Branding: Are We Marked for Life?

Experts tell us that by grade school, American kids are familiar with hundreds of logos. Whether it’s swooshes or golden arches, companies and advertisers work together to create unforgettable images that build customer loyalty. But branding is about more than just selling a product. It’s about selling a way of life. From culturally accepted catchphrases to commercials which debate what kind of computer best represents us, branding has left an indelible mark on our society, affecting the way we view our money, ourselves and each other. Are the brands we buy simply harmless economic choices or do they reveal something about our personality and beliefs? Is it ethical for companies to try and create lifelong customers through marketing in schools? And what of upstart movements to make pervasive branding a thing of the past? The answers to these questions may reveal more about our own brand of thinking than we realize. Bring a few friends, an opinion and an open-mind, and grab a table, food and drink in the upstairs lounge at the Forge & Vine downtown. All ideas are welcome. Join us Thursday, February 19th at 7 p.m.

The Cult of Celebrity: Who’s Your Role Model?

Ours is truly a culture driven by celebrity. A walk through any checkout line at the grocery store will tell you what sells. Britney’s most recent escapades, the latest on Angelina and Brad, who’s crashing and burning - the list goes on. What is our fascination with these ordinary folks who have extraordinary fame? Perhaps we want our lives to be more like theirs. Maybe we just want the kick of seeing more successful and beautiful people failing at life. Or maybe they’re just really intelligent folks we should listen to. Join us for a meal and discussion of these questions and more on February 11. Any viewpoint is fair game…except maybe the National Enquirer.

The Mom and Pops vs. the Chain Shops: A Negotiable Peace?

Like many other towns, Columbia has seen the influx of many chains and large corporations in the last decade. Along with the growth, this brings new tensions and potential divisions about where our loyalties as consumers should lie. If we as citizens care about the good of our communities, where should we shop? The chains, where we can save money to be spent and saved elsewhere, or the “mom and pops,” where uniqueness and truly local flourishing are said to be pursued? Do we really need to choose one or the other? Are these decisions merely ones of preference and need, or are they tied to our values and morals? Bring your opinions and an open-mind.

Religion and Politics: Separation Anxiety?

Join us on Monday, October 1st at 7:00 p.m. for the next edition of “Theology at the Forge.” This monthly dinner and forum focuses on pressing issues in our community and world.

This month: Religion and Politics: Separation Anxiety?

The proper shape of the relationship between religion and politics has been widely debated throughout history. In recent years, the discussion has again been brought to the fore with the use of much religious rhetoric by American leaders – republican and democrat alike. The 2008 Election Campaign is shaping up to have more professing “believers” on both sides than we have seen in decades. In a nation founded on the separation of church and state, yet still profoundly religious, are religion and politics experiencing separation anxiety? Can the two have fruitful interaction, or will it only result in tyranny? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion. All ideas are welcome.

What is Theology at the Forge? Click on the ‘about’ link to your left for more information.

“No Smoking: Good Health or Bad Business?”

Join us on Tuesday, August 28th for the fall’s first “Theology at the Forge.” This monthly dinner and forum focuses on pressing issues in our community and world. Come at 7 p.m. to the Forge and Vine on 7th Street, grab some food and drink, and get in on the conversation.

This month we’ll take on the recent smoking ban in downtown Columbia. Some champion the ordinance as much needed for good health. Others say it limits personal freedom. And some argue it will kill business in the process. Who’s right? We don’t promise a final answer, but do expect lively discussion. Attend “Theology at the Forge” and get in on the conversation.

Health Care in America: Universal Entitlement or Earned Privilege?

This month, on Monday, June 18th, we’ll have our monthly “Theology at the Forge” at 7:00 p.m. We will discuss “Health Care in America: Universal Entitlement or Earned Privilege?” Get in on the conversation.

“The Environment and You: Conserve or Consume?”

This month, on Monday, April 23rd, we’ll have our monthly “Theology at the Forge” at 7:00 p.m. We will discuss “The Environment and You: Conserve or Consume?” How should we, human beings living in Columbia, Missouri view the environment? Get in on the conversation.

SAFETY IN A POST-9/11 WORLD

This month, on Tuesday, March 27th, we’ll be discussing “Safety in a Post-9/11 World.” As many have said, 9/11 has changed our world forever. Not only did the tragedy leave us fearful of terrorism, but it has made our society increasingly paranoid. Are we as a culture obsessed with safety? Is America more dangerous than in previous generations? How might a fixation with safety keep us from ministering to needy and hurting people around us? Join us at Walnut near Eighth for “Theology at the Tavern.” Get in on the conversation.

Community in a Technological Age: Face to Face or Facebook?

This month, on Tuesday, February 27th, we’ll be discussing “Community in a Technological Age: Face to Face or Facebook?” Websites like myspace.com and facebook.com are huge today. Every sixth grader, it seems, now has a blog. Because of this, Time Magazine’s person of the year for 2006 was you, largely because technological shifts have allowed each of us to impact the world in ways that we couldn’t have in previous generations. Having said all of that, what impact does this have on community? Has Facebook replaced “face to face” communication? How can we be more connected than ever, yet more lonely than ever? Join us at Walnut near Eighth for “Theology at the Tavern.” Get in on the conversation.

Minimum Wage Hikes: Good Government or Bad Business?

This month, on Tuesday, January 30th, we’ll be discussing “Minimum Wage Hikes: Good Government or Bad Business?” We’ll not only talk about the effects, for good or bad, of raising the minimum wage. We’ll also talk about societal shifts that make it such a hot issue. Join us at Walnut near Eighth for “Theology at the Tavern.” Get in on the conversation.