"On Saturday, the pope lamented that children and adolescents were being deceived by 'false models' of happiness pushed by adults who lead them down 'the dead-end streets of consumerism.'"
He said this specifically in reference to the consumer nature of Christmas.
Source:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/vatican_christmas_consumerism;_ylt=AlTZZA9fzpld0Dtd1Kv19BYDW7oF
2007-12-09 09:38:10 · 18 answers · asked by Steve 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
I tend to agree. I am afraid that that argument will mostly fall on deaf ears though.
2007-12-09 09:42:22 · answer #1 · answered by Bob O 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I don't agree with the Pope on much of anything, but he's right on with this.
We think if we get a new car, a new house, a new wife, or whatever whiz-bang product the marketing boys are trying to huckster us with -- by telling us we're deficient unless we have it -- we'll be happy. No. Don't work that way. Road to unhappiness.
Buddhism speaks of "hungry ghosts", spirits that are all mouth which can never be satisfied. I suspect the Pope was pitching his Bull (yuk yuk) in the same direction, and he's right -- for once.
2007-12-09 09:49:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
The pope is infallible, he will always speak the truth.
Jesus handed Peter the keys of the kingdom and Christ stated "I will be with my church until the end of time".
The latter verse would mean the continuation of the priesthood would always be available until the end of the world.
Therefore, Peter would have to also hand the keys to the next pope and so on...
Jesus, spoke of the division that would take place in reference to the church.
The above is a clear statement in how the reformation broke the unity of the true church.
Sadly, it continues today to facet in a variety of directions.
Read it for yourself if you dont believe me:
Matthew 12:25
"Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.
The Catholic is blessed to still have a true church where the precious body and blood is provided!
God bless
2007-12-09 09:49:35 · answer #3 · answered by Kazoo M 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
you may desire to constantly have a holiday spot to have a journey even whilst your no longer conscious of what the holiday spot is going to be. i latterly got here upon, that the holiday spot makes the journey. So destinate, create objectives, that permit for happiness alongside the way, is my useful philosophy, however no longer fault info.
2016-11-14 05:38:48 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is one of the few things that the new pope has said that I can agree with.
2007-12-09 14:20:26 · answer #5 · answered by stupidity_of_pride 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Its materialism, which is a synthetic happiness. Religion doesn't bring real happiness to people either. Happiness can only come from what enlightens the individual, mostly spirituality. This is why there is no correct religion, especially when spirituality isn't religion specific nor comes from religion in general.
2007-12-09 09:54:08 · answer #6 · answered by Arcanum Noctis 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Yes. Spiritual meaning is much more fulfilling than having a bunch of stuff. Have you ever noticed that if there is something that you just "have to have" once you get it it's not long before you want something else?
2007-12-09 09:45:55 · answer #7 · answered by wyldfyr 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Of course. Materialism only makes us more materialistic. There is nothing that can be manufactured, distributed or sold that will completely fulfill us. -RKO- 12/09/07
2007-12-09 09:52:24 · answer #8 · answered by -RKO- 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Jesus taught us how to be happy in the Beatitudes:
When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:
"Happy are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Happy are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Happy are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Happy are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Happy are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Happy are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Happy are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."
(Matthew 5:1-12)
None of these mention consumerism.
With love in Christ.
2007-12-09 15:52:27 · answer #9 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That is FUNNY!
I'll bet so called Christian Capitalists like Bush and his minions LOVED that!
"Shop people shop!" -- Bush's answer to 9/11!!!
2007-12-09 09:48:10 · answer #10 · answered by Kelly B 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