Materialism is a very good thing to look at, but I will still say that my religious beliefs warn me about the abuses of materialism. So I would look at it in this fashion. My religious beliefs are the guard dog keeping materialism (and satan's other temptations) at bay. That does not mean that I will not fall for some things, but it means that my religious beliefs have warned me. So it is up to me to choose. But with out God then the young people do not have that advantage and thus may (and often will) fall for what society is throwing at them.

>Hi Brett,
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>I don't want to get into a discussion about religion, but rather simply offer a possible alternate cause for society's downward trend.
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>I think it is CLEARLY materialism - the pursuit of the almight buck!
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>America in particular (with Canada almost on a par) has marketing/advertising/promotion as a pillar of business and economics, making CONSUMPTION the mantra. Gotta have it, and gotta have it NOW!
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>
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>So how can you possibly blame someone, especially a younger person, for following what society is constantly pushing at them.
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>So wouldn't it be a good first step to have the politicians and the business owners/shareholders to first get religion themselves, rather than pretending they are deep into it while all the while keeeping right on doing what they do?????
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>George Bush was just attending a memorial Church service.
>It's too bad that he talks religious but his actions tell us all that it is all phoney and done with the objective of making the rich richer regardless the impact.
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You are implying then that President Bush does not care about anyone, but only seeks to gain money from his presidency? Since you or I do not know his heart, that is a pretty bold statement. A statment that I for one do not agree with, but please lets not debate this. You need to debate President Bush about his action or perceived actions.