Biblical references to the sea are largely negative, yet many people find being near, or on, the sea deeply spiritual, and our art, poetry, hymns and expressions of religious experience draw heavily on imagery of the sea. The Sacramental Sea is a theological exploration of this apparent paradox. Ed Newell explores the history of our complex spiritual relationship with the sea throughout history, scripture, scientific discovery and literature.
Ed Newell is a priest in the Church of England and an economic historian. He is currently Principal of Cumberland Lodge, Windsor, and was previously Sub-Dean of Christ Church, Oxford and Canon Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral. Before ordination he was a Research Fellow in Economic History at Nuffield College, Oxford. As well as his academic articles, he has written features for the Church Times, and five books. He is also a regular contributor to Pause for Thought on BBC Radio 2.