What is escapism?

Are dreams real or fantasy?

So it's fair to say, in the most literal interpretation of the relationship of dream and fantasy: a dream can not exist in a fantasy, but a fantasy can exist in a dream, and reality is a thing that is actually experienced or seen.

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 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, 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” 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 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, it also warns against excess. Wasting our time, failing to meet our obligations, damaging our bodies, or toying with addiction 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).

The dreams that God wants us to pursue are the ones that are linked to our true and genuine desires and that align with His truth. God wants to use our unique gifts and circumstances, aligned with the desires He has embedded into our souls, to do great and wonderful things built on love.

Fantasies are a product of our creative minds. They may be imagined ideas, stories, visual art, inventions, fictional scenarios, or anything else we could possibly envision. We have the ability to mentally create things because we are made in the image of the ultimate Creator (Genesis 1:27). Having an imagination is not a sin. Imagining or fantasizing about things that are pleasing to God is a wonderful way to connect with the One who created us (Philippians 4:8).

However, as with all activities in life, it is important to ensure our fantasies have a good and righteous intention behind them. Philippians 4:8 says to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy. Do your fantasies align with that biblical standard?

On the other hand, if the images, scenarios, or stories in our imagination have crossed into the realm of that which would not be pleasing to God, then our fantasizing has caused us to sin (Psalm 5:4; Proverbs 15:26). Unhealthy fantasies can lead to such sins as greed, lust, covetousness, and jealousy. Dwelling on sinful fantasies could even prompt actions resulting in physical or spiritual harm to ourselves and others (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

As Christians, we must guard our hearts and minds from evil thoughts and sinful fantasies (Romans 12:2; 3 John 1:11). “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). Jesus instructs His followers to “watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life” (Luke 21:34).

God knows our innermost fantasies (Psalm 139:2; 94:11), and there is no use trying to hide the true motivations behind our thoughts. “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

If you struggle against unhealthy fantasies and wish to stop, seek the Lord for help. He will always forgive the repentant heart (Psalm 139:23–24). For the Christian, even very powerful fantasies can be overcome because of the power of God to eliminate evil thoughts from our minds (2 Corinthians 10:3–5).

Is a Spirit of Fantasy Distorting Your Reality?


Did you escape in a fantasy world to avoid the reality of your childhood?

Fantasy is not always a sign of a healthy imagination. It is often a hiding place the enemy uses to develop disappointment and depression. It also keeps you from discerning visions from God because you are confused with fantasy.


We also see this with people addicted to pornography. The images online bring another world to them on the computer, and they are transported with a spirit of fantasy that is far more intoxicating and seductive than their reality.

Sex with their spouses becomes mundane and boring and is replaced by porn. A release of neurochemicals in the brain bonds them emotionally to the online images. The bonding is an ungodly soul-tie that needs to be broken so the spirits of addiction to pornography can be commanded to leave.

1.-Repent from any place you hide from God by living in a position of fantasy.

2.- Break the ungodly soul-ties with every idol or image that you continually think about and cast out the associated demons. Speak aloud:

“Thank you, Jesus, for dying that I might be set free. I forgive and loose, in the freedom of my forgiveness, those with whom I have ungodly soul ties. I now break and sever, every ungodly soul tie with (names). I now use the authority I have in Jesus Christ to command all demon spirits of fantasy to have no further right in me through these soul ties in the name of Jesus.”

3.-Take every fantasy thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ by covering your mind with the blood of Jesus and reconnect with reality. Stay present so that God can lead you into your future fully connected to who he created you to be.

If you still feel disconnected or lost, we may need to go a little deeper and look at little girl/boy spirits of hiding or running away. These demons come in at a young age and take on that age. It could be what is keeping you from entirely breaking free.

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