Hollywood and Heaven

“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31b

I am a big fan of the arts and entertainment, and I love to attend good movies. As I watched the 2009 Academy Awards, I could not help comparing what is admired and awarded in Hollywood to what is honored and celebrated in heaven. In case you don’t know it, there is a huge difference.

It is always fascinating to witness the creative abilities on display at the Academy Awards. Whether its visual effects, screenplays, sound mixing or acting, the talent to produce modern day movies is astounding. To me, it is a reminder of how human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, and given by Him unlimited potential to innovate new movies.

For example, the Bible reminds us that God placed every star in the sky and knows each one by name. Wow—that is a creative and intelligent mind. Think about that fact the next time you stand in awe as you gaze at the heavenlies during a clear starry night.

We will either recognize God, and thank Him for this creative ability, or we will take all the credit for ourselves. It is quite evident that Hollywood chooses to do the latter. As a result, Hollywood has created an environment that is much different from heaven.

Listed below are some major differences I notice while reading my Bible and watching the Academy Awards.

Hollywood draws attention to what people wear. Hollywood is all about the external and the material on a person. In other words, people are valued and praised for how they look in a tuxedo or dress. As you walk the red carpet, what matters most is the name of the designer on the tag of your outfit.

Heaven draws attention to the heart of a person. Heaven is all about the internal and the Spirit in a person. In other words, people are honored for how much they have been transformed to be like Christ. As you walk the streets of gold, what matters most is the name of Jesus you lived to obey. (1 Samuel 16:7)

Hollywood gives awards based upon the character you play in a movie. You can be an immoral person, but a great entertainer and get rewarded for your performance. In Hollywood it doesn’t matter how you live, just how you act.

Heaven gives awards based upon the character of a person. You can be a very gifted person with incredible talent, but this will not get you any favor with God. In heaven it doesn’t matter how you act, just how you live. God knows the difference. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Hollywood gives all the glory and praise to the people. Producers, actors and others in the entertainment industry are revered as gods for their work. The more fame and money they get on earth, the more they are worshipped in Hollywood.

Heaven gives all the glory and praise to Jesus. Everyone in heaven bows down, in awe and reverence, to the Almighty God. The more you sacrifice and serve others on earth, the more you are honored in Heaven. (Philippians 2:1-11, Revelation 7:9-12)

Let me clearly state that I am not anti-Hollywood. Again, I love the arts and entertainment. I just wish they were not so anti-heaven. It is obvious watching the Academy Awards that acknowledging God is a frowned upon practice. By removing God from this powerful cultural influence on our society, Hollywood has taken God’s creative abilities and produced an industry that doesn’t reflect heaven very well.

I wonder if this is what God intended when He gave us these special creative talents.

I don’t think so. What do you think?