Dr Alastair McIntosh addressed the topic, “Money, Consumerism and the Spirituality of Our Times”, at Eco-Congregation Ireland’s inaugural conference.
He highlighted how consumerism feeds off our insecurities, creating a sense of inadequacy and shame, which only increases our desire for more.
“Capitalism is control of the economy via capital,” he said, “And whenever we move money from one account to another, or seek the lowest price for a product, we are all feeding the competitive spirit that comprises capitalism as distinct from the alternative, which would be a co-operative society of mutuality.”
You can read an outline of his talk here – ‘Money, Consumerism and the Spirituality of Our Times’
Dr McIntosh is Fellow of the Centre for Human Ecology, Glasgow, Honorary Fellow of the Schumacher Society and Visiting Professor of Human Ecology at the University of Strathclyde. His books include Soil and Soul; Hell and High Water; and Rekindling Community: Connecting People, Environment and Spirituality.