Did God Create Mermaids?

    Recently, one of my friends asked me if I believed God would create mermaids.  I didn’t quite know what brought this question up, except that we were watching Jonah, one of my new favorite plays from Sight & Sound Theater and that we were at the part where the fish were swimming in the underwater scene.

    Since my friend is shy and still developing her confidence, I knew I had to answer the question gently.  I know some people think fantasy is really cool.  I don’t like it because it takes away from reality and people start wondering what is true and what isn’t.  I think there should always be a notable difference between reality and fantasy, and that the two should not be mixed together so as to avoid confusion.

    “Let’s think about this.  A mermaid is both human and fish… but which is it?”  Saying that it is human brings up the question about a soul.  Saying it is a fish brings up the question about intelligence, speech capabilities, human emotion, etc.  I am sure you get the point.

    My friend was honest, “Well, a mermaid is not either one in particular.”

    “Right, so it is confusing and God is not an Author of confusion.”

    My friend’s next statement was, “Well I believe God wants someone to take care of the ocean world.”

    I believed that was true, but I don’t believe mermaids are the things God wanted to take care of the ocean.  The same concept applies to little fairies taking care of the forest, flowers, and meadows.  Such creatures do not exist, except in man’s imagination.  But that is alright, because God had already ordained someone to take care of the earth and animals: man.

    In Genesis Chapter 1 and 2, God gives the man dominion over all the earth and over all the birds, animals, and plants.  Adam even names them!  God even gave instruction that the ox which grinds the wheat should not be muzzled.  In the New Testament, it is written how God cares for the sparrows and how He clothes the lilies and grass of the fields.

    Since God has given us instruction on how to care for the earth and the animals, then it is our responsibility to follow His instruction.  J  So long as we do our part, there is no need for mermaids and fairies.