In Awe of God

"Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it." (Psalms 139: 6)

In this post I'd like to present a game LucasArts created in 1995 called The Dig. Though it's gameplay was boring and the ending was kind of corny, the rest of the story, the dialogue, and it's art was a major inspiration in my own endeavors.

To me this game is all about mystery, wonder, and vulnerability. In the story of The Dig, three people are sent into space to blow an approaching asteroid away from Earth but the asteroid turns out to be a spacecraft of unknown origin that takes them to a distant planet. They find themselves completely separated from the rest of human civilization and everything that is familiar. As you explore this alien and abandoned world, there is a sense of loneliness throughout the game. You feel cut off from normal comforts and anchors. And yet it gives the game a more spiritual quality. Without that sort of isolation I don't think we can experience true wonder.

It's interesting that in the bulk of science fiction aliens are generally smarter and more powerful than we are. Why is it that so many staunch humanists would create fiction that makes humans look comparatively pathetic? Why would people be fascinated by situations where humans are faced with alien technology that is beyond their comprehension? Why are people fascinated with mystery, which at its essence capitalizes on humanity's lack of knowledge?

I think it is because humans were designed to stand in awe of God. People naturally pursue trying to make themselves God, and yet they cannot escape the fact that they will be most satisfied when they are stripped of their self-confidence and are overwhelmed by how much bigger and beyond their comprehension God is.

The Dig (DreamMeister Mix)

My favorite aspect of the art of The Dig is its music, which was created by Michael Land. It's soundtrack was released on CD, which is a phenomenal collection. Above is a mix I created of some of my favorite parts of the game soundtrack that were not included in the album. Listen to this music and behold the majesty of God.

Someday I hope to create a science fiction story that creates the same sense of wonder that The Dig did, but would have all of that generated wonder and awe point to God in a more direct and unquestionable way.