Can Religious People Have a Materialist Worldview?

It is a common question: can religious people believe in the materialist worldview? The short answer is yes, many can, especially when they integrate both material and immaterial aspects.

The Problematic Version of Materialism

Materialism, in its problematic forms, is often understood as reductive materialism, where everything is material, or promissory materialism, which suggests that science will solve all philosophical and technological problems in the future. It is also known as physicalism, where everything is physical. However, religious people, particularly Christians, often adopt a dualistic viewpoint, which acknowledges both material and immaterial aspects.

Religious People and Materialism

While religious people might believe in the existence of a spiritual or immaterial realm, they often coexist with a materialist perspective. This is evident in their understanding of the world and the interplay between the two realms. Matthew 19:24, which states, 'it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God,' does not negate the possibility of material wealth itself, but rather implies a critique of the materialistic mindset that can dominate one's life.

Material Wealth and Religious Leaders

Many prominent religious figures have been criticized for their perceived materialism. Despite the Bible's emphasis on simplicity and humility, some pastors and religious leaders openly live in luxury. Here are a few examples:

Kenneth Copeland: Upper-class private jet, a Gulfstream V Jesse Duplantis: Dassault Falcon 7X Jerry Savelle: Cessna 500 Joyce Meyer: Gulfstream IV Creflo A. Dollar: Gulfstream III Joel Osteen: Airbus A319 Paul and Jan Crouch: Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Pat Robertson: Learjet 35 Mark Barclay: Cessna Citation III

The justification often cited by these figures is that such wealth is a blessing from God and serves a divine purpose. Some believe that such luxuries are necessary given the spiritual and logistical demands of their ministries. However, this view raises questions about the true nature of religious leadership and its alignment with scriptural teachings on simplicity and faith.

Materialism and the Christian Faith

Christians can embrace materialism, but it often requires a significant internal compromise with the traditional attributes of deity. For instance, the belief in a deity that is eternal and omnipotent might need to be reconciled with a materialist stance that posits matter as the primary substance of reality. The Christian response to materialism is not to reject it, but to integrate it with a deeper understanding of spiritual and moral values.

Examples from Scripture

The phrase 'the things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are not seen are eternal' (2 Corinthians 4:18) is often cited as a counter to excessive materialism. This verse emphasizes the importance of spiritual values over material wealth. Therefore, a balanced worldview is one that values spiritual fulfillment, but does not negate the worth of material possessions when they serve a greater purpose.

The apostle Paul provides a poignant example in 1 Thessalonians 4:10: 'To encourage one another and to help each other, just as you are doing.' This shows that even in a materialist worldview, the community plays a vital role in supporting one another and fostering a sense of belonging. Material wealth can be a tool for blessing others and spreading the gospel, much like the story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:21-22.

Conclusion

The integration of material and immaterial perspectives is a complex issue. Religious people can have a materialist worldview, but it requires a nuanced understanding that respects the intricate relationships between the physical and the spiritual. This integration allows for a more holistic and balanced approach to faith and life.