In times of fear and uncertainty, Americans have traditionally turned to Hollywood for an uplifting escape from troubling news. Yet, in recent years, movie-goers have sought even more fearful experiences, flocking to horror films in record numbers. This surge in the horror genre, marked by unprecedented box office success and critical acclaim, reflects a disturbing trend where entertainment exploits our most basic fears through graphic violence and demonic themes. Such content risks desensitizing viewers to wicked thoughts and actions, making them vulnerable and frightened. In these fearful days, it is unwise to lower our guard and subject our minds to images glorifying evil and uncontrolled demonic activity. Instead, we are called to pursue diversions that stir up the gift of God within us, embracing a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, as God has not given us a spirit of fear.

Popular culture can easily become an escape from the pressing issues of life and of this world, and in this sense, it becomes a trap. A person living in such a fantasy world can allow his problems to continue without resolution. If he attempts to implement fixes on his problems, they are often shallow, politically correct solutions that do not work in the real world. For instance, a mother addicted to soap operas has little chance of coming up with a workable answer to her teenage son's rebellion. She has no foundation for making such a decision; she is reduced to mimicking what she has learned from TV.

Another minefield is the desire to escape from day-to-day reality. One of the finest escapes is Bible study or reading a good book depicting historic events or a biography about people of character. This refreshes the mind so that the moral foundation can be shored up upon which to stand in these tumultuous times. The world does not opt for such kinds of escapes. Instead it turns for the most part to alcohol, drugs, and sex. Alcohol is a tremendous industry upon which many rely to relax and escape the pressures of the day. Many have lost everything they had through it. Drugs constitute another destructive mine which destroys young and old alike and claims more and more lives every day. Sex constitutes a multi-million dollar porn industry which ruins so many lives and leads into rape and child molestation and the break-up of so many homes. Sex is just as addictive as alcohol, drugs, and gambling. These three mines can be referred to as the Claymor mines. Like the small mine set to maim or kill the individual who steps on it, alcohol, drugs, and sex destroy the individual caught up in them. Family and friends are also injured just as those standing nearby an exploding mine can be critically wounded. These obstacles and dangers are all around every day. When caught by alcohol, drugs, sexual sins, or any lust of the flesh one must escape and return to a place of safety as soon as possible.