The Problem and Blessing of Language

In the Christian Bible, there are two prominent stories focused on language, although since the Bible we read is in English, translated from Greek and Hebrew all of which is seeking to articulate the ineffable, you could say the whole Bible is about language, but I digress. 

The story of the Tower of Babel is a primeval history of why there are so many language groups in the world, and most importantly, it addresses that all-too common theme of hubris: that is when humans think too highly of themselves. There we were, building a tower up to heaven to be on the same level as God, then the confusion happened. All the people were given different languages so they couldn't continue to build up-up-up. We were humbled and scattered. Unless we read those stories regularly, we are likely to forget to be humble and hope on the hubris train again and again and again.

The second story focused on language is that delightful story in the book of Acts, when instead of confusion, the gift of languages brings unity in a surprising way. The gift of the Holy Spirit to the church comes unexpectedly and with the urgency of wildfire. Like a whirlwind, the followers of Jesus are suddenly swept up in the work of spreading the word about following Jesus in the language of any who will listen, regardless of their nationality! This time, instead of a great humbling, God empowers! This time, instead of division of peoples, everyone is able to hear clearly in their own language.

My grandfather was and one of my sisters is blessed with the desire and ability to speak multiple languages. I tend to struggle to learn anything beyond a few phrases of other languages. Most of the time when I read the Acts story I am thinking about those metaphorical language divides: how to speak to different generations so that they can hear a teaching, for example. When I traveled to South Africa in 2005, I experienced prayer and teaching and reading scripture in many languages from across Africa. I learned just a few words in the Xhosa language, such as the greeting, "Molo", which means literally, "I see you." I also learned the word, "Themba", which means hope. When I came back to seminary after that trip, I through about my ministry context, then enrolled in a liturgical Spanish class, which included memorizing the Lord's Prayer in Spanish. Experiencing all those language groups together in one seminary filled me with esperanza, the Spanish word for hope. I still only know a little Español, but include it from time to time in our prayer services. 

Sometimes, though, the most challenging language barriers come from my native tongue: English. Sometimes we so codify the way we speak of God that when someone else uses different words to describe a holy encounter with the divine, we, in turn, use damaging words that further scatter us among the shadow of the tower of Babel. 

Whatever language you may speak, consider how you use it. Language can divide us when we use it from a place of hubris. On the other hand, language can unite us, when we humbly speak and listen with grace. Consider inviting the empowering Holy Spirit to be your guide when you speak and listen. Holy Spirit is a phrase my tradition uses to describe the third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit empowers us with gifts to free us from old ways of division. The Holy Spirit guides us in the healing ministry of reconciliation. It is what gave those first followers of Jesus, recalled in the book of Acts, the ability to speak to people different from themselves. It is what I pray will come to us again and again to lead us into the loving kingdom Jesus taught about. It is a kingdom of themba, of esperanza, of hope.