Most of us probably remember the story of the Tower of Babel from Genesis chapter 11. In part, “Now the whole earth had one language and the same words…” And of course, as nice and convenient as this may sound, it was NOT good. In fact, we quickly learn that God came down and put a stop to it by confusing the languages and dispersing the people as He had originally commanded. Many theologians identify this passage as the institution of nationalism (I agree).
God dispersed the people over the face of the earth by purposely confusing the language between them so they couldn’t speak the same language; so they couldn’t communicate with each other; so they had to live apart.
I was reminded of this story recently when I realized we have the same problem today–especially here in America. The problem isn’t that all of those who immigrate here speak the same language–I wish they did, but instead, it’s now needing to be politically correct–“having the same words” as the Bible puts it.
Like those on the plain of Shinar, we all now must have the same words or we are considered worthy not only of persecution but also of prosecution. It isn’t because I want to say the N word or use racially insensitive language. But I believe it is used by the masses to suppress freedom of thought and ideas. And I believe this is actually destroying our nation.
As an American, I like being different than the rest of the world. I like having the inch, the foot, and the yard; the ounce, the quart, and the gallon; individualism, freedom of speech, and the right to petition the government.
We are a different people. We were founded upon different principles. And we have hopes and ideals different from the rest of the world–most of those founded under the Judaeo-Christian faith.
I believe this is good and why God separated us from one another anyway.
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