January 12, 2007

In the United Kingdom, they call in “affluenza.” The newspapers are full of this supposed malady. “affluenza” is about never having enough stuff. One headline defines it as “earn more, spend more, want more – and more.” A new book by a British psychologist says the affluenza “virus” can lead to insecurity and destroy personal relationships.

Are the British just discovering what the god of materialism can do? Was nothing written about such things in the past? It was, but the increasingly secular public is unfamiliar with the books of Ecclesiastes and Proverbs, written by Solomon. Or they might have checked out the sayings of Jesus of Nazareth, who warned in the parable about the rich young ruler and the man who had his barns full and had no concern about tomorrow about the folly of putting one’s trust in riches and material things.

“Affluenza” is just a fancy word for a human condition we have always had with us. What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his own soul?

Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.