Term
| Naturalist view on consumerism |
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Definition
· A “natural” or at least logical philosophical outcome of Naturalism is that there is no meaning to anything—everything just is. Nihilism (the general rejection of any basis for moral or religious belief) is a term that describes the logical philosophical outcome of Naturalism.
· If there is no basis for right and wrong, and everything is meaningless anyway because it just is what it is, then there can be nothing wrong with figuring out a way to live life as selfishly and comfortably as possible. The pursuit and acquisition of “stuff” can “legitimately” become our purpose (that which has been anointed as the means to a “meaningful” and “significant” life). Indeed our culture and economic system teach us to continuously “need” more “stuff” in order to be truly happy or fulfilled. |
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Term
| supernaturalist view on consumerism |
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Definition
| · For “Super-naturalists” there is ultimate meaning and Christians believe that meaning is revealed by the Creator. Thus, for Christians, consumerism is a major challenge which is addressed in different ways through different Christian traditions reflecting differing Christ/Culture worldviews. |
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Term
| Christ and Culture Paradigms and Materialism |
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Definition
· Christ against Culture: Pursuit of Material goods is evil.
· Christ of Culture: Material Goods are God’s blessing.
· Christ above Culture = Material things are neutral they can lead someone away from God or they can help people feel closer to God.
· Christ/Culture Paradox = Material things are irrelevant. If you have them fine, if not, fine. Just be satisfied where you are. The important reality is spiritual and exists beyond this material world.
· Christ the transformer of culture = Material goods are useful only if they are used to bring God’s Kingdom to fulfillment. |
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Term
| McWorld coined by Benjamin Barber |
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Definition
| “…onrushing economic, technological, and ecological forces that demand integration and uniformity and that mesmerize peoples everywhere with fast music, fast computers, and fast food—MTV, Macintosh, and McDonald’s—pressing nations into one homogenous global theme park, one McWorld tied together by communication, information, entertainment and commerce” |
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Term
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Definition
| A theory that a continual increase in the consumption of goods is sound economically. |
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Term
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Definition
| A condition in which there is a deficiency of something, or one requiring relief or supply. |
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Term
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Definition
| A wish or desire for something; a craving. |
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Term
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Definition
| Worthless objects; refuse, junk, as well as things of value. |
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Term
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Definition
| being tied to a nation-state and loyal to it is far less important to McWorld than viewing people as a collection of individuals occupying a market segment. |
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Term
Membership in McWorld: It’s Virtually Unavoidable.
6 things |
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Definition
McWorld cares little for nation-states.
McWorld cares most about unfettered access to markets.
Citizenship—being tied to a nation-state and loyal to it is far less important to McWorld than viewing people as a collection of individuals occupying a market segment.
1. The consumption goal of McWorld is to tap into the
Psyche of individuals within a market segment and have each individual make an “independent (selfish)” choice to consume a McWorld product..
2. It is critical that the consumer stand up for their
Individual right to consume the products they desire for the lowest possible price with minimal government regulation or intervention.
3. Selfish independence, product loyalty, competition, and individual commitment to the market niche is crucial. |
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Term
| Consumers should not ask questions like: |
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Definition
Who made this?
What were they paid?
How was the environment affected in the production?
And worst of all: Why is it important that I have this stuff? |
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Term
Membership in McWorld: It’s Virtually Unavoidable.
3 more things |
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Definition
4. McWorld is threatened by the archaic notion of citizenship, honoring community traditions and values, environmental stewardship, collaboration and a commitment to the public good.
5. McWorld defends itself by promoting the myth that consumers are free and enjoy democratic choices as they consume.
6. What McWorld is reluctant to admit is that individual freedom is actually carefully manipulated as consumers are guided to choices that maximize consumption and profits. |
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Term
| McWorlds evolutionary path |
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Definition
From Body to Soul:
1. Real Hard Goods to
2. Soft Goods, to
3. Services, to
4. Information and Virtual Consumption |
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Term
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Definition
| Those which meet basic Maslowian needs like food, shelter, clothing, safety, etc. |
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Term
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Definition
| Goods which meet the soft “wants” rather than the “hard” needs. |
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Term
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Definition
a. Traditional Service Sector: Those who serve people directly with food, transportation, health, housing.
b. Systems Facilitation Sector: Those who serve the infrastructure like political, economic, and social systems that make modern society possible i.e. lawyers, teachers, bankers, computer operators, government, insurance, etc.
c. New Information Sector: Those who create and control the world of signs and symbols through which all information, communication, and entertainment are mediated i.e. movie makers, entertainers, media (news and information) moguls. |
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Term
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Definition
24/7 Advertisement for…the music industry-not to mention other product sponsors-commercials within the commercial that is the program.
Global transmitter (& homogenization?) of music culture.
Its job, the job of all media is to hold the view, so the viewer will continue to be exposed to the product message(s). |
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Term
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Definition
· Savor Freedom
· Disdain Authority
· Catalyzes Consumption
· Reinforces Identity
· Underscores Difference
· Flirts with Violence
· Makes a sport of Sex
· Celebrates Youth |
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Term
| Christians living in McWorld |
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Definition
A. The Gospel of Material Blessing (Christ of Culture)
Material Blessings from God are provided because…of the material
B. The Bible teaches against accumulated wealth (Christ against Culture)—OR
C. Market Capitalism is the only economic system a Christian should support (Christ the Transformer of Culture/Christ of Culture). OR
D. Scriptural teaching on economic matters is directed toward an ancient agricultural no-growth environment and economic system and therefore is not very relevant today (Christ of Culture). OR
E. The Christian’s primary task is to infiltrate the economic structures of the world and win them for Christ (Christ the transformer of Culture). |
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