[sinkspur]

Well, Guarendi seems to feel that the solution to consumerism is for Catholics to have less stuff, and take the money that's left over and give it to the Church.

The Church, however, has a responsibility as well. What are Catholics to think when they forego a new or second car only to see the Church build quarter billion dollar cathedrals and bishops living in million dollar residences?

Or, they see the parishes they've attended their entire lives and given money to closed in order to pay off sexual abuse claims?

Catholics in the West are gripped by consumerism because those who run the Church are gripped by that same consumerism.

Set an example, clergy, and the people will follow.

[Pyro7480]

It depends on what you mean by "Church" consumerism. If a diocese spends a quarter-billion dollars, and gets a structure that doesn't glorify God, then we have a problem. But if the money is well-spent on a classical cathedral, then I don't think it's a problem. Sometimes, we can come dangerously close to being like Judas Iscariot, who criticized the woman who spent money on expensive oil that she used to anoint Christ's feet.

[ArrogantBustard]

Guarendi: As a therapist, one of the first things I do with a child who has a behavior problem is ask the parents to reassess the child's goodies, activities and privileges. Kids are awash in things and leisure opportunities, and it affects their behavior.

This doesn't happen because bishops build palaces. It happens because (grand)parents are trying to buy the kid's affection, and trying to compensate for their absence. It has a seriously corrosive effect on childrens' understanding of the relationship between "work" and "stuff", and consequently on the value of "stuff" and the necessity of "work".

[karenbarinka]

Oh dear.

This is the first time I've ever agreed with you about anything.

One of us must have been kidnapped by aliens and replaced with pod people.

Either that or blame the full moon!

[GirlShortstop]

Catholics in the West are gripped by consumerism because those who run the Church are gripped by that same consumerism.

Chicken or the egg?  Not enough Catholics go to church enough to be influenced in that way, imho.  We could speculate that a reason they *don't* is because of their consumerist lifestyle... not wanting to think about how influenced they've been/become.  I sort of see it a a new religion.

My bellyache at my parish is that the pastor gives the clear impression that he's a businessman first (and he even stinks at that based upon communication in the bulletin).

[marshmallow]

Well, Guarendi seems to feel that the solution to consumerism is for Catholics to have less stuff, and take the money that's left over and give it to the Church.

Whenever I have a few extra bucks left over after all the bills have been paid I'll send it directly to the local "Pregnancy Care" or "Birthright". Sometimes I'll put it aside for disaster relief or send it to the local food bank.

I don't up my weekly contribution in the Church envelope, precisely because I have issues with the way some of it is spent.

[Conservative til I die]

Gee, how did I know you'd somehow find some issue with this article.