THE GREAT SEA MONSTERS
THE GREAT SEA MONSTERS
Warner M. Bailey
Genesis 1:21 states: “So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm.” I always wondered why the author of the first creation story called out the “great sea monsters” for special mention when describing God’s creating the marine life of the world. The scholarly explanation is that these creatures symbolized power that could strike fear in the breast of whoever encountered one of them. The creation story writer was careful to point out that even those animals who make us afraid are God’s creatures.
But I have another take on these great sea monsters. Recently my son David took me on a fishing trip off the coast of upper British Columbia. We were part of a larger party of 12 couples who lived for a week on a converted coastal patrol boat, one of the few remaining wooden tugs still in service. Every day we would venture out in skiffs to try our luck and skill at catching salmon, halibut, and ling cod. It was a most congenial make up of guests and a superb crew of captain, cook, hostess, and two guides. Read More »THE GREAT SEA MONSTERS