Another of the attractions of the X-Files was the relationship between the main characters, FBI special agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. The former was a believer in the paranormal with the latter a sceptic. Mulder with his open mind and Scully, the woman of science. This concept gave tension to the series. The Oxford online dictionary definition of the word "supernatural" is: "(Of a manifestation or event) attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature". Is it possible to believe in something that cannot be tested in a lab? The series' main tagline, "The truth is out there" perhaps suggests that in many stories, things can be more than what they appear.

There might be some who would argue that the series puts great emphasis on the darker side of spirituality and the occult. Others might say it will encourage rebellion against authority (Trust no one). While those might be some of the show's themes, perhaps a much bigger underlying question being asked is: Is there more to life than this?

It's a great question to ask of course. As followers of Jesus we would say there is. The Gospel of John starts with a startling revelation. The creator of all things has walked with us (John 1:14). God himself has come down to earth in the form of a man to reveal himself to humanity. It is a massive claim but one that (all Christians would agree) is worth investigating. While we may not be able to put Jesus in a lab to test him for alien DNA, it is worth noting that many historians and academics do accept the historicity of the gospels and the person of Jesus. It may be a good place to start for those who are wondering if there is indeed more to life than this.

Sources:

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/supernatural

All brickbats, bouquets and banter welcome at simon.chen@narrominebaptist.org.au