THE BRITISH & EUROPEAN SUPPLEMENT
TO…
July/August 2000
Understanding the Real Legacy of Babel
Scientists claim that within the next 100 years a microchip fitted into the brain will give people the ability to speak another language without having to learn it. This is the closest mankind has yet come to the 'universal translator' of science fiction programmes like Star Trek. Direct communication is one way to free up the flow of knowledge and scientific research between nations. But is this free flow of information always a good thing? And, we might ask, where did all these languages come from in the first place?
Is an implant that would give the instant ability to speak another language really possible? Given the nuances of language and the complexities of syntax, it seems unlikely. But if it could be done, we should think about the impact it would have on society.
The nature of languages
Languages are constantly changing and, contrary to the theory of evolution which states that simple forms evolve into more complex forms, some aspects of language appear to be evolving backwards instead of becoming more complex. For example, the English second person singular form 'thou' has long been redundant except in classic literature such as Shakespeare and the King James Version of the Bible. The Russian alphabet has lost 3 characters in the last 50 or so years. Dutch orthography was revised and simplified by an Act of Parliament in 1947, when cumbersome and old-fashioned spelling was abolished. And the use of the German character for 'double s' is currently being phased out.
There is a much more serious side to all this. Once before the world had a single language. We read of this in the book of Genesis, chapter 11.
Not long after Noah's Flood, the whole earth still had one language. But then the people decided to build a city and a tower reaching to heaven. The reason the people gave was that they wanted to make a name for themselves (verse 4).
In verse 5 God came down to look at the tower and said, 'The people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them'. What God was saying in effect was that left to their own devices mankind, with all its pooled resources, would soon be doing such things as splitting the atom and making space ships – all far too early in His great plan.
God's solution
He already knew how evil humanity could become. That's why He had caused the flood that destroyed everyone except Noah and his family. Then at Babel God's solution was to confuse their languages, so they could no longer understand each other. The people left off building the tower and scattered across the earth in small groups of those with the same language.
The tower was called Babel, or in English 'babble' or 'confusion'. The idea of Babylon, the city that took its name from the tower of Babel, being a place of mixed language remains to this day. The cult TV series Babylon 5 is based in a space station where humans and aliens speaking different languages and with different cultures learn to communicate with each other.
Modern computer terminology, space research, pop music and movies have all added to the current homogenisation. If left alone, languages, which are rapidly assimilating the words of other cultures, would probably eventually evolve into a single world language even without the aid of scientists.
As we move into the 21st century nations are communicating more and more freely with each other and pooling vast amounts of knowledge. Equipment has become available that allows for the mass simultaneous translations of, for example, scientific speeches at international conferences. Hundreds, even thousands of people, can be listening on headsets to a translator speaking in their own native tongue.
The Bible mentions this pooling of knowledge and resources in several places – always in relationship to what is called in Scripture 'the time of the end'.
Rapid growth of knowledge
Daniel 12:4 prophesies of a rapid increase in knowledge at the end of the age. We have seen this in our time, when new advances are made in computing even before the previous advance has reached the shops. So what you buy is already out of date. For these rapid advances to occur knowledge must be pooled, requiring effective communication. This is already happening! Manufacturers constantly talk in terms of the Global Market and globalisation.
The Bible also speaks of a great trading area existing just prior to the return of Christ. To trade effectively people must be able to communicate with each other. The Bible calls this power Babylon the Great. You'll find it described in Revelation, chapters 17 and 18.
Just before Christ's return 10 kings give their power and strength to a great leader called 'the beast'. These all have 'one mind', indicating easy communication.
The end result of all this incredible pooling of knowledge will be a time of great trouble for the earth and its peoples, finally bringing the world to the brink of total destruction. But then Christ will intervene in world affairs and fight a last battle against the powers of evil. Many know this as 'Armageddon'. Yet only a few understand what this battle is and the reasons for it. (Write for our free brochures, You Can Understand Bible Prophecy and Are We Living in the Time of the End?)
There are scary times ahead, but beyond them there is great hope for mankind. The Bible predicts in Zephaniah 3:9 a time when once again the earth will have one language. Then its people will all be living in peace and harmony, working for mutual good and not for destruction.
Barbara Fenney
Who Will Have the Last Word?
We live in an age accustomed to the concept that every person’s opinion
counts, and is worthy of due consideration. When discussing present-day problems
around the globe, expressing sovereignty issues in the European Union or
speaking on constitutional matters in royal circles, we want our view to triumph
– to have the last word on the subject. But what assurance do we have that our views are accurate, based on fact, and
meriting the last word? Embracing strongly-held beliefs is commendable, but by
itself isn't of any real value unless it's based on truth. This is particularly
true of religious concepts. Are our views biblical? All too often people hold firm religious views that they believe are based on
the Bible, when in reality they are based on human tradition. The apostle Paul
cautioned his readership in Romans 10:1-2. First he commends his people Israel for their zeal and devotion in embracing
strong religious beliefs. Then Paul highlighted the missing ingredient in their
thinking when he stated, 'For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God,
but not according to knowledge'. Since the missing ingredient, true knowledge,
was lacking, they had established their own righteousness and had not submitted
to the righteousness of God (verse 3). That has been the problem throughout time. Man has tried to interpret God,
often making the Creator in his own image. The religious people of Christ's day
had allowed men's traditions to replace God's word. They wanted to be in the
driving seat in order to have the last word on what to believe and how to
worship God. The apostle Paul merely reflected Christ's statement, 'In vain do
they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men' (Mark 7:7). The New Testament tells us that Christ came to reveal the Father (Luke
10:22). Christ is called the Word (Greek, Logos) in John 1:1. His Word, a
reflection of the Holy Bible, should be the final verdict on all things. God
should have the last word. But today in this age of man, as in the past, it is
the human view that usually predominates over the biblical view. The need for a study course How good is our understanding of the Bible, the very Word of God that shall
judge us? How can we make sure that our religious beliefs are biblically based
and not founded on human tradition? We need to ensure that we have God's
blessing on our practices and beliefs. To help you understand God's Word, the United Church of God has produced an
up-to-date Bible Study Course available free to anyone who wishes to request it.
