Contemporary Morality: Basic Questions

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Those who live a Christian life have been asked to be disciples of God. But what does this really mean? How does one live out the life of discipleship? How do we balance our wants and our needs? How do we live with “an eye to others”? These are questions that one must consider today in a world very different from biblical times. Discipleship is “a traditional term for those who seek to hear the call of God revealed in Jesus” (Lamoureux & Wadell 21). The way in which one hears and responds to this call determines the duty and justice that guides how he/she follows the word of Jesus and forms one's devotion to discipleship. Discipleship is summarized in three simple demands: receive the gift of invitation; overcome fear with trust in God's call to move out of one's self toward others; and, respond according to the needs and circumstances of the time. In the book, The Christian Moral Life, we learn that “the life of discipleship begins with the gracious invitation of God to embark on an exciting but perilous adventure leading to fullness of life” (20). Santiago's encounter with the alchemist teaches a valuable lesson about wants and needs. Santiago set out on a journey to discover and unbury a secret wealth, which he presumes is buried riches. However, after a 'rigorous' voyage to the pyramids in Egypt, he realizes that the wealth he receives is not monetary. Instead, he is rich with self-discovery and exploration. This brings him, as a disciple, to the next stage of discipleship which is to live in the right relationship with others, beyond himself and God. Finally, it is evident that he is God's instrument on Earth to respond to the needs of others.

Regarding David and Nancy’s family dilemma, it is excessive to build or buy the cabin in the woods when one is living outside the boundaries of both 'rigorous discipleship' and 'responsible consumption'.    When one is not following at least one of these two normative traditions, then he/she is living excessively outside the life of discipleship. The fact that they are consuming in a responsible manner justifies the purchase of land and building of the log cabin. They honor their commitment to being disciples of Jesus through David’s service to those less fortunate and Nancy’s service to her children’s school. They do not live in excess and are not looking to make financial gains through this new home. They have even gone so far as to find economic and environmentally friendly products to build this new home. David and Nancy are hard working individuals who live a strong Christian life. They have consulted with their local pastor and all those that will be affected by this decision. As much as they may feel that they are living in excess, if you have the means to do so, once in a while you must treat yourself to a gift. With that said, it is important for David and Nancy to determine their commitments and limits through a give and take system. A moral Christian will give more than he/she takes. Setting a financial budget and a time budget annually will help balance the obligations to one's discipleship. This will help clarify one's contributions and reduce one's guilt associated with consumption. In this case, both husband and wife give more of themselves than they will be receiving in building this home. They can use their new home to serve others by inviting others into their home and maybe even offering it as a place for a community retreat in the future for their Church. They give to those that need help and listen to the call of God. They are true examples of disciples of Jesus.

It is important to consider the times and circumstances when considering responsible consumption because these components help define the boundary of discipleship. Growing up in a family with comfortable financial means and a consistent eye on responsibility for helping those less fortunate, I can relate to David and Nancy's struggle to determine if they are living in excess or simply living and enjoying life. Last summer, I had the opportunity to travel to a very underprivileged part of northern Brazil (Arara). I lived in community with a family of 12 people (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, 4 children, and 4 cousins) who resided in a small two-bedroom shack, with no electricity, no running water, and only 2 beds. I was in awe of the simplicity of their life style. I thought about my home where my family of six lives comfortably in house with multiple bedrooms and bathroom, heat/air-conditioning, more electronics than necessary. Now, I wonder how many people in the United States live in excess without a conscience of responsible consumption. Clearly, there is a big difference between what my Brazilian friends would consider excessive and what my acquaintances in the United States consider excessive, or necessary for that matter.   How simple must we live our lives? Do we all need to go as far as the Jesuit priest go and take a vow of poverty? That seems a little bit extreme to me. Evidently, discipleship is a relative status depending on factors such as time and circumstances.