What does the phrase "material nature" mean?

Question

What does the phrase "material nature" mean?

Answer 1

I would think someone who is always buying "things" and is only interested in acquiring things has a material nature. Usually, it is referred to as materialistic nature or being materialistic.

Answer 2

Things that are "of a material nature" which I assume is the usual full quote are material things: tangible objects. It is used normally to mean possessions and generally used only when denouncing the love of possessions e.g.

John was far too obsessed with things of a material nature.

would mean that John was very materialistic, setting too much stock in physicalities, looks, image, possessions and wealth as opposed to more moral/philosophical pursuits like religion and being a good person.  

Answer 3

in what context?

someone who is materialistic might be considered material IN nature

Answer 4

This material world is here for a purpose, it didn't come out of a chance combination of chemicals. Many would have us believe there is no God in control. They would have us believe everything happened by chance and there is no intelligence behind nature. They see material nature as supreme and try to explain it in terms of "natural selection" and chemical reactions. They can't see beyond the gross material elements [earth, water, fire, air and ether]. They believe everything can be explained within the framework of material elements, the elements scientists can put under the microscope in their laboratory.

http://www.krishna.org/sudarsana/a003.ht...

Although the next meal, paycheck, leisure activity, hobby project, or romantic interlude can provide you with a temporary sense of meaning and purpose in your life—a sense of something to look forward to—these can't ultimately satisfy something inside you that longs for greater meaning and purpose. Something in you longs to find the answers to the four great human questions: who am I, why am I here, where have I come from, and where am I going?

But your Material Nature (conditioning and animal nature) tends to push and shove to get what it wants, what it thinks it needs, crowding out and covering up these more essential longings. Yet, it's only by paying attention to these longings, in Presence, and following their call that you'll find true fulfillment.

If it were as easy as simply pushing Material Nature to the side, all might be well. But your Material Nature has you thinking that you are it, and it is you, where, in truth, you are far more than just this.

http://www.solarjourney.org/meaning.htm

The Material Nature of Spirituality

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b10...