The Forum: Marketing & Its Influence

On Friday, April 9, 2010 approximately 75 people gathered at the L. Russ Bush Center for Faith and Culture for The Forum: Marketing & Its Influence. The event featured the PBS Frontline documentary, The Persuaders which explores the world of marketing and advertising. Specifically, the documentary brings to light recent ideological and methodological shifts within the industry as well the implementation of the industry's tactics within the world of politics. Interspersed throughout the documentary the narrating correspondent, Douglas Rushkoff ponders thought-provoking questions about the current mentality prevalent among advertisers and its influence upon today's culture--most strikingly upon concepts of identity and social relationships.

The discussion following the documentary centered upon applying the information learned through the PBS presentation to the usage of advertising within the church. Questions about whether or not the church becomes a part of the culture clutter as we assimilate popular marketing strategies and how implementing these strategies have shaped and continue to shape the message of the gospel were offered for discussion. While definitive conclusions were sparse, seemingly the event provided an opportunity to begin thinking and talking about how the church should respond in the midst of a consumer culture driven by the masterminds of marketing and advertising.

To further explore this topic visit the The Persuaders webpage where you will find links to more information about the marketing industry, online discussions, interviews, and more.