Quote:
Originally Posted by RT Wolf  How do you reconcile spirituality and the pursuit of betterment of others and everyone with materialistic pursuits such as, say, getting an Aston Martin? |
I agree with Steve Pavlina but would word it a little more carefully than he did. There is no
inherent conflict between wealth and spirituality, but there
can be, and it is not just a construct of your mind.
I regard wealth not as a hindrance to spirituality, but as a test. Wealth, if you regard it as something other than a tool to accomplish the goals guided by your spirituality, can be a distraction. For example people say, "So-and-so has more money than sense". If money isn't scarce, then it affords you the opportunity to experiment -- to afford failure. But, it also affords you the opportunity to screw around and waste time, or to insulate yourself from the consequences of witless or careless or self-indulgent actions.
So the effective and ethical uses of wealth, guided by your spirituality: good. The ungrateful, self-indulgent uses of wealth, guided by your whims: bad.
I regard wealth as a responsibility -- a specific kind of responsibility known as a stewardship. If god as you conceive him has provided you with wealth, be grateful for it and use it responsibly.
--Bob