February 17/24th 2019 False Friends: Overcoming Escapism (Ecclesiastes 2: 1-11 and 24-26)

Escapism is ‘the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities,(especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.’ Is this the disease of our age? 21st century culture provides myriad opportunities to escape the sometimes difficult realities of our lives, and more than ever before we are becoming defined by those choices. The problem with escapism is that if we use to it avoid the pain of difficult moments, anxiety or loneliness we stop maturing as people and growing in faith. Escapists can become socially and spiritually stunted, or even addicted as they turn to their chosen method of distraction or ‘dutch courage’ to help them through difficult times. Download note here