Catholic vs. Consumerism

Consumerism promotes endless acquisition and consumption, but Catholic teaching offers a counter-vision rooted in restraint, community, and care for creation. In this talk, Brother Steve DeMaio of Studium Theologicum Salesianum outlines five key Catholic principles — the “Five S’s” — that offer a framework for living a more sustainable, less consumption-driven life: Simplicity (embracing a modest, uncluttered way of life), Synodality (walking together in shared discernment and community decision-making), Solidarity (standing with the poor and vulnerable, including future generations affected by environmental harm), Subsidiarity (empowering local communities to make decisions close to where their impact is felt), and Sacrifice (willingly giving up comfort or convenience for the greater good of others and the planet).

Together, these principles challenge the consumerist mindset by grounding sustainability in spiritual discipline and communal responsibility rather than individual accumulation. This talk was recorded at the 2019 Interfaith Seminary Symposium on Ecological Behavior in Jerusalem, a gathering dedicated to exploring how diverse faith traditions can inform environmental action. Viewers interested in this theme may also enjoy Rev. Dr. Maria Leppäkari’s related talk, “Ecology is Theology,” which explores similar ideas from a Swedish Church perspective.

Brother Steve DeMaio of Studium Theologicum Salesianum discusses 5 key Catholic traits for living a more sustainable life: Simplicity, Synodality, Solidarity, Subsidiarity, and Sacrifice. Like this video? Check out Rev. Dr. Maria Leppäkari speaking about how Ecology is Theology!

This video was recorded at the 2019 Interfaith Seminary Symposium on Ecological Behavior in Jerusalem. For more information, click here.