Affluenza (overconsumption)

Introduction: What is “Affluenza”?

• Wikipdeia – general description of “affluenza.”
• affluenza.org (the Center for a New American Dream)
• (PBS resource page)
  Watch the one-hour video on-line at topdocumentaryfilms.com.

Resources for Group Study and Biblical/Theological Reflection

Since affluenza relates to economic practices, an appropriate place to begin a serious study is with basic biblical economics — then move to consideration of how to reconcile lifestyle choices and household practices with the biblical story.

• The pair of short books, The Biblical Vision of Sabbath Economics and Sabbath Economics: Household Practices are an excellent resource for an extended study group.
• The Biblical Jubilee and the Struggle for Life,
  by Ross Kinsler and Gloria Kinsler (1999) is also suitable for group study. Related resources are posted at the website of the Sabbath Economics Collaborative.

Curing Affluenza – Tony Campolo and Shane Claiborne

In the late 1990’s, Tony Campolo produced a six-part video series responding to affluenza which is still useful for group discussion. More recently Campolo and Shane Claiborne have released other resources related to affluenza and simple living.

• Curing Affluenza — series of six 25-minute videos featuring Tony Campolo.
  Purchase DVD set from EcuFilm ($99.95).
  
  Titles are:
  1. “Abundant life: What is it?”
  2. “Money: How poor does Jesus want us to be?”
  3. “Time: How much do I have to give away?”
  4. “Stuff: How much can I have?”
  5. “Support: What will help?”
  6. “Next: What do I do come Monday morning?

  [This series is also available from some church A/V lending libraries.]

• Discussion Guide for Tony Campolo video series (Luther Seminary, 2008).

• Simply Enough (DVD, 2007) — Campolo and Claiborne offer refreshing new insights toward responsible Christian action in the areas of lifestyle, food, celebrations, stuff, money and justice. Ideal for group or individual use – especially for young adults. Approximately 75 minutes long with bonus footage and a study/action guide. $15 from tonycampolo.org.
  Session Topics include:
  • Lifestyle: God’s Economy=Enough for Everyone, Are you living as Jesus Wants You to Live?, Will You Be a Merchant or an Angel?;
  • Food: Guerilla Gardening, It’s a Tomato!, Everyone’s Invited to the Party;
  • Celebrations: Expensive Weddings, Christmas Spending, Buy Nothing Day;
  • Stuff: American Dream? How many outfits do you really need? Fair trade and Capitalism;
  • Money: standard of living, relational tithing, living boldly;
  • Justice: spending time with the poor, Checkbook Charity, holding leaders accountable.