Gen. 1-11

To conclude Bishop Barron’s "Pre-History" of Genesis (Chapters 1–11), we reach the Tower of Babel. Barron views this story as the ultimate "crescendo" of human sin—the final failed attempt to find unity without God.

5. The Tower of Babel: The Sin of Totalitarianism

In this commentary, Barron focuses on the human desire for a "false unity."

• The Goal of Babel: The people decide to build a tower "with its top in the heavens" to "make a name for ourselves." Barron interprets this as the political version of the Garden of Eden. It is the attempt to create a perfect society, a utopia, based solely on human power and technological pride.

• The Problem of "One Language": While "one language" sounds like a good thing, Barron argues that in this context, it represents forced conformity. When humans try to unite under a single ego or a single political ideology without being centered on God, it inevitably becomes oppressive.

• The Confusion of Tongues: God "scatters" the people and confuses their language. Barron notes this isn't a "mean" punishment; it’s an act of mercy. God is breaking up a totalitarian system before it can do more damage. He is saying, "If you aren't united in Me, it is better that you be scattered than unified in evil."

The Great Pivot: From Babel to Abraham

Barron emphasizes that the end of the Babel story is the "low point" of the Bible. Humanity is scattered, confused, and alienated. This sets the stage for the most important turn in the narrative:

• The Call of Abraham: After the chaos of Babel, God chooses one man.

• The Strategy: Instead of imposing unity from the top down (like the Tower), God begins to build a new people from the bottom up. Through Abraham’s "right praise" and obedience, God will slowly reunite the scattered children of Babel.

Summary of the "Genesis Virus" vs. the Cure

The Garden

Pride

We try to define good and evil rather than receive it.

Cain & Abel

Envy

We see our neighbor as a rival for God’s love.

The Flood

Corruption

Sin becomes "systemic," infecting the very air we breathe.

Babel

Power

We try to create a "man-made" heaven on earth.

Abraham

Faith

The beginning of the cure: trusting God's word over our own.

The Big Picture: Bishop Barron’s overarching message is that Genesis 1–11 is a "diagnostic manual." It shows us exactly what is wrong with the world so that we can understand why we need the "medicine" that comes through the rest of the Bible—the Covenants, the Law, and eventually, Jesus.