Arun Gandhi, grandson of the Mahatma, bluntly states that "materialism is weakening families," because people caught up in materialism are "selfish and self-centered."  He suggests that families are facing a "what's in it for me?" attitude when it comes to the bonds linking family members, and that there is "an inverse relationship between materialism and morality.  When one increases, the other decreases.”

It seems this is having an effect on some churches and church institutions, as well.

Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA), chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, is gathering information from numerous megachurch and television pastors regarding the use of contributions made to the pastors and their churches.  Sen. Grassley is curious whether everything is on the up and up, given what he terms the "luxurious lifestyles" of these particular pastors.  Are the contributions being used as directed by the donors?  Are tax laws being followed?

What is the effect of materialism on these wealthy spiritual leaders?

Richard Roberts, son of television evangelist Oral Roberts, recently stepped down as president of his father's university.  His leadership was questioned, and the focus was on his handling of finances.  Some claim he "misspent school funds to support a lavish lifestyle and ordered an accountant to help hide improper and illegal financial wrongdoing."

Jim Bakker spent time behind prison bars for the way he used money contributed to his television "ministry."  Others have wrestled with money and its temptations.  Jesus talked more about money and wealth than about most other subjects.  So, he knew it was and would be an issue for his followers.

Many people of faith vehemently condemn gays and lesbians, based most often on what they hear others claim the Bible says about homosexuality.  Percentage-wise, the usually referred-to verses of scripture are miniscule in comparison to teachings about wealth.  Yet, exceedingly more people shout about the "threats" of homosexuality to families than about the threats of materialism.

Could it be because most of us are caught up in materialism, and we refuse to acknowledge its insidious grip on our lives?