Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Genesis 11:1 -- On Language and Influence

"And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech."
Genesis 11:1


I think that this is an interesting note that goes along with the Tower of Babel story.  Having everyone able to understand each other, here, seemed to be a bad thing because they could all join together in pursuing one evil goal. 

In the modern day we are quite aware of the challenges of living in a world with disparate languages and cultures.  It's a little weird to try to see it from the other side.  And yet, perhaps the idea of the Gadianton Robbers, or what we would call "organized crime" might give us a taste.  One person with bad desires living with people who are willing to help and teach might overcome them in time... but give that same person the internet and a whole community of people who share the same desires, and it might become the central tenet of that person's life.

We influence each other, for good or for ill.  Today, perhaps we can work on being aware of that, and doing our best to never encourage anyone for, or entice anyone to, evil, but to only set an example of good.

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