Separation of Church and Hate

by John Fugelsang

THE SCRIPTURE: Some anti-immigration fundamentalists are fond of Genesis 11:1–9, aka the Tower of Babel. Humanity, united by one language, settles on a plain in Shinar and begins constructing a tower to reach the heavens and make a name for themselves. God, annoyed, confuses their languages and disperses them, ending the construction. Many choose to interpret this story as God wanting firm borders. But the central issue in Genesis 11 is not the separation of people, but their collective pride and attempt to challenge God’s authority. Yes, God confuses the language and scatters everyone, thereby creating linguistic and cultural diversity. But all that proves is that within the Bible, diversity is presented as part of God’s divine plan.