Today’s reading reminds us that, for the biblical editors, our rancorous debate about evolution and divine agency would seem silly indeed. For here, two differing explanations about diverse human culture standing side by side. Let’s take a look.
These chapters begin and end with another series of genealogical lists. It’s up to Noah’s sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth (no mention of their wives!)—to repopulate the earth, and they do a bang up job of it. And though you’re forgiven for skimming Genesis 10, what’s intriguing to me is its repeated reference to the progeny’s languages, clans, lands, and nations (10:5, 20, 31). In other words, over time, family groups developed their own distinctive cultures. Evolutionary folks, here’s your “biblical evidence.”
In the midst of the lists, though, lies a brief but familiar story that accounts for human diversity in terms of divine interference. In this case, the people devise an impressive building project precisely to promote unity and avoid their “dispersion over all the earth” (11:4). But apparently, the Lord is not a fan of human unity, since “all they plan to do will be possible for them” (11:6). After conducting a “walk through,” God acts like a meddling mother-in-law by introducing diverse languages to ensure misunderstanding. (If you’re troubled by this motive, take heart by re-reading Acts 2!)
What are we to make of these two chapters? Here’s one thought. When we try to understand our differences, we do well to frame our own explanations within the wider context of God’s activity. As many scientists will report, human explanations never fully account for the human experience. There’s always a remainder of mystery, of wonder, of awe, and sometimes even consternation.
- What kinds of diversity most trouble you or inspire you (race, ethnicity, politics, religion, class)?
- When have you experienced the limits of human explanation? What do you think is God’s role in life today, especially in our differences?
- What other details did you notice in today’s reading?
Prayer: We like our neat and clean answers, O God, but we’re grateful for this biblical challenge to avoid them. Open our eyes to what causes our differences, and how you use them. Amen.
Breath Prayer: The Lord // dispersed them.
