Pope Francis Consumerism

One’s consumerist habits often times seems innocent enough, like buying a new phone to keep up with everyone else or splurging money on new clothes because it is fashionable. But to what end? Pope John Paul II wrote in his encyclical “All of us experience firsthand the sad effects of this blind

Sharing a story about Belshazzar, the monk says, “His high estate on which he so had prided Himself, by Fortune soon was snatched away”. In today’s Society, it is very easy to fall into temptation and greed. Everywhere we look, something is trying to be sold to us. Billboards, television commercials, and ads are making us want more and more. As a society, we are never satisfied, and will always want more than we already have, because of the mentality that has been programmed into us. You wouldn’t consider every consumer in society a sinful criminal for wanting more though. You probably would if you were a monk who lived in the

Substituting fossil fuels with renewable resources would help in preserving the environment. The Pope goes on to explain how our current model of consumption and production has led to a decline in the quality of human life, and water. Many people in power offer weak solutions to the problems at hand and do not do much to remedy them. Since economic interests often supersede the interests of the rest of the population, significant progress is not being made in many areas. The Pope talks about how inactivity toward the issue of climate change is the result of self-destructive habits that humans have. Sometimes humans believe that ignoring a problem will make it go away, but that is not the case.

The encyclical is aptly titled, "The Moral Dimensions of Climate Change and Sustainable Development." In the pope’s report, he not only affirms that climate change is a direct result of humankind, but links the degradation of the environment to poverty and societal inequality. As one of the world’s most trusted leaders, the pope’s encyclical is expected to significantly further environmental policy by converting skeptics into believers. Additionally, it is a call for political action to both parties in America and a prelude to Francis’s speech to the UN this coming September. At its minimum, it has reinitiated the global conversation of climate change, but the Pope’s message has the potential of aiding the passage of environmental legislation across nations as more individuals adopt climate change as a moral

“In his 1990 World Day of Peace speech, John Paul II declared the environment to be a moral priority of the Church, warning that “world peace is threatened not only by the arms race, regional conflicts, and continued injustices among peoples and nations, but also by a lack of due respect for nature.” Benedict XVI was nicknamed “the green pope” because he spoke on environmental issues so frequently; he had solar panels installed on the roof of the Vatican and even rolled out a hybrid version of the Popemobile.” (The Pope’s Moral Case for Taking On Climate Change- The Atlantic)

The concept of ‘new consumerism’ has emerged in the contemporary world as one of the biggest determinants of consumer expenditure habits, their lifestyles, and various other aspects that define a society. Juliet Schor, one of the most renowned economists characterizes this concept through the various behaviors that consumers tend to portray such as the up-scaling of their lifestyles, competitive consumption and the imbalance between their earnings and their desires. Consequently, the individual wellness and the common good practices such as family, reproduction, and inequalities are influenced. Various ethical theorists have come forward in an attempt to provide an in-depth explanation of these trends, the challenges brought forward and possible solutions.

The demand for more energy, food and raw materials effect people around the world on a daily basis. The deforestation and urbanization in the world today impacts some of the most sensitive ecosystems there are. In addition, there are natural activities that do harm to the planet. For example volcanic activities can lead to the emission of toxic gases into the air and, tornadoes and earthquakes can be responsible for the disruption of ecosystems. The reality that man has only one planet and environment to live should makes it a serious concern for everyone. In “Ecology and Religion in History” David Spring says Christians should be a very integral part of a save the environment program. (Spring, 2004) Because of its large following Christianity is a prime part of the population which gives it the numbers to make a difference if they work together. Christianity plays a part in environmental protection. The primary role a Christian can play in the protection and conservation of the environment is spreading of awareness. Spring also says that humanity is unaware that it is getting itself into trouble and the community can play a part in spreading the information.

That we consume beyond our desires, we consume for the present and worry about the consequences later. This suggests that consumer culture is dangerously pre- occupied with our own desires, that individuals fail to recognise the surrounding factors that are exploiting them on a daily basis.

