Chapter 4 Money and Possessions Happiness is Not

Chapter 4: Money and Possessions: Happiness is Not for Sale

n Why does our society have such a fascination with wealth? n Society has a fascination of wealth – TV Shows – Clothing – Inventory n What role do money and possessions play in your life?

On Loose-leaf n You have just won 2 million dollars from the New York State Lottery. Make a detailed list of the things you will buy and how you spend the money. n Write a reflection about how it would make you feel to have this money or these things and why.

Common Attitudes Toward Money n Money gives freedom – Buy anything we want – Go anywhere we want n Money brings security – Hold on tightly – Fret about it – Manage it n Money as a way to solve problems – Makes everyone happy n Money as a necessary means – We are not possessed by money – Kept in its place not before other values

n Deciding the role money and possessions will play in our life has a huge impact on the lifestyle we create for ourselves. n Tells who we are and what we value

Enough vs. Excess n What do we need money for? n What are the basic necessities are required for living? n Do these same necessities constitutes a dignified life? Survival needs vs. Thrival needs n Are people satisfied with simply these needs being taken care of? n

Discretionary Income n Income over and above what will cover necessities n Why do people want a greater discretionary income? n Does money buy happiness?

3 Illusions about Money and Possessions

How do we confuse wants with needs? n Make a list of the things that you want in your life right now? n Put a star by the things you need n Put an x by the things you want n Take a look at the list of your wants – Can these wants ever be satisfied? – Greed can never be satisfied

Cry for Soul Food n Our need and want for more and more comes from our soul needs n We need nourishment for our starving spirits n Material possessions can never fill the void n Only our relationship with God

Questions to Consider n Do I equate money or possessions with happiness? n Do I harbor the belief that if I only had a certain amount of money or certain things, I would be happy? n Do I turn to buying things when I feel restless or unsatisfied?

How do we confuse social image with self worth? n Why do people carry Coach purses or wear name brand clothes? n Judge ourselves and others by status items n If we equate self worth with socially approved consumer items we will always feel less than adequate

n Our perception of our own value will depend on exterior things instead of the belief that we are essentially good and worthwhile n Created in God’s image and loved by God as we are

Questions to Consider n Have I ever told myself, even subconsciously things like, “I’d really be attractive or popular if I had…” n Do I judge other people’s value on what they have or how much they spend? n Do I get a rush when I buy an item that I know will make me the envy of my friends?

Confusing Spending with Freedom n Freedom of choice n Deeper meaning: ability to reflect, ponder, question, decide and act responsibly n Compulsive spending n The credit card trap n Gambling

The Christian Approach n St. Paul tells us: – “We brought nothing into the world, so will take nothing out of it. ” n Wealth gives us a false sense of security n Only true sense of security is found in God

Freedom from Slavery “No one can serve two masters…” n Economic Justice for All: Catholic Social Teaching and the U. S. Economy n – Different kind of freedom then freedom to buy How do we become enslaved by wealth? n How do we serve it as a master? n

New Attitude Toward Ownership “Whatever belongs to God belongs to all. ” n What does this mean about personal property? n – – – Right to private property is not an absolute right Lent to us by God Cannot use possessions in ways that hurt others and the world How do you feel about this notion? n Accumulation of wealth and resources by a minority of the world’s population betrays the gift of creation n

Christian Attitude Toward Ownership Characterized by n Sharing: – Fair balance: giving so people can live with dignity – Those who have much do not have too much, those with little do not have too little – Don’t give so much that you despair – Give freely and cheerfully n When was a time you shared? Why did you share? How did it feel?

Simplicity Live close enough to the limits of resources that we can rely on God’s love for us n Having just enough to not push you to either extreme n “Live simply so others may simply live. ” n If you decided to simplify your life how would you do it? n – What would you give away? – What would you keep? – What ways could you have fun without spending money?

Equality All persons in God’s sight n No class distinctions between Christians n Live by the principle love our neighbors as we love ourselves n

Four Guidelines n Celebrate the Creators Gift: – Life is a gift to be celebrated and cherished not possessed and hoarded n Remain Free – Cant be taken in by materialism – Love ourselves where we are n Share Generously and Freely – God promises blessings to those who give to neighbors n Live Simply – Consume only what we need

Four Guidelines on Ownership n Brainstorm specific ways to implement the guideline in the lives of people your age. n Shape the ideas for their guideline into ten concrete behaviors for Christian ownership. Each statement should be in a complete sentence.