Morality & Money

Are Americans so focused on materialism, getting ahead that we can't thread the needle?

"How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 

For it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."
Luke 18:24-25

                                                 By David Jones
Is it possible to live an authentic Christian life -- in which one follows the teachings of Jesus -- in present-day America?

Perhaps this is not the best time of year to ask the question.  Even though it is Advent, which for all Catholics and many other Christians is supposed to be a time of preparation and reflection on the celebration of the arrival of the Christ Child, the culture in which we toil is firmly at odds against us. The world is screaming “Buy! Purchase! Put it on layaway! Get it Now! Now! Now!”  News media types are asking in ponderous tones of concern, “What will it mean for the American economy if consumers do not go out and purchase gifts in record numbers this holiday season?” which, naturally, implies that if we are not buying stuff we could be complicit -- guilty -- of letting down our fellow man.

Is this true? In order to be a good member of society do we have to spend all of December and January’s discretionary income on presents?  Is it necessary to run up the credit cards to such an extent that the bills might not get paid in all of 2006?  Do we become some sort of social criminal by believing that the meaning of Christmas ought to be more than just the acquisition and distribution of clothing, toys and household entertainment items?

Most of us would rather not think about such things.  Even the mere suggestion to some people that this Christmas, perhaps, would be a good time to “cut back” on the gifts is apt to be met with a shocked stare and a look that suggests, “Don’t you love me anymore?” Still others might say, “Well, if it’s just a matter of needing money, maybe you could refinance the house. There are still some great interest rate deals out there.  Or you could take a second job.”

In fact, it’s very difficult to have a meaningful conversation about the morality of personal economics any time of year, but December especially has become a time for spending.  Advent is too often more of an anticipation of Christmas bonuses atwork than an expectancy of the joy of the Nativity.  (Not that there is anything wrong with an employer providing a Christmas bonus: it can be a sign of Christian charity and economic justice.)

So rather than try to talk you out of generous gift buying and gift giving, instead we’d like to take a look at some other issues of Christian stewardship, discipleship and economics. Rather than do it all at once, let’s break it down into smaller bits (installments).

First, let’s examine the question again: Is it possible to live an authentic Christian life -- in which we follow the teachings of Jesus -- in present-day America?

There are a couple of possible reactions to this question.  Many people are tempted to simply answer “Yes” without investigation into what it means to “live an authentic Christian life.”