There are many environmental issues that scholars and scientists around the world are currently exploring and struggling with, but for the main environmental focus of this paper I plan on examining the phenomenon of climate change, its sources, and ways that it can be combated through the lens of Ecofeminist Theology and Psychology. By using ecofeminist views, I will develop how climate change disproportionately affects marginalized groups around the world, and then I will use the concept of empathy from the field of positive psychology as a means to motivate those most responsible for

Consumerism is becoming the characteristics of most world economies. In today’s society, consumerism is often having a negative aspect of people’s lives. But, if looked in a positive light, consumerism have certain positive characteristics. Consumerism has been as part of a history process. People often want more than they have now, more money, a better car, a more comfortable house, more luxuries brand clothing or shoes. People never be satisfied with them, because there is new advertisement for new cars, clothes and electronics every day. In term of is discussion consumerism, James B. Twitchell, author of “ The Allure of Luxury ”, explores the joys of luxury and challenges the academic criticism that condemns our material instincts as shallow and self-centered. Another author Daniel Gross of “ Will Your Recession Be Tall, Grande, or Venti? ” , illustrates the correlation which economists should be counting the number of baristas when they judge the direction the economy will take between having too many Starbucks and having a financial crisis. So, consumerism has a major effect on our lives, whatever negative effects or positive effects.

According to the State of World (2004) report, China, UK and Western Europeans have had a bar on untenable over- consumption for decades. Roughly 1.7 billion people globally now fit in to the "consumer class" the group of people distinguished by diets of extremely processed food, yearning for bigger houses, better and bigger cars, higher level of revolving credit, and lifestyles dedicated to hoard unnecessary goods. Today nearly half of global consumers dwell in developing countries like India and China. As we enter the dawn of the new century this consumerist appetite is dejection the natural systems that the humanity has been relying on and making it difficult for the majority of this world to meet their ends meet. It's a chaos out there. Every men and women are trying to at least look better, superior and wealthier than the other one. People are neglecting their basic needs and spending more on flashing gadgets and expensive hand bangs just to look 'cool' walking down the street.

As the world modernizes at unprecedented rates and becomes increasingly secular, there is increasing scrutiny on the Church and her actions. The Church, plagued by sex scandals and slandered for its rejection of many new ideas, is often dismissed as obsolete and unable to keep pace. Therefore, it has to adapt its teachings to fit the current global situation while keeping true its core values. At the forefront of this mission is Pope Francis who must also guide the Church through an age where empiricism and relativism is ubiquitous. Furthermore, he is tasked to provide guidance and insight regarding contemporary global problems, namely, the deteriorating state of the environment and the adaptation of the Church’s teachings. To address the

Pope Francis describes a relentless exploitation and destruction towards environmental discomfort, for which he blamed apathy from the pursuit of profitable faith in political as well as technological injustice. The Laudato Si’ unambiguously accepts scientific causes that impacts the climate that were beneficially man-made, stating “climate change is a global problem with grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political and for the distribution of goods”. Representing one of the principals that challenges humanity. After great anticipation, Pope Francis determined and faced the difficulties of climate change and pleaded for justice, to “enter into dialogue with all people about our common home.” The Pope reaches for new conclusions and is calling for a spiritual transformation and a solid connection to Earth’s ecosystems. The Laudato Si’ is different, as it is not addressed specifically to the one beliefs with additional groups added. Pope Francis invites the people of the world to a dialogue on the subject of environmentalism. Pope Francis has written Laudato Si’ as caring for creation is something that is close to his heart. More fundamentally, Pope Francis believes that there are substantial ecological complications today that must be addressed. They include not only problems in the natural environment but also in the human sphere, particularly among the disadvantaged. Pope Francis wrote the encyclical, dated 24 May 2015 and was officially published at on 18

"The Mirror of Consumption" addresses the popular anthropological theme wherein Western goods are incorporated into non-Western cultural contexts. The second and more intriguing section "Consuming the Other" takes a more novel approach by examining the ways in which non-Western goods move in the Western world. Finally, "Consumption and Identity"focuses on strategies for resisting capitalist penetration.

Another point of interest that comes from the bible is that humanity has a limited control over nature. Ecclesiastes 8-12 emphasizes this point; man has a limited ability to control the challenges of earth. It is ultimately within God's control of the earth that it will continue to flourish and provide. However, Christians certainly have a responsibility to care for the earth. Christians' efforts are not invalidated in working to keep the earth healthy for nature and the people of the earth, both present and future. "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it (Genesis 2:15)." It is important for all Christians to try and be helpful in efforts to keep the environment healthy.