Jonathan Livingston Seagull is written in flowing English, often filled with rich descriptions of the dynamics of flight. Images from the New Testament abound, including the transfiguration in blazing light of several key characters. The abiding theme of reincarnation (or the transmigration of souls) and lack of a crucifixion of the misunderstood and maligned itinerate preacher, Jonathan, prevent us from taking the book as an allegory of the founding of Christianity.