Babel Babble and Bearing God’s Name with Josh Liem

Genesis 11:1-9

This week, we enter the story of the Tower of Babel with fresh eyes—exploring how language can be used to build empire or spread blessing. We'll reflect on God's surprising mercy in scattering humanity, trace the redemptive thread from Babel to Pentecost to Revelation, and consider how Jesus teaches us to bear God's name with humility, not pride. With stories of assimilation, ancient myths, and our own multicultural city in view, we’ll imagine together what it means to resist assimilation and celebrate difference in the Spirit of Christ.

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For reflection & discussion:

1. When have you felt pressure to assimilate?

2. What languages or cultural practices have shaped your identity?

3.  Read Genesis 11:1–9 again slowly. How does this story challenge common ideas about unity and civilization?

4. When have you seen or experienced tension in church around cultural or generational differences?

5. Why is it easier to minimize differences rather than value them?

6. What is one step we can take and be accountable for in moving towards unity in love across differences?