Consumerism: A New Religion?

In a world with seven billion people and counting, everyone is looking to find their identity. Whether that entails immersing oneself in culture, sticking with a group that one identifies with, or partaking in meaningful ventures, mankind’s destined purpose is to find themselves. Throughout history, humans have always turned to a higher being for answers and guidance to form their identity. In the ancient Egyptian and Mayan civilizations, the people sought out spiritual identity from higher beings like the sun or their ancestors. In the Colonial time periods, the masses turned to Christianity, be it Catholicism, Protestantism, etc, to guide their way of life. In today’s society, while religion is still prominent, many people express their identity through material items. People rely on clothing, jewelry, houses, and other consumer products to help define who they are and personalize their life. Many religions have touched on the idea of consumerism and material possession. As I researched the relationship between the two, I began to realize that consumerism and religion have many conflicting ideas. While different religions have varying outlooks and ways they affect consumerism, nowadays consumerism has become a culture and “new religion” of its own.

I began to realize that consumerism and religion have many conflicting ideas.

The foundation of many of the world’s religions is to lead a simple and minimal life. Modern day consumerism directly contrasts this idea because today’s consumer market revolves around a constant cycle of buying. The four seasons of fashion have now turned into 52 seasons. Companies release new items to market on a weekly and sometimes daily basis. Also, many developed and even developing countries are over-consuming and buying outside their needed amount to survive. Consumerism has become a culture of its own. Shopping has become a very popular pastime in many countries, and consumer fads like brand names and trends have only increased this seemingly harmless hobby. I discussed this trend with a pastor at my university’s student Baptist center. He provided me with some interesting insight into the idea of the conflicting views of religion and consumerism - particularly Christianity. Raised a Baptist Christian, he states that the central idea of this faith was to “keep Jesus in [his] thoughts with everything [he did].” He basically stated that Christianity focuses on having its followers have the religion as the basis and foundation for their existence. The conflict comes in because in modern day society “our identity is now constructed by the clothes we wear, the vehicles we drive, and the music on our iPod. In short, we are what we consume”. This explains why shopping is the number one leisure activity of Americans. It occupies a role in society that once belonged only to religion - the power to give meaning and construct identity. He revealed that he touched on this subject years back, stating that today’s generation cares more about buying goods and keeping up with the fads, then they do about religion.

Our identity is now constructed by the clothes we wear, the vehicles we drive, and the music on our iPod. In short, we are what we consume

Different religions have different effects and views on consumerism. In Islam, there are strict religious limitations on many industries that are rather lucrative. For example, drinking alcohol and eating pork are considered “haram” or a sin in Islam. These two industries are very consumer heavy and have a heavy ecological footprint. There are also other religious commandments in Islam that set boundaries on consumerism, like restrictions on gambling and the importance of modesty. All these religious factors can influence how it’s followers buy products and contribute to their economies, however, it doesn’t have as strong of an effect as it used to when religion was a more prominent factor in society.

As the pastor and I spoke more, we discussed consumerism in Eastern religions. He explained that Eastern religions are usually more philosophy based and center around the idea of finding inner enlightenment, rather than focusing on the idea of one God completely. The way Eastern religions influence consumerism is by touching on the idea of desire. For example in Buddhism, the central idea is “desire is the root cause of all evil.” Desire is said to be the cause for all suffering, and in today’s society desire can often translate to desire for material possessions. Similarly, in Hinduism, there is a high importance on leading a simple life in order to reach the Moksha - the final stage of reincarnation - in order to attain ultimate enlightenment. With all this emphasis on living within one’s means and a simple life - being happy with one’s current life rather than because of one’s current possessions The countries where these religions are prevalent experience high production rates. Even though these high production rates are because these countries are producing for the developed countries, the Eastern countries are substantially growing in their consumption rates as well. Western culture and economic demands are outweighing religious principles, making over-consuming a worldwide trend. This further proves the idea that consumerism is becoming a “new religion” in itself.

Consumerism has become a culture. A culture with ecological, social, and economic implications

Consumerism has become a culture. A culture with ecological, social, and economic implications. Consumerism has become a culture that religion can no longer control. The western ideals of producing and buying at astronomical rates began with the dawn of the Industrial Revolution and has only continued to grow exponentially. This culture has infiltrated in society and has overtaken its religious counterparts. Modern consumerism is now a religion of its own.