. but if you're only going to wear something for that "fashionable period of time" why does it have to last longer.
i don't know what you're buying for those crazy prices that doesn't have some type of "name" attached but i think on that note you're kidding yourself.

Answer 7

Greed would be wanting everything, because you're special.
If you can afford them, go for it, you help the economy.
Are you really going to use & keep a $1000 hand-bag?
How are you helping other people to have nice clothes?

Answer 8

there is what is best quality.....and then there are things which are way overpriced...

$1000 for a hand bag? that is dumb.

pick good quality, but at reasonable prices....

Answer 9

Only if you take more than your share or away from others who have worked hard to get it!

Answer 10

I suppose to answer your question, I'd like to know what your weekly contribution is if you can, in fact, afford a $1,000 purse.
I think that would answer your question.