Escapism is the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities through entertainment or fantasy. It can take many forms, from immersing oneself in fiction books and movies to more concerning behaviors like addiction or dissociation. At its core, escapism provides a psychological “escape hatch” from aspects of life that feel boring, stressful, or unhappy.
The Bible has much to say about escapism, offering wisdom on when it can be healthy versus when it becomes spiritually and emotionally problematic. Overall, Scripture calls us to find balance – embracing God’s gifts of imagination and creativity, while staying grounded in the real work He has given us to do.
Why Do People Turn to Escapism?
Human beings have an innate desire to experience joy, adventure, and meaning. God Himself has wired us this way. When those good things are lacking in our real circumstances, escapism allows us to experience them in our minds and hearts instead.
For example, someone in a dull job or troubled marriage may lose themselves in novels or video games full of excitement and intrigue. Or someone who feels powerless or afraid may enjoy superhero films where good triumphs over evil. Through escapism, we can explore satisfying fantasies we wish were real life.
Of course, people also turn to escapism to avoid pain. An overload of stress, grief, or anxiety in the real world drives many to “check out” mentally and emotionally through various means. Escapism provides a refuge to hide from realities we cannot bear to face.
The book of Psalmsmodels appropriate escapes when dealing with sorrow: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” (Psalms 42:11) Rather than avoiding pain completely, the psalmist escapes to hope and worship.
Can Escapism Become Unhealthy?
Escapism in moderation can be fine. God made humans with a capacity for imagination and creativity. Fiction, art, music, and more can remind us of truth and beauty in the midst of daily life. Watching a lighthearted movie to relax, or reading an exciting novel on vacation, is not inherently wrong.
However, escapism can become spiritually and emotionally dangerous when taken to extremes. Addiction to fantasy worlds may make someone dissatisfied with their God-given life. Avoidance of all pain leads to stunted character growth. Here are some signs escapism has become unhealthy:
– Obsession or compulsion to escape regularly
– Escapism causing harm to real relationships and responsibilities
– Using escapism to completely avoid dealing with problems
– Turning to sinful escapes like drunkenness or pornography
– Reality feeling boring, meaningless or intolerable without escapes
Scripture warns about being consumed by fantasy. “For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.” (1 Peter 4:3) Sin easily seduces when we refuse to live fully in reality.
The Bible also condemns avoidance of difficult growth opportunities: “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” (Proverbs 3:11-12) We cannot develop Christlike character without embracing suffering.
Overall, escapism that prevents us from loving others, obeying God’s commands, or dealing with life’s challenges has become a distraction from our true calling.
How Can We Keep Escapism Healthy?
1. Recognize entertainment and imagination as gifts from God, but keep them in proper perspective: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
2. Be aware of your motives and when escapism crosses into avoidance or obsession: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalms 139:23-24)
3. Make time for realistic assessment of problems and actively work to solve them through God’s power: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
4. Remind yourself of Gospel truths – you are loved unconditionally by God, and He is using all circumstances for your growth in grace: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
5. Fill your mind with Scripture’s stories of flawed heroes overcoming real-world struggles through faith: “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)
6. Develop Christ-centered community and relationships that help bear your burdens: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
7. Look to God’s Kingdom and the promised hope of eternity to gain perspective on current troubles: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)
Examples of Unhealthy Escapism
The Bible contains several vivid examples of unhealthy escapism and where it leads. These passages serve as cautionary tales:
Elijah’s despair: After great spiritual victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah hid in a cave to escape Jezebel’s wrath and wished for death, focusing only on his fear and suffering. God compassionately fed and cared for him, but also gently corrected him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:9)
Jonah’s avoidance: Called to preach in Nineveh, Jonah instead boarded a ship in the opposite direction. His escapism led to him being thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish. Inside the fish, Jonah prayed for deliverance and finally accepted his mission from God.
The prodigal son: This young man squandered his inheritance on reckless living and wild parties. After hitting rock bottom, he returned to his father in humility and found restoration. Jesus uses this parable to illustrate our tendency to run from God, as well as God’s boundless mercy.
Israel’s idolatry: Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites escaped the difficulties of following God by worshipping idols of nearby pagan cultures. This always led to their ruin, while repentance and return to the Lord brought renewal.
Overall, Scripture clearly demonstrates that escapism ultimately fails to satisfy. Lasting hope is only found in drawing near to God. The Psalms declare: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
Escapism or properly valuing rest?
In striving for balance, Christians should take care not to condemn all forms of leisure and recreation as escapism. These can be key tools for rest and renewal of the mind, body and spirit.
Scripture encourages properly valuing times of rest: “And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” (Genesis 2:2-3) Jesus himself frequently got away to quiet places to commune with the Father and refresh his soul in the midst of busy ministry.
The Psalms too are full of verses praising God’s gift of sleep and advocating time set aside for renewed strength: “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” (Psalm 127:2) Rest is key to healthy living.
It becomes escapism when we use rest and recreation to avoid living fully into God’s purposes for our lives. But when kept in biblical balance, play and diversion honor God’s design for our mental, emotional and physical health. We desperately need these oases of joy and laughter in our journey through a fallen world.
Balancing Gifts and Callings
How then should Christians discern when our “escapes” have become too much? Here are some questions we can ask ourselves:
1. Does this help me relax and recharge, or does it consume my thoughts and energies in an unhealthy way?
2. Have important relationships or tasks been neglected because of the time I spend “escaping”?
3. Does turning to this comfort me or help me cope with life’s pains, or am I using it to completely avoid dealing with problems?
4. Does immersing myself in this cause me to dwell on dreams of an imaginary life rather than engaging with God’s purposes for me here and now?
5. Does this activity stir my imagination and capacity for awe in healthy ways, or does it numb my spirit to real-world wonders around me?
6. Does the content inspire me with truth, goodness, and beauty, or does it inflame sinful passions and appetites?
7. When I come back to reality, do I feel refreshed and better equipped to serve Christ, or discontent, restless and impatient?
8. Ultimately, does this spur me to worship, obey and bring glory to God, or distract me from His Kingdom work?
Asking these questions with prayerful discernment can help us enjoy God’s good gifts while avoiding the pitfalls of unhealthy escapism. We live in a fallen world crying out for Gospel hope. May we find joy and strength in God’s presence so we can faithfully carry out His redemptive mission.