Millions of young people know amazing details about the history, technology and personalities of fictional worlds - Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars, The Matrix, Harry Potter, etc.

What does this mean? Is it just a harmless hobby? Is it possible that entertainment is so huge in American culture that the lines between fact and fiction are blurred? Is it possible that some people don't know the difference between real life and entertainment?

Why are entertainers paid more than teachers, doctors, engineers, lawyers, scientists, etc.? Why are entertainers sought out as spokespeople for various products and causes. (Remember the ad, "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV...?)

Have you noticed the magazines and newspapers in the checkout lines at Wal-Mart? They are all about entertainers - who they are marrying or divorcing or living with. Whether they are fat or thin, sick or healthy, happy or sad, in love or out of love. Many magazines provide interviews with the stars - their advice on gardening, cooking, relationships (!), politics, religion and careers. Why should an entertainer have any special credibility when talking about anything outside of their field of expertise? But they do.

I am fascinated by the books of information detailing the history of fictional civilizations in fictional worlds of science fiction. People clearly spend lots of time memorizing these histories so they can discuss it with other people for hours on end. (What if they spent this much energy and attention learning math, science or real history?) They even debate what WOULD have been (fictionally) true if something else had happened in the fictional storyline.

The religion of Scientology was developed by a science fiction writer named Ron Hubbard. This "religion's" narrative of origins is indistinguishable from science fiction writings and is based on no objective authority other than the writings of Hubbard. How interesting that the major spokespersons for this group are entertainers!

I think that the focus on entertainment is a dangerous trend. Instead of living a life of real meaning a purpose, people are pouring their energies and resources into fiction. There is a place for entertainment, but this is beyond diversion or recreation.

People need to live in the real world and be grounded in the truth. They need to give the best of their resources to finding the meaning and fulfilling the purpose that has been given to them by their Creator.

(Hebrews 9:27) "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,"

Will God be impressed at the judgment, by a thorough knowledge of the blueprints of the Starship Enterprise?