As the Black Lives Matter protests unfold, let us remember an old story, given to a people who were also invaded, removed from their land, forced into slavery and subject to state sanctioned violence.

Explanatory note: Along with many scholars, this piece assumes that the sea is an ancient symbol of chaos, and that Genesis was written during the Babylonian exile. A reflection on Genesis 1:1-2:4a given to Sanctuary, 7 June 2020 (Trinity Year A) © Alison Sampson, 2020.