This course shows that we have been put on the earth for a great purpose, and
that the physical creation in the book of Genesis is far from the end of God's
creative activity. Human beings are born for a far greater purpose than living out our
proverbial 'three score and ten' years. God's Word does not leave us in the dark
on the vital questions concerning life's purpose. The Creator God, addressing the Israelites at the time of Moses, made the
basics very clear when stating, 'I call heaven and earth as witnesses today
against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing;
therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live' (Deuteronomy
30:19). The Israelites were encouraged to choose life. They refused that option, and
so has the world at large. The legacy the Israelites left behind is a rejection
of what God offers in His Word. In fact the whole of mankind has rejected God's
way in an attempt to make sure that manmade traditions take precedence over the
Word of God. The tide will be turned In this world today man appears to have the upper hand, the last word. God is
worshipped differently to the way He commands. The Bible is given a human
interpretation. Much of what is believed in traditional Christianity has very
little biblical basis. But the day of man won't be for long. God will have the final say. This
all-important fact is what God's Word emphatically teaches. The inspired prophet
Isaiah tells us of this biblical certainty: 'Look to Me and be saved, all you
ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself;
the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that
to Me every knee shall bow...(Isaiah 45:22-23). Elsewhere we are told that at
the end of the day, 'the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as
the waters cover the sea' (Isaiah 11:9). God will have the last word. Why not get a stimulating preview of that future
time by enrolling in our free Bible Study Course? See for yourself how God's
plan for all of humanity will unfold. Gerhard O Marx
Questions and Answers
Letters from our Readers…
Concerned about Britain
I have recently decided to convert to Christianity….as a protest against the satanic conspiracy of political correctness which is trying to indoctrinate people's minds including youngsters', [saying] that it is cool to be a homosexual or a lesbian or other such nonsense. It has also banned parents from smacking children who misbehave. And generally in Ephraim's mother country the law has more sympathy for criminals than for the victims of crime. All these things cannot be right.
B Mc, Fife, Scotland
The Good News in Sweden,
Norway and Malta
I found this offer [for The Good News] in the Swedish Reader's Digest. Do you really mean you'd send free copies abroad? I've already read some numbers and enjoyed them. I found them at a Swedish flea market. But I'd love to read some more, and know some people who would love to share my copies.
V T, Sweden
We are glad to!
Please send me your Good News magazine (the expanded edition)…Please send me your printed booklets…and also send me your new magazine World News & Prophecy with its biblical perspectives on current events. I would be glad to have them. Hope you are all growing spiritually, and my best wishes to you.
H S, Norway
Thank you for your wonderful Good News magazine and may the Lord bless the person or persons who gave you our name and address. It is an answer to prayer. We have been born-again Christians for 20 years, first living in the UK, then here in Malta. My husband is Maltese and myself British. We also have close contact with the Jewish community.
J & M D, St Julian's, Malta
The Bible Study Course
I visited a couple where I found your publications, and your address. I read the Bible, but I find it very confusing. I have attended many churches and they do not say the same things. If you do not mind, please send me your Bible Study Course. I look forward to hearing from you.
Ms S N, London
For our readers who have not yet enrolled in the Bible Study Course, the article about 'Who Will Have the Last Word?' beginning on page 2 will give you a good idea as to why this course is so necessary in our modern world.
Changes of address
Thank you for your magazine The Good News which I look forward to receiving each issue….
I use the local library to get on the Internet and send emails. I wish to inform you that my postcode was recently changed. My full correct address is….
D O'M, Aylesbury, Bucks.
We do appreciate your informing us of the postcode change and we would like to encourage all our readers who move house to use the change-of-address coupon appearing on page 3 of this Supplement.
Audio tapes
Thank you for the first tape now returned. Enjoyed it. John Jewell is a good speaker.
W R C, Milnthorpe, Cumbria
John Jewell is pastor (and chief executive officer for the National Council) of the United Church of God – British Isles.
The World Tomorrow broadcast
I was wondering what ever happened to "The World Tomorrow" broadcast. Will it ever be on again? I live in the USA and used to enjoy watching.
J D, Portland, Oregon
We have a World Tomorrow radio programme which can be heard in parts of the British Isles from Manx Radio in the Isle of Man, on Tuesday evenings at 9:45 pm and Thursday night at 1:02 am, UK time (1368HzAM [MW] and 103.7 MHzFM, all frequencies).
It can also be heard and downloaded from the Internet at www.worldtomorrow.org. Additionally, we are broadcasting on the major shortwave station WWCR transmitting from Nashville, Tennessee, and beaming into Europe and Africa, on Saturdays at 2:00 pm and Tuesdays at 6:15 pm (British Summer Time), on 15.685 in the 19-metre band.
In the next issue we will include our first structured radio log.
Also, a new radio programme is scheduled to begin in the United States this summer. Watch for further announcements.
Please send your letters to:
The Good News
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MILTON KEYNES
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