Understanding the Times: Consumerism
Does what we consume give us life?
Summary: Consumption is part of human life and can be a gift of God. But as a worldview, consumerism distorts this truth by promising fulfillment through endless acquisition. Christians must contend with this counterfeit story by practicing gratitude, simplicity, and generosity, mindful that our deepest hunger is for God.
What is the movement?
Creationally speaking, consumption is part of life. God created a world of abundance and goodness for us to receive, enjoy, and share. Scripture affirms that creation is good and meant to be received with thanksgiving (1 Tim. 4:4). But in modern society, consumption has been elevated into a way of life. Thinkers like Adam Smith celebrated material prosperity as the driver of human progress. In the twentieth century, advertisers such as Edward Bernays, often called the father of public relations, perfected the art of turning desire into demand, persuading people that happiness depends on what they purchase. Out of these cultural forces, consumerism emerged as a worldview: life’s meaning is found in acquiring more.
How does it intersect with Christianity?
When this logic seeps into discipleship, the church risks becoming another marketplace. Worship is judged by atmosphere and performative excellence, sermons by their inspirational effect, and community by how well it meets personal needs. The Gospel Coalition describes consumerism as a false god with its own “commandments” of comfort and self-fulfillment. Skye Jethani calls this the “divine commodity,” where Christianity is packaged for spiritual consumption while avoiding the costly transformation of following Jesus. Without spiritual vigilance, consumerism reshapes faith itself, reducing belief to a matter of personal preference (i.e. “my” truth).
How do we contend faithfully?
Ecclesiastes offers a sobering test case. Solomon accumulated wisdom, wealth, pleasure, and power, yet concluded it was all hevel, vapor, unable to satisfy. Even if we “won” the consumerism game, we would still lose, because the soul’s hunger is not for things but for God. Jesus said it bluntly: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36)
Christians must challenge consumerism by reorienting desire: gratitude that receives life as gift, simplicity that resists endless accumulation, and generosity that reflects God’s self-giving love. In Christ, fulfillment is not found in acquiring more but learning contentment as we abide in and enjoy the One who is enough.
