When England and the Yanks collide for the World Cup some of us might contemplate the rivalry and differences that still divide two tightly wound countries who over 200 years ago battled on American soil instead of the pitch.  Are we that much different?  Is it simply bad teeth, fish and chips, and an ocean that divides us?

One generalization that has been made over hundreds of years is that Americans are the eternal optimists while the British are the realists/cynics but many have observed that difference is waning.  Our perception as Americans that “everything is going to be all right”, “we can keep taking risks now because the future is brighter”, “our kids are going to have a better life” have come into question.  It is hard to think of an institution the majority of Americans do trust: from Wall Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, to Main Street.

While the American suburbs have often ignored or been immunized from the hard realities of American life, over the past 10 years even the suburbs economic optimism has been hit.  Entertainment echoes our underlying thoughts . . . “when is the ball going to drop” from movies like, 2012, Day After Tomorrow, to the invasion of British Films that make us look at the world more realistically: About a Boy, Love Actually, etc.

From bad mortgages, to the work place promising us the world and not delivering, to love not being a fairy tale, has cynicism taken over the suburbs? And if so is that a bad thing?  Maybe you have recently become more cynical, maybe you feel as if you are surrounded by cynics and want to brighten their day, or maybe you want to understand more how the issue of cynicism and theology collide.  Post your thoughts about the invasion of cynicism in the suburbs (stories of what you have observed), even bring your cynicism to a discussion that if you are cynic you think will solve nothing . . . see how you can join the discussion below.
If you are wondering if you are cynic take this quiz and then come join a fellow cynic at our discussion: http://www.i-cynic.com/quiz.asp

To discuss this more, post your comments, or better yet, come to Theology on Tap – a monthly gathering of people that meets to discuss topics pertaining to the “The Meaning of Life” at the Exchange Tavern in Bradburn. Any voice and opinion is welcome while we enjoy some Irish Food, and Drink while listening to opinions and views from all types of religious, non-religious, and Theological backgrounds.
When: Tuesday, June 15th 7:30 – 9:00PM
Where: The Exchange Tavern 11940 Bradburn Blvd. Just west of the church (we will be in the coffee house section or the back patio depending on the weather)