The Ecological of economism and Consumerism
In the light of the call made to African nations by Pope Benedict XVI, during his visit to Benin Republic, not to yield to market forces in their quest for development, this article examines the notion of human labour, that is, the biblical injunction that human beings should fend for themselves through the work of their hands. The Genesis account of creation presents work as part of human definition and not merely as a means of amassing wealth. However, the contemporary definition of the human person, influenced by the anthropology of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, has led to a materialistic understanding of human work. This has given rise to the twin evils of economism and consumerism as well as a distorted understanding of globalization and urbanization. It is time we reflect on the ecological impact of these evils especially in Africa given the many ecological problems that bedevil the continent. Although the focus of this article is not limited to the Nigerian situation it nonetheless mirrors what the country is going through.
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