Of course, there is something to be said for American consumerism. Choices can be good. It's one thing to categorize deodorant and used cars as commodities but another to turn friendships, worship of God, education and the rest of our lives into commodities. As Christians we confess that our ultimate rule is that of God, not the U.S. Constitution or American business. 20th century America charges public schools to instill the American way of life.
Christians can embrace much of the American way of life.
But since World War II, the American way has increasingly become identified with consumerism. We need things consumed, burned up, worn out, replaced, and discarded at an ever increasing rate. So consumers are schooled in insatiability. They are never to be satisfied, at least not for long. Consumers are taught that people consist basically of unmet needs that can be requited by goods and experiences.