What does it mean to 'desire'? (Satan, God, divine)

[cardero]

Sunstone writes: But I'm confused by this talk of "materialistic". Is there really any moral difference between materialistic desire and non-materialistic desire? Is there any moral difference between a desire for money (materialistic) and a desire for fame (non-materialistic)?

I do not think that GOD has anything (morally or immorally) against materialistic desires it is just that it really isn't necessary to enJOY life. The basics (clothes, food, shelter) makes us keep things simple.

Like Hope mentioned there are many people who in their claim to fame have had trouble dealing not only with their fame but with their materialistic lives. If you can keep it in perspective and manage it realistically materialistic values do not have to rule/engulf your life.

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by carrdero

I do not think that GOD has anything (morally or immorally) against materialistic desires it is just that it really isn't necessary to enJOY life. The basics (clothes, food, shelter) makes us keep things simple.

Like Hope mentioned there are many people who in their claim to fame have had trouble dealing not only with their fame but with their materialistic lives. If you can keep it in perspective and manage it realistically materialistic values do not have to rule/engulf your life.

Thanks for the clarification re material and non-material objects of desire.

When you speak of "keeping things simple", I think you hint at an interesting conflict: We live in a consumer society that seems mostly at odds with "keeping things simple". Every day, we are bombarded with advertising encouraging us to desire more and more. What do you think of our consumer society, and do you see it as a major hurdle to "keeping things simple"?

[Hope]

Definitely! It seems the more options there are, the more we want, and the less we are satisfied with what we truly need. It saddens me how consumeristic our western culture has become. I think if we were put in the shoes of people from third-world countries, it would help open our eyes to how much we truly have, and how much of what we have we really don't need.

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by Hope

Definitely! It seems the more options there are, the more we want, and the less we are satisfied with what we truly need. It saddens me how consumeristic our western culture has become. I think if we were put in the shoes of people from third-world countries, it would help open our eyes to how much we truly have, and how much of what we have we really don't need.

I think our consumerist culture is spreading to the third world. Take a look at China and India!

[cardero]

Sunstone writes: We live in a consumer society that seems mostly at odds with "keeping things simple".



We also live in a society that seems to encourage too much opportunity. I do not think we need to have 42 different laundry detergents to choose from. Formulate the best detergent and I will be happy to buy that. Also does it really matter if we have 726 car models to choose from? Just make a few cars that drive well, are efficient on gas and last a long time.



Sunstone writes: Every day, we are bombarded with advertising encouraging us to desire more and more. What do you think of our consumer society, and do you see it as a major hurdle to "keeping things simple"?



I think it is more of a decision to work “within our means”. Advertisers can promote/bombard/advertise all they want if I cannot afford it I cannot obtain it. Some people lose focus of this and that is usually where the trouble begins. Even for people who are “better off” or are considered wealthy at one point look around their lives and wonder “what do I need with all this stuff”.



By the way sunstone I like your signature.

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by carrdero

By the way sunstone I like your signature.

Thank you. I'll repeat it here in case I change it: "There is no god higher than truth." -- Mahatama Ghandi

Do you see a conflict between consumerism and sprituality?

[Ceridwen018]

We all know what your plans would be: you'd throw that knight to the ground and ride off with the horse.

Maybe not throw...I don't want to hurt him--I need someone to muck the stalls!

Another horsewoman! That's fabulous, Hope!

We also live in a society that seems to encourage too much opportunity. I do not think we need to have 42 different laundry detergents to choose from. Formulate the best detergent and I will be happy to buy that. Also does it really matter if we have 726 car models to choose from? Just make a few cars that drive well, are efficient on gas and last a long time.

We may not need it, but why not?

[cardero]

Sunstone writes: Do you see a conflict between consumerism and sprituality?

I see many conflicts with spirituality

Politics and spirituality

Biblical doctrine and spirituality

Law and spirituality

TRUTH and spirituality-which is why I like your signature

As far as consumerism and spirituality and think anytime you lean your attention towards the materialistic (physical) you take a little away from the spiritual. You can get it (spirituality) back you just have to manage your perspective.