Saturday, July 21, 2007

Some good discussion

Fr. Jake and my California friend Richard have some terrific comments on consumerism, the mission of the Church, and related matters.
Fr. Jake being forceful:
Let me say it even more radically. I don't think church has much of anything to do with what people think they "want." I think it has everything to do with offering our praise and thanksgivings to God.

A snippet of Richard:
Another thought came to mind in response to Fr. Jake's reflection: we must be careful when we go out triumphant to slay the beast of consumerism. The culture of consumerism is not problematic because of human desire. The culture of consumerism is problematic because it often fills us up with falsehoods. It responds to real needs with illusory products: with candy rather than solid food, with emptiness rather than substance; and it nurtures greed rather than addressing the authentic desire that can build up and heal the human family.

Check them out by clicking on the links.

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