Lead Us Not into Temptation: Christian Responses to Consumerism

Abstract

Consumerism represents a way of structuring society and the economy that encourages and facilitates the ever-expanding acquisition of commodities. Consumption is now the principle aspiration and source of individual identity for growing numbers of those in Western society. However, inherent in consumerism is exploitation. The environment is exploited, producers and workers are exploited and the consumer is exploited. Protestant critiques of consumerism tend to focus concern on the Western individual, naming over consumption as a form of idolatry, often overlooking broader, global concerns. In contrast to this, Catholic critques of consumerism examine the need for Christians to love the global neighbour. Both critiques remain somewhat abstracted from everyday life, highlighting a troubling tendency to separate belief from practice. Using Grounded Theory Method this study seeks to uncover practical steps to counter consumerism being undertaking in the believing community. The everyday practices and perspectives of participants committed to living in opposition to the values of consumerism can act as exemplars for the wider Christian community. A range of practices by the study’s participants show them seeking to live both simply and sacramentally. They use rules to encourage faithful living, and engage in theological reflection that reflects a praxis cycle. Households of faith are an important support structure for resisting consumerist ideals. The study concludes that the individuals under examination reflect a prophetic call that rails against injustice and calls for oppression to cease. The wider church would do well to heed their call and follow their example.