What is escapism?

Answer  
  

Escapism is the attempt to set aside negative thoughts or feelings by pursuing a diversion from reality. This often takes the form of fantasy, where one imagines or dreams of a different world. Escapism can also be expressed in material ways. This might include the use of food, sex, drugs, or sports. The term *escapism* is frequently used in a negative sense, suggesting that people who seek diversions are irresponsibly avoiding “real life.” Yet any activity intended to take one’s mind off of some aspect of daily life is a form of escapism. As such, not all escapism is bad. Of course, too much—or the wrong kind—can be extremely harmful.  
  

In a broad sense, virtually all forms of [entertainment](Bible-fun-entertainment.html) could be considered types of escapism. People naturally tire of focusing directly on the heavy burdens of life, such as a job, health concerns, chores, taxes, family obligations, to\-do lists, and so forth. Recreation, in general, helps a person temporarily “escape” from the mental and spiritual weight of those issues. When someone reads a book, watches a movie, participates in sports, listens to favorite music, daydreams, or indulges in a hobby, he or she is taking a break from less\-pleasant aspects of “reality.”  
  

For the most part, however, the term *escapism* specifically refers to activities that directly remove our minds and thoughts from the real world. [Fantasies](fantasy-Bible.html), including books or movies about other worlds, are just one expression of this. In this sense, true escapism is a way of breaking out of the “real” world. It means seeking something different or something better or something more according to our tastes. In particular, an intent to *avoid* is the key feature of classic escapism; it’s a deliberate attempt to shun reality at least for a while.  
  

The Bible describes things like work and effort in positive terms (Colossians 3:23; Proverbs 12:11; 18:9\). At the same time, the concept of “[rest](Jesus-Sabbath.html)” is fundamental to God’s relationship to mankind (Genesis 2:1–3; Exodus 20:11; Mark 2:27\). There is nothing unbiblical about “taking a break,” whether physically or mentally. Some of what could be called “escapism” fits into this category: an acceptable way to rest from the everyday pressures of life. [C. S. Lewis](C-S-Lewis.html) frequently defended the value of fantasy literature and imagination for this very reason. Diversions are not wrong simply because they involve imagining a different world or changes to this one.  
  

While the Bible encourages appropriate [recreation and refreshment](rest-relaxation.html), it also warns against excess. Wasting our time, failing to meet our obligations, damaging our bodies, or toying with [addiction](addiction-Christian.html) are all signs that we’ve crossed a line from reasonable rest into excessive escapism. God encourages us to recharge (Matthew 11:28\) and to look forward to a new and better world (Hebrews 11:14–16\). Still, He does not want us to foolishly ignore what is actual and real (1 Corinthians 8:9; 2 Peter 3:17\).  
  

