Religion and Materialism

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Religion and Materialism

To answer the questions that have been set I feel it's necessary to

explain briefly my understanding of the words; Christianity and

materialism. I believe that Christianity is the practices and beliefs

derived from the bible. I believe that materialism is the desire and

interest of money and possessions rather than spiritual or ethical

values.

Christians are taught to use money as a necessity to live. Greed is

considered as one of the seven deadly sins, so it is an adversary of

the religion. But how do we know if someone or something is greedy?

Isn't it therefore wrong to use money to construct glamorous and

decorative churches and cathedrals, when after all it's purpose of

being there is so that people can pray and learn about God?

On the other hand these are places of worship, a sanctuary to those in

need and a symbol of everything good. So in that perspective why

shouldn't they be adorned, if it is money well spent?

Although there are many teachings and extracts from the bible

concerning money, I'm only going to mention one more. It is from the

Ten Commandments and I believe that it is relevant to this subject.

'Do not covet your neighbour's household: you must not covet your

neighbour's wife, his slave, his slave girl, his ox, his donkey, or

anything that belongs to him.'

This is saying to not be jealous of anyone or anything. Appreciate

what you've got and what life has to give, and what you can give in

return. Anything else is superficial.

Christians believe that everyone should be equal and have a fair

share. However in reality this does not happen, so that's why

charities have developed.

'If a man has two tunics he should share with him that has none, and

the one who has food must do the same.'

This goes back to greed. For if that man has something that he doesn't

need, he should give to those who do. Sharing is very important to

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