Discussing
Seeking Escape—and Enlightenment—in Popular Culture

There is spiritual value to winding down with a fluffy show—or investigating it for more.

I couldn't help thinking about Ecclesiastes 8:15 reading this piece. Surely there's much to be said about overindulgence. But if Solomon's right, there might also be something holy about temperate enjoyment of the "silly things" of this world.

Good points. Countless generations of faith interpreters have used sources from reality and fantasy to make their points.

On the other hand, among the fans of pop culture, I see what appears to be an increased blurring between fantasy and reality. Last month I attended the General Assembly of our denomination. In the same facility there was another gathering called "POPCON". The participants in POPCON seemed totally immersed in their alternative reality. I have friends in middle adulthood who travel all over the country attending ComicCon events. I have a granddaughter who believes in a future Zombie Apocalypse.

And, in a double dip, the fictional characters in the popular TV series, "Big Bang Theory" are highly educated professionals who come across as having trouble keeping their realities separated.

Is it the "tender trap" I see, or am I overacting?