From the New Yorker magazine
When we were in Algonquin Park recently we set off on an early morning hike which the sign estimated to take 2 hours. We had insect repellent in our vehicle but forgot to apply it before we began -- huge mistake. We were beset by mosquitoes and deer flies in apocalyptic numbers for the next 50 minutes, the length of time it took us to cover the supposed 120 ramble. Canadians are supposed to understand the threat but even seasoned veterans can end up providing impromptu blood transfusions for the voracious critters.
There is a new book called The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator and while I can't say I'm itching to read it, it does sound like an interesting exploration. The author, Timothy Winegard estimates that mosquitoes have killed more people than any other single cause—fifty-two billion of us, nearly half of all humans who have ever lived. He calls them “our apex predator,” “the destroyer of worlds,” and “the ultimate agent of historical change.” Yikes.
He also notes that when Christianity was a fledgling, persecuted faith many were drawn to it because of its emphasis on care for others, including the sick. The Pontine Marshes surrounded Rome and were a hotbed of mosquito-spread malaria. As a faith which emphasized healing Christianity attracted many converts.
I've never considered mosquitoes as Christian evangelists but I try to keep an open mind. I did describe bug spray as "Algonquin incense" at our worship service, but I may have to reconsider.
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