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6. The market culture celebrates wealth-generated consumerism rather than simplicity. This present market culture encourages people to become consumers who place much of their intrinsic worth on their ability to purchase items for pleasure whenever they want. Many have even taught that one of the primary proofs of faith is the ability to live opulent lives and be financially prosperous.
The biblical emphasis for the Christian is stewardship of the Earth's resources, rather than consuming them for pleasure. The cultural mandate in Genesis 1:28 teaches us that God expected Adam to steward the created order, not consume it or destroy it for selfish pleasure.
7. The market culture glorifies human ability above creature dependency. The market-driven culture is the grandchild of the 19th-century philosophy of human progress with its false belief that human ingenuity and scientific progress would bring a utopia to this world. The 20th century blew that theory apart as humans demonstrated that the more technologically advanced they became, the closer they came to destroying one another and annihilating the Earth. World Wars I and II witnessed the killing of millions of people, and the advent of the atomic bomb has made it possible for the whole world to be destroyed many times over.
On the other hand, biblical Christianity teaches us that the human heart is inherently wicked, and those who trust in fleshly wisdom and strength instead of on the Lord will not be blessed on the Earth (Jer. 17:5-10).
Joseph Mattera is overseeing bishop of Resurrection Church, Christ Covenant Coalition, in Brooklyn, New York.
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