Essay On Money And Consumerism

The purpose of this essay, as I understand it, is to examine arguments about the role of religion and money or consumerism for individuals and societies: Does religious belief make people happy or happier than they would be otherwise? What type of happiness does religious belief create for individuals in contrast to a consumerist life? And can money and consumerism be a real substitute for religious belief in a modern and secular world?

The Oxford English Dictionary defines happiness as: ‘feeling or showing pleasure or contentment’. The etymology of the word happiness comes from the word ‘hap’ from Old Norse and Old English meaning luck or chance. Today by contrast we think of happiness as something we actively create for ourselves and other

For example, the Bible teaches that: ‘Happy are those who consider the poor’ (Psalm 41:1), and ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”. That is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself”. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments’ (Matthew 22:37-40). A further example of duty to Allah from the Quran is: ‘And never say of anything, “Indeed, I will do that tomorrow,” except [when adding], “If Allah wills.”’ (Surbat al Kahf 18:23). These quotes illustrate that happiness comes from thinking about others and worshiping and loving God. However, non-religious people can have similar values (e.g. compassion, selfless giving, gratitude and courage) without messages from the Bible or other religious books. Moreover, consumerism can be an expression of kindness and consideration through the act of giving. For example, in many Asian countries including Japan and China, it is a common practice to give and receive gifts. This practice is understood as an important part of the culture which emphasises relationships with others and an important way of sustaining a community and