In the Old Testament story of the Tower of Babel, Yahweh observes  a civilization which  speaks a single language, enabling them to work together to build a tower. He worries that this commonality might  unite them with too much power against him. So, he fractures their language and weakens them. They can no longer communicate. This ancient myth has tremendous resonance for us in the American Babel of 2025. We are speaking vastly and dangerously different lexicons of values and perspective, with a discourse that is coarser and crueler by the day. Why is magical thinking and self-interest crowding out common sense and generosity,  and why is it more important than ever that we speak the language of empathy in the public square?

Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker preaching with Worship Leader Rev. Suzie Matranga-Watson. Music from Mary Reese and a Time for All Ages from Tara Toler. Spirited Conversations to follow.

Topics: Community, Compassion, Interdependence