Towers of Babel

I love a good cause. I love the idea of changing the world for good, the solidarity, the sense of being special, making a difference. I’ve thrown myself into at least four big causes in my life.

But sooner or later, issues arise: constriction, can’t breathe, no air.

The Bible tells the story of the Tower of Babel—people working together to build a city with a tower that would reach heaven, to make a name for themselves. And after the trauma of the flood, to be safe.  

I can well imagine being drawn into this great project, the inspirational leaders with Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG). the innovative hi-tech (bricks), the carefully articulated shared values, the rousing songs, the creative problem-solving. And the joy of working together.

Big on technology but without spirituality, morally bankrupt. Attempting to be in control.

Big on unity but without the diversity—group-thinking, conformity, one way.

In a word, dangerous.

Causes that seem so good can suffocate. And the desire to make a name can worm its way into the most noble of organizations, with talk so smooth it’s hard to discern what’s really going on.

I know the feeling of not having air to breathe, and how refreshing it is to be set free!