Materialism is a philosophical theory that matter is the only substance, and reality and everything else — thought, emotions, intellect, and existence — are explained in terms of physical phenomena on matter. Do not confuse materialism with stuff-ism — the constant acquisition of possessions — see # 9.
According to a few "really smart people," there is no supernatural God. These intellectual elites claim that life on our planet came about by a complex convergence of matter over an extended period (eons) of time with the help of natural law. The elites assert that human beings are just like everything else in the cosmos: material objects without ego or soul or any eternal or spiritual nature.
This sense of a godless world results in the notion that the highest value in life is the collection of worldly possessions. They assume the "matter" of the human body will one day return to the form of matter from which it developed. Materialists deny any sense of transcendence, have no sensitivity for a suffering world, and enjoy no anticipation of eternity. Because materialism denies both deities and souls' existence, it is irreconcilable with Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Godless materialism has even more problems. It has no explanation for the appearance, abundance, and variety of life which is something not yet found on any other planet in the universe. Also, it can't explain consciousness (self-awareness), cognition (reasoning, intellect, the act of knowing, etc.), inspiration (vision, creativity, etc.), apprehension (distrust, fear, worry, panic, etc.), or affection (friendship, passion, tenderness, love, etc.).
The consequences of materialism are many and not very noble.
Consider —
Materialism leaves its disciples empty of purpose, devoid of meaning, and unrestrained by any force beyond self-defined morality: no law but natural law, no need for kindheartedness, no god but self. The ideas of materialists are not supported by serious scientific data but advocated by their faith alone.
Materialism is a most despairing worldview; it portends life without joy and death without hope.
The materialist's denial of the God of all creation reveals blindness to the obvious. The Psalmist wrote, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." Psalm 19:1 (ESV). Abraham Lincoln agreed: "I cannot imagine anyone looking at the sky and denying God."
The great theologian, R.C. Sproul. observed, "As the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, so the denial of God is the height of foolishness."
If you are hooked by materialism, if you believe your few short decades on earth is all there is, you are treading on dangerous ground. Why? Because the denial of God has eternal consequences — Jesus said, "But the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God." Luke 12:9 (ESV)
What to do? Realize you have been hoodwinked. Here is the truth: You have cognition and the ability to reason. You are capable of clear thoughts and scientific exploration. God made you in his image. He created you to think, meditate, laugh, love, and commune with others. He has put heaven in your heart, so "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (Col 3:2 NIV). "Do not love the world or anything in the world." 1 John 2:15
Ron Ross is an author, publisher, speaker, and co-founder of PowerfulSeniors.com. He lives in Loveland, Colo, USA