I read it when I was very young. I didn't see any religious significance in it, but I was a kid, what did I know? From what I remember of it, I still don't know if I'd see that. Didn't the gull keep trying to fly higher & faster, and do somersaults & stuff, things gulls "shouldn't" be able to do? I'm probably forgetting a whole lot of it. Interesting thought, if I see it again, I'll look through it with that in mind.