Materialism, nature of

The attitude to life that places particular emphasis on immediate, physical values rather than on future, spiritual ones or that regards the material world as the only reality.

The basic features of materialism

An attitude of godlessness

Psalm 14:1–2 parallel Psalm 53:1–2 See also Job 35:9–10; Psalm 10:4, Psalm 10:11; Ecclesiastes 1:1–11; Luke 12:13–19; Romans 1:20–22

For the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God.

A denial of the resurrection

Matthew 22:23 See also Ecclesiastes 4:1–3, Ecclesiastes 9:3–6; Acts 4:1–2, Acts 23:6–8; 1 Corinthians 15:12–17; 2 Timothy 2:17–19

That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him.

Desire for wealth and physical gratification

1 Corinthians 15:32 See also Ecclesiastes 2:4–9, Ecclesiastes 9:7–10; Matthew 6:19–24

If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”

Materialism condemned

Psalm 52:7 See also Job 22:4–11, Job 31:25–28; Psalm 49:10; Proverbs 18:11, Proverbs 23:5; Ecclesiastes 5:10; Matthew 16:26; Luke 12:23–25, Luke 21:34; James 5:1–3

“Look at the man who did not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his wealth and strengthened himself by destruction.”