The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing
Edmund Burke[1], is quoted attributing the triumph of evil to the inaction of good men. For any thing good to happen or for evil to be defeated, it takes a good man to take responsibility to do something to change the situation, rather than being a passive observer. Miller[2]in writing about consumerism, takes the bold step to actively highlight this culture that significantly affects religion but which contemporary theology is silent about. Miller in the survey of scholarly literature in over a period close to a century is shocked at the paucity of any serious theoretical work on consumerism. He is bold to analyze the consumer culture and the commodification of religion, showing how the current culture has corrupted Christianity. He however goes ahead to suggest how religious tradition should be used to counter consumerism.
Consumerism which is the product of extreme capitalism, is the theory that an increasing consumption of goods is economically desirable. It’s also an inclination towards buying of consumer goods. Miller argues that consumerism is not just about behavioral “excesses” but rather it is a pervasive worldview that affects our construction as person, what motivates us, how we relate to others, to culture and to religion[3]. This culture has so pervaded the societal values to the extent that people have commodities religion instead of put it into practice. It is not uncommon to use popular religious phrases on t-shirts that sold for commercial purposes instead of being applied to transform individuals. Today, the same way advertisement for consumer goods is done in the media is the same way the churches will advertise giving of tithes in the church. It is in the same spirit that the prosperity Gospel has flourished in this consumerism culture that has been sneaked into the church. In many churches today and in the same spirit of consumerism, people are manipulated to give money using scripture but in such way that is openly commodification of such scripture for the gain of such churches leaders.
The consumerism culture has reflected in the competitive spirit of having big congregations in churches that gives more financial resources for the churches, which are however towards consumerism as opposed to pursuit of religious purposes. It is very unfortunate that the innocent and gullible church goers are taken advantage of and manipulated to give generously because one is valued or judged on how much you give. It is so clear that the prosperity gospel is fueled by consumerism and unfortunately affects the poor in society who, are manipulated to give “seed” in order to prosper. Religious traditions like giving voluntarily out of conviction and cheerfully, have been eroded over time because of the influence of the consumerism culture in the church.
It would help if the truth that the word of God would be used rightly to counter the negative effects of consumerism. The Bible is full of financial knowledge that can help the clergy to educate the church members on how to successfully manage their personal/business finances and avoid irresponsible purchase of consumers goods. As I reflect on this book, I see the opportunity to confront the issue consumerism by researching on ways to equip the clergy and other lay leaders in church, with biblically based financial literacy, who can use the same to educate the church members and economically empower others as a tool of evangelism.
[1]Burke, Edmund: Reflections on The Revolution in France: And on The Proceedings in Certain Societies in London Relative to That Event. In a Letter intended to have been sent to a gentleman in Paris. By the right Honorable Edmund Burke. The seventh Edition. London: Printed for J. Dodsley, 1790.
[2]Miller, Vincent J. Consuming Religion: Christian Faith and Practice in a Consumer Culture. Vincent J Miller. Continuum Intl. Publishing Group. London. November 1, 2003.
[3]Ibid…
About the Author
Wallace Kamau
Wallace is a believer in Christ, Married to Mary Kamau (Founder and Executive Director of Missions of Hope International) and father to 3 Wonderful children, Imani Kamau (Graduate student at London School of Economics, UK), Victory Kamau (Undergraduate student at Portland state University, Oregon, USA) and David Kamau ( Grade student at Rosslyn Academy). Founder and Director, Missions of Hope International (www.mohiafrica.org), CPA, BAchelor of Commerce (Accounting) from University of Nairobi, Masters of Arts (Leadership) from Pan African Christian University.5 responses to “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”
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Thank you, Wallace. I have also seen the prosperity Gospel and its effects on its adherents. I am curious – is this a strong movement where you are at? And in Africa, in general? I have thought often about what Dr. Jason Clark said while we were in HK – that anytime you add another word to ‘church’ (or in this case, ‘gospel’) that the additional word becomes stronger and more emphasized than church. He used the ‘pub church’ as his example. And I think it applies to the ‘prosperity gospel’. We know Scripture teachings the principle of sowing and reaping but when this and a few other Scriptures are over-emphasized, it becomes dangerous. Blessings to you!
Thank you Andrea, that’s an interesting observation as Dr. Jason Clark made, that any time you add another word to ‘church’ or to ‘gospel’ in this case, the emphasis goes to that additional word. It’s very true in most cases and prosperity gospel is prevalent in our country and indeed across Africa. Someone made a interesting comment that ‘when America sneezes, the whole world gets a cold’, whatever happens in the US, soon finds its way across the globe sooner than later. It’s for us to highlight and research on these issues that affect the church just like Miller took the bold step to write about the consumerism culture,
Wallace, this book did make me think of you and your research. Using the Bible to teach financial literacy is right on point and a solid way to combat consumerism. Thank God for the work you are doing. I am sure it will be used globally to help the church.
Thank you, Wallace. I am interested in how you can use your research to address the corruption that creeps in behind the prosperity gospel propagation. I recently cleaned out my 92 year old mother’s home and found an enormous amount of products she had purchased through television evangelists that prey on the elderly. There were radiation removing water bottles, dehydrated food and oil lamps all for the purpose of saving her if a catastrophe happens. Being of the generation of the Great Depression in America, she lives in perpetual fear of not having enough and of wars and disasters. These television personalities are using fear to produce consumption by promising safety, security and prosperity if people send them money. How does the prosperity gospel affect believers in Africa?
Wallace, I appreciate you shedding light on the prosperity gospel from your perspective. While the Vineyard is a charismatic movement, it’s non-hype approach to engaging worship and the Holy Spirit tends to preclude the manipulation of Scripture and people for the purpose of response (including financial manipulation). However, my pentecostal faith journey unfortunately has observed much of what you have described. It is an extremely toxic golden calf to couple individual financial sacrifice with proofs of Gods blessings. Your research and your influence are so needed in our global church.