Ep 7. Identifying the Tower of Babel : Oriental Institute of Chicago

Beyond Is Genesis History? is a documentary series that explores the origin and history of the Earth, focusing on the biblical account of creation presented in Genesis. As the title suggests, the show goes beyond the mere retelling of the Bible's stories and delves into the scientific, archaeological, and historical evidence that supports or challenges the biblical narrative. In season 3, episode 7, entitled "Identifying the Tower of Babel: Oriental Institute of Chicago," the show takes a closer look at one of the most fascinating stories in Genesis - the story of the Tower of Babel.

The Tower of Babel is a tale of human pride and rebellion against God. According to the account in Genesis 11, a group of people decided to build a tower that would reach the heavens, in order to make a name for themselves and avoid being scattered all over the Earth. However, God was not pleased with their plan and confounded their language, causing them to speak different tongues and scatter them across the Earth. The story has captured the imagination of people for thousands of years and has been the subject of many interpretations, both religious and secular.

In this episode, host Del Tackett visits the Oriental Institute of Chicago, one of the leading research centers for the study of the ancient Near East, to learn more about the Tower of Babel and its possible identification. Tackett meets with Dr. Christopher Woods, an expert in the Sumerian language and culture, who takes him on a tour of the Institute's vast collection of artifacts from Mesopotamia, the land where the Tower of Babel was supposedly built.

The tour is a fascinating journey into the world of the ancient Near East, where Tackett and Woods examine cuneiform tablets, sculptures, and other artifacts that reveal the customs, beliefs, and languages of the people who lived there thousands of years ago. They also discuss the historical and cultural context of the story of the Tower of Babel, shedding light on some of the possible motivations behind the construction of the tower and the divine punishment that followed.

Through their conversation, Tackett and Woods explore several possible candidates for the location of the Tower of Babel, including the ancient Sumerian cities of Uruk and Eridu, the ziggurat of Babylon, and the biblical site of Shinar. They also discuss the different theories about the purpose and design of the tower, from a religious or astronomical observatory to a political or economic center.

Overall, this episode of Beyond Is Genesis History? is a fascinating exploration of one of the most enigmatic and enduring stories in the Bible. Combining expert analysis, historical research, and stunning visual examples, the show offers an engaging and informative journey into the ancient world, revealing the rich cultural heritage and complex beliefs of the peoples who lived there. Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, this episode is sure to open your eyes to the remarkable history of the Tower of Babel and its impact on the world we live in today.