Materialism

[MACHOParticipant]

Materialism

Materialism

Materialism – Definitions & Doctrines

Materialism can refer either to the simple preoccupation with the material world, as opposed to intellectual or spiritual concepts, or to the theory that physical matter is all there is. This theory is far more than a simple focus on material possessions. It states that everything in the universe is matter, without any true spiritual or intellectual existence. Materialism can also refer to a doctrine that material success and progress are the highest values in life. This doctrine appears to be prevalent in western society today. Materialism can also refer to the term, Cultural Materialism.

Materialism – Philosophies & Worldviews

Materialism and its theories can be traced as far back as the poem The Nature of Things, written in the first century B.C. by Lucretius. Other defining works include The System of Nature by Paul d’Holbach, Force and Matter by Ludwig Buchner, and the more recent research done by Richard Vitzthum, An Affirmative History and Definition (1996).

Materialism as a philosophy is held by those who maintain that existence is explainable solely in material terms, with no accounting of spirit or consciousness. Individuals who hold to this belief see the universe as a huge device held together by pieces of matter functioning in subjection to naturalistic laws. Since materialism denies all concepts of Special Creation, it relies on the Theory of Evolution to explain itself, making beliefs in materialism and evolution interdependent.

The first question this worldview should cause most of us to ask is, “If all that exists is matter only, where did the natural laws that govern it come from?” New scientific discoveries in the areas of biological complexity, cosmological design, quantum physics, and information theory bring these materialistic assumptions into doubt. A massive quantity of evidence demonstrates that the universe and its material aspects are connected by a network of energy, design and information. We now see much more than matter – we see the result of conscious creation.

Materialism – A Question of Belief

Materialism, at its simpler level, involves the focus on material “things” as opposed to that which is spiritual or intellectual in nature. We live in a world surrounded by and composed of matter. It is natural, therefore, that we may become distracted from spiritual or intellectual pursuits by material possessions, but this is frequently where problems occur. We can become obsessed by a desire to obtain them, or simply frustrated by the need to maintain them.

The questions this attitude should cause us to ask are, “Are material things really more important than anything else? Is material success the highest goal? If things are all there are, what’s life all about? Why am I here at all? If life is really just about materialism, why should I even try to live a moral life? What does it matter how I treat others or how I live, as long as I have what I want? Why does what I believe about the origin of life matter?”

In a court of criminal law, a conviction arrived at by any jury requires proof beyond a shadow of a doubt. Current theories of materialism appear to be clouded by shadows and doubts. We needn’t conclude that it is necessary to take a completely opposite view. After all, as C.S. Lewis once said, “God … likes matter. He invented it.” Consider, instead, how what you choose to believe affects how you live, for as Lewis also said, “different beliefs about the universe lead to different behavior.” What we believe must either be true of false. Before settling on the position you choose, you owe it to yourself to keep seeking the truth about life, death and the universe.

You must own a better Crystal ball than I

[Anonymous 12]

Like most things materialism can be good. We all require tools to undertake certain tasks, to make our lives easier. In these cases we buy material goods for this reason.

It is bad when you have people who can’t afford something yet take out loans anyway to acquire it all so they can appear wealthy. I have known people who take out loans to go on holiday (ok an experience but still a form of status) not to mention guys who have taken out loans to buy expensive sports cars which will only depreciate in value.

[WallyParticipant]

Your thread made me think about this ad I saw recently

It’s not difficult to get into debt and now thanks to our friends at Apple it’s so much more easier. You want to keep up with your friends and get those wonderful items, just wave the magic iPhone.

"what a waste of a life, to marry, give up your freedom, just for the hope of not dying alone. Don't get married Son."

[MACHOParticipant]

What I have noticed is that our civilization is getting more and more lost in the pursuit of the material over the intellectual (or spiritual)

No matter how much glitter one accumulates.. joy or happiness is never quite within our grasp! Nothing is more obvious than with the female gender that got trapped in the notion that more is better, never being contented. Destroying men’s lives often to get their paws onto the Gold not unlike an evil leprechaun!

Materialism as a philosophy is held by those who maintain that existence is explainable solely in material terms, with no accounting of spirit or consciousness.

the theory that physical matter is all there is. This theory is far more than a simple focus on material possessions. It states that everything in the universe is matter, without any true spiritual or intellectual existence.

You must own a better Crystal ball than I

[Anonymous 12]

MACHO wrote:

What I have noticed is that our civilization is getting more and more lost in the pursuit of the material over the intellectual or spiritual. No matter how much glitter one accumulates.. joy or happiness is never quite within our grasp!

the theory that physical matter is all there is. This theory is far more than a simple focus on material possessions. It states that everything in the universe is matter, without any true spiritual or intellectual existence.

When you kill God’s people will just fill that space with something else.

[Anonymous 18]

No f~~~s given. 2018 style.

[MonkSimonParticipant 73]

I only collect money, not things…

if I have more than my furniture I start selling stuff. because it’s too much.

I always want to be able to pack up and go at the drop of a hat.

minimalism is the best feeling since you don’t have much, you cant have a messy place, thus leaving you with a clear mind.

that’s how I think of random assortments of things.

I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him. - Galileo Galilei

[Anonymous 1]

Indeed, this seems to be the characteristic of our age. “Greed is Good, Buddy” said Gordon Gecko in the famous movie “Wall Street.”

They have all got “Dragon Sickness” from my perspective. Its an obsession that they have. Its worst in the good ole U$A, since we are a nation of consumers ruled by Advertising Executives and Banking CEOs.

[MACHOParticipant]

Thanks one of the best post on this topic so far!

Anonymous wrote:

Indeed, this seems to be the characteristic of our age. “Greed is Good, Buddy” said Gordon Gecko in the famous movie “Wall Street.”

They have all got “Dragon Sickness” from my perspective. Its an obsession that they have. Its worst in the good ole U$A, since we are a nation of consumers ruled by Advertising Executives and Banking CEOs

You must own a better Crystal ball than I

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