Why are we humans so different, or are we? If we have been conditioned to see the the differences then they will stand out to us, but if we look at everyone as the human race, and not individual races, we will find more similarities than dissimilarities! All humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), and knowing that should make us love and honor one another, regardless of our differences.
Watch this short clip from Institute of Creation Research:
Historically, differences in race, language, culture, or religion have been the basis for wars and even genocide. We have also witnessed that if one group can rule the others then those who do not fall into the ruling profile become second class citizens, enslaved, or even classified as less than human.
From the Christian worldview we know that God created humans in His own image and He gave them a mandate to take care of the earth and each other; and to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1, 2, 9). Defiance of God and His Word started with Satan who then made sure humans followed his ways at the “Fall” (Genesis 3), resulting in the loss of relationship with God. This genetically acquired human nature has continued to separated us from God, and the consequences have been devastating.
The first time it lead to the “corruption and violence in humans” (Genesis 6) before the Flood of Noah’s time, and then again soon after the Flood when humans set out to build a monument to themselves (Genesis 11). Like Satan, they wanted not to be in the image of God, but to be God. This monument or Tower (of Babel) was to be the pillar of human accomplishment, and worshipped in place of God.
Demonstrating His divine wisdom and love God chose to scatter the people at this time. Some scholars believe that in changing their language it affected not only their ability to communicate, but their intentions as well. If you don’t have the same purpose in mind you cannot work together, so they dispersed throughout the land.
Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. …Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
(God speaking)…”‘Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.'” So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth and they stopped building the city.” –Genesis 11:1, 4, 7-8
As we know today, through modern genetics, the code for all races of people was passed down from Adam and Eve through Noah and on into the generations to come. Not only was language a common draw, but phenotypes (physical features) that the people already possessed. People groups (and thus the nations) developed as prevailing genetic characteristics were isolated.
Listen to this 13 minute clip for some insight to the Tower of Babel:
Current understanding of DNA gives us insight to skin color differences (and other traits) based on dominant and recessive genes in our genetic code. The DNA contains chromosomes that contain genes in pairs called alleles. Characteristics and traits are observed in two ways:
Phenotype (the physical appearance)
Genotype (the pair of genes that are carried by a person that code for a specific trait. Each person carries a pair of genes [alleles]; only one from each parent is passed on to an offspring)
- Dark skin = Dominant genes (will always produce this physical appearance; covers up the recessive gene when paired with it)
- Light skin = Recessive genes (must have both parents with recessive genes for this physical appearance)
- Middle brown skin = Heterozygous genes (A person who has both dominant and recessive genes can carry the phenotype for both; this can include incomplete dominance that allows for variations)
In Biology gene alleles in the DNA are assigned letters. For example, let’s assign dark hair with an A and therefore light hair would be a. Let’s assign dark eyes with B and light eyes with b.
A=dominant trait a=recessive trait
B=dominant trait b=recessive trait
Note: Dominant traits will always show in the phenotype (the physical appearance). Recessive traits can be carried and will only show when the offspring gets both recessive gene alleles from their parents.
Biology quiz: What phenotype (appearance) and genotype (genes) did Adam and Eve have?
Adam and Eve could only have had one of the following genotypes (letter assignments are for the gene alleles):
1. AABB = Dominant (can only have AABB children)
Mom Dad Kids
AABB + AABB = AABB
or…
2. aabb = Recessive (can only have aabb children)
Mom Dad Kids
aabb + aabb = aabb
or…
3. AaBb = Heterozygous (can have all combinations)
Mom Dad Kids
AaBb + AaBb = AABB or aabb or AaBb (all types possible)
Answer: In order to have children with the possibility of all skin colors and eye colors Adam and Eve had to have dark characteristics (phenotype) and carry all recessive types in their genes (heterozygous genotypes). There are only three possible parent types – Adam and Eve would have to be in category 3:
Adam = AaBb
Eve = AaBb
Note: All combinations of skin color; eye color; tall-short; curly-straight hair; ear shape; nose shape; etc., are possible with parents who are both heterozygous. Also note that this a simplified explanation and practice from what you would get in an introductory biology course.
If the foundations be destroyed what can the righteous do? Psalm 11:3
Watch this insightful one hour Creation Ministries International program that covers some in-depth topics on the origin of the Nations:
We have now concluded our study, “A Case for Creation 101,” and have covered the most controversial chapters in the Bible, Genesis 1-11. Although there are different views on the age of the earth, and when all of this happened, it is important to focus on the fact that God did create versus the atheistic “philosophy of evolution” as a means for the origin of life. It is also important to go to the Word of God first and then search the available evidence using scientific reasoning, not assuming prevailing philosophies given to us in secular education. As Christians we should focus on growing closer to God through His Word that gives us a picture of His Son Jesus and the plan God set in place from the beginning. This is why we will continue with a new study called “A Case for the Old Testament” and see for ourselves what the Bible is teaching and how it actually matches up with reality!
Bible Study: Read Genesis chapters 11:
- Chapter 11 goes back into chapter 10 and tells the story of what happened after the flood. What did the people gather to do in the “Plain of Shinar” and why (11:1-4)?
- What was God’s response to what the people were doing and why (11:5-8)? Cross-reference by reading Luke 1:46-55 (from Mary’s song to God), focus on verse 51 in this Luke passage to help with the question of why. In honest application, what is your tower?
- What was the tower called and why (11:9)? Do you know anything about a place called Babylon later on in the Old Testament? Where is modern day Babylon located?
- Shem’s name is where the term “Semite” comes from, and Eber is thought to be where the term “Hebrew” comes from (although Hebrew is a term that also refers to a wanderer). How was Noah’s son Shem related to Abram (11:10-26)?
- A few important people to know as you head into the study of Genesis 12-50: Who are Terah, Abram, Nahor, Haran, Sarai, Milcah, and Lot and how are they related? Are there any of these individuals you already know about?
- Application: Why are the genealogies and relationships between individuals in the Bible important for us to understand as Christians today?
- Genesis 1-11 is the section of Scripture most under attack in our culture today so it is important for Christians to have a foundational understanding of the people, history and theology as they relate to the Scarlet Thread of Jesus. In concluding your study of this section: What questions do you still have about Genesis 1-11?
Join us next week as we begin a new study: A Case for the Old Testament!
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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.
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Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
1 Peter 3:15