open source theology

Andrew,

This is an interesting poll and I too agree with the results so far, but I also wonder if a compeling, global vision of our mission as the church isn’t part of what will help us get past consumerism. I think at the root of cosumerism is boredom and a lack of vision for one’s existence beyond the here and now. Thus, people use things to fill the void that is left behind by a faith that does not seem to impact everyday realities and doesn’t provide a vision of what could be that causes people to give their lives to something and sacrifice with passion (like the pearl in the field, etc.).

I’m afraid if all we do is talk about it, we will have the same results we currently have: some will adjust others will chaulk it up to the pop theology of I’m only human or God wants me to be happy. In the NT at the start of the early church you see people giving their things away, why? Because they had to or were taught to? Maybe they got some teaching but it seems more spontaneous than mere conformity. It seems like they were doing it because their hearts were full and they had caught the vision of what God was doing in their midst. I think we could turn some of the tide of consumerism if we could catch the compelling vision God has for our lives which is definately a work of the Holy Spirit but there is also a theological/missional piece to this as well.

All that to say I too vote that we need a public and prophetic critique but it needs to include the picture of how great the value is for one who gives their lives away to gain life or to really live.

Fascinating survey, but I am troubled by the results so far. Why the emphasis on a public and prophetic critique of consumerism? Is this just another example of the emerging church talking, but declining the opportunity for prophetic action? Isn’t it blindingly obvious that a widespread and consistent renunciation of personal wealth is the simplest and clearest way to debunk and dethrone the gods of consumerism within the Christian community? Prophetic talk alone can too often be as useful as spitting into the wind, but then again maybe we’re happiest just getting wet.

The reasons why consumerism so dominates every aspect of our culture are simple. Firstly, our society is governed by the tenets of capitalism. We eat, sleep and breathe ownership and control, and we’re constantly pushed to buy more and outshine our neighbors. Secondly, the powers that be have far more to gain from their advocacy of consumerism than the faithful have in opposing it. The only true solution is a complete overhaul of today’s religious institutions. Realizing the need for change often doesn’t immediately incite action. Small changes, mere lip service, often tend to dissuade and placate the masses and little, if anything, is truly ever accomplished. Our religious systems will continue to increasingly resemble corporations as they try to “compete” for attention and funds until their relevance to society is completely and irrevocably lost.

Great poll, Andrew. Only one problem. I couldn’t decide which to pick. The only one I wasn’t trilled with was developing “a credible theology of prosperity,” since I think there are many of such so-called theologies that the wealthy think are very credible. So what if we attempt to do all these things together?

It’s my opinion that consumerism is an expression of one particular aspect of worldview: namely our convictions about the material universe. Studies in non-consumer cultures have thrown me some hints about this. We are gross materialists: as Tim Keller says, that’s why we freely give our bodies to each other, but hold back our money. That’s also why we have friends and mates of equal material worth (you know, when you see a attractive woman with a nerd and assume that he’s got money or something to equal her looks).

A shift away from consumerism will take a shift in worldview. According to my understanding, this will require both words and actions as proofs (and we’re going to have to do better than the average 2-3% of income given to charitable causes - which is the same for both Christians and non-Christians - based on recent research). Perhaps the best way to begin is for those who have a conviction to practice what they preach in the most radical terms possible. As some apologists say, when demonstrating something to the blind, you must use very exaggerated figures. Next, we may start by deconstructing the material assumptions of our culture. Only when materialism and consumerism are seen as highly problematic will large-scale worldview shift happen. We must find ways to connect our consumerism to the injustice it causes in credible ways (it’s our illusion of autonomy that separates us from outrage for justice). We can lead in the community of faith, but it must also include our conversation with the mainstream.

My problem still remains: how do I vote?