The Sea in the Bible course at Sarum College

The Sea in the Bible
Rebecca Watson will explore how the sea is portrayed and understood in the Bible.

Seventy-one percent of the Earth’s surface is ocean, and many communities in the UK and across the globe are coastal and depend on the sea for income. For many living on islands, the sea is part of the warp and weft of life. Some work at sea on commercial trade or military vessels. Even for those among us who do not seem to have much connection with the sea, we are becoming increasingly aware that the health of our planet is intrinsically connected to the biodiversity and health of our oceans—currently both under devastating threats. The sea—and water more generally—played a vital role in the lives of the early followers of Jesus, with Jesus calling fishermen to be his disciples and the Sea of Galilee playing a crucial part in the regional economy.

This series aims to offers some theological lenses on the sea, to help participants reflect on the important role that the sea plays in faith, spiritual practices and ministry and mission. It will also offer participants an opportunity to expand their imagination in relation to the sea and the creatures that live within it, as well as to rethink their relationship with oceans that variously represent life, chaos and danger. Speakers are drawn from different parts of the globe—offering crucial international perspectives on the sea—and there will be opportunity for participants to ask questions and share from their own experience.

We hope that this series will start to build a learning community around the sea, church and theology.

The next two sessions are:
Monday 11 November: A Marine Spirituality: To be Nourished by the Sea – Susie Templeton

For so many the experience of being in, on or close to the sea connects with something deep inside us, feeding and healing our souls in ways we may not be able to pin down. Let’s explore together what these experiences show us about who we are, how we are made and who made us; how can they help us to understand our relationships with God, each other and the world around us? What place does the sea have in a holistic spirituality for the current age?

Monday 2 December: The Sea, Ecological Crisis and Mission – Elia Maggang

This session will explore models of mission and ministry in coastal areas in contexts where the sea is increasingly experiencing ecological devastation, habitat threat and destruction, and rising levels. Rethinking the ministry of diakonia to encompass the revitalization of indigenous traditions of fishing, coral reef transplantation and mangrove plantation is one of those models to be discussed. This session will also cover conversations on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by coastal ministries.