As I walked through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certain place where was a Den, and I laid me down in that place to sleep: and, as I slept, I dreamed a dream.

And in that dream, I happened upon a broad land, glittering with buildings, where money grew on trees and the streets were paved with rainbow-colored stones. And the name of that land was Entertainment.

Curious, I turned aside to see what things it contained.

Image from thehungergames.wikia.com

Not far on my way, I passed a building in the shape of an enormous saucer, with the words U.S.S. Enterprise branded across its front. I went in and beheld a giant screen. Upon the screen played scenes featuring Captain James Kirk and the presence of attractive women who were always conveniently underdressed.

Leaving that place, I went on. Soon, a market opened on my left, full of color and noise and excitement. A crowd cheered. I jostled my way to the front and beheld a teenage girl—the Mockingjay they called her. And on either side, two handsome fellows each vying for her attention. Each of them garnered kisses to the delight of the crowd.

Perturbed, I continued my journey. Before long a white-haired man in a flowing cloak accosted me, waving a wand and mumbling some spell. Yet it had no effect, and I left him behind.

The road took a sudden turn between two high buildings. Just beyond, a dazzling display caught my eye. A giant cardboard cutout in the likeness of a man in a business suit and sunglasses. Bolded letters declared him as “Genius billionaire playboy philanthropist.”

As I stared, a tramp of feet shook the ground. I jumped aside as a procession filed past. Cloaked and hooded, they held aloft swords that seemed to gleam life fiery rods of varying colors. A chant came from their lips: “Trust the Force. Trust the Force.”

Further on, my path veered down a dark alley. Groans reached me from the shadows, and for a fleeting moment I beheld, perched on a ledge high above, a silent guardian, a dark knight. One who struck fear into hearts and whose shadow cast destruction. Wondering at this, I hastened on.

I passed booths packed with every fare imaginable: a man who delved too deep into dreams, a wicked witch who reigned in frosty whiteness, a team appointed to save the world. The clamor and gaudy displays crowded upon me. I quickened my step.

Image from disney.wikia.com

And all the vanities and offerings flowed like a stream demanding my attention. Such was the glut of the enticements in the land I traversed.

Lastly, I came upon a magnificent theater with flashy lights and a cheery tune emitting from within. I entered and saw a movie. One man stood out, wearing a rainbow crown upon his head. And his name proclaimed him as the fool.

At last I departed from that strange place, and as I did, a thousand voices crashed upon my hearing. Sighing, shouting, complaining, worrying, and a hundred others.

Startled, I awoke with a cry.

As I sat, I perceived a meaning to my dream. A warning to be alert, to look all around me and discern what the land offered, whether hidden in the shadows or celebrated in the light. And yet also a reassurance that I need not live in utter fear or rejection of those things, for what ultimate sway did they hold upon me?

Furthermore, I realized the advantage of my time spent in that land. For now I was equipped with knowledge of the things therein and could distinguish the immoral from the upright.

Thus ended my journey.

How do you think Christians should respond to “questionable” content or themes?