An Unreal Truth

I have been intrigued by Hollywood recently.  Now, let me say that this has nothing to do with the “oops” that occurred at the Oscars last weekend; my interest predates this ripple.  As I have pondered Hollywood I have to the conclusion that it isn’t real!  Yes, I know there is a place called Hollywood, California; but, the things that are produced there are not intended to represent reality.  Simply put, movies and television should not be viewed as the truth about society.   Hollywood is the origin of epics such as Star Wars, Jaws, La La Land and Forest Gump; none of which exist in reality.  Hollywood teaches how to shoot zombies and kill vampires.  Accepting Hollywood as reality means that Bruce Willis can escape an explosion powerful enough to level a building and John Wayne can get shot fourteen times and still ride-off into the sunset!  Hollywood creates fantasy, alternate realities and amusement.  Hollywood’s job is entertain. 

Over the last several years a lot of people have gotten upset with Hollywood for doing what Hollywood does; but, I am not convinced that the problem lies solely with Hollywood.  If we believe that the Entertainment Industry cares about truth and reality we are either going to be disappointed or misled.  We can become frustrated that Hollywood doesn’t respond to a moral outcry; but, let’s be wise enough to realize they aren’t in the business of facts or faith. 

When I was kid I enjoyed Pro Wrestling (aka ‘rasslin’); but, it didn’t take me long to realize it was fake.  I still enjoyed it; but, I didn’t take it seriously.  In a sense, Hollywood is the Pro Wrestling of modern media – it can be a fun diversion as long as we realize it is intended to be entertainment, not reality.  Like the professional grapplers of my childhood, they can claim to be the real deal; but, that doesn’t mean they are.   Just because they can make something that looks like a zombie or a Wookiee; that doesn’t mean they actually exist.  In much the same way, they can say they represent truth; but, that doesn’t mean they do. 


The reason for this this assessment of the modern entertainment industry is merely to remind us that reality exists – it just isn’t defined by television or movies.  My purpose is not to assail Hollywood; rather it is to refocus us.  Hollywood is an industry that has some good stuff and some bad stuff – we must be wise in consuming their products.  By contrast, truth exists in the pages of our Bible.  The way things really are is a creation of heaven, not Hollywood.  When Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6) He made a claim that reality (truth) does exist and it is found only in Him.  Let’s be real and seek the truth from the One who professes it in its purest form.

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