Colors and Cultures Playlist

Colors and Cultures 
God made us to be diverse, from our skin color to the expressions of our cultures and families. Kids as young as four and five begin to notice racial and cultural diversity. They see differences among people and start having ideas about what those differences mean. The sooner we can note difference, celebrate it, and name God’s goodness in our difference, the sooner children will start building their foundation of seeing the image of God in all kinds of people.

Start by reading the Bible Story or watching the video and going through the wondering/discussion questions. Then pick the activities your family or small group would like to do, as many or few as you like. Close your time with prayer – use your own or the one provided.

Bible Story
Read the story about the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9 in your favorite Bible or watch the story video below.

Wonder/Discussion Questions

For children

• In the story, I wonder why the people wanted to be the same, speak the same way, and live in the same place?
• I wonder why God was upset when everyone looked the same and talked the same?
• I wonder if you’ve ever wanted to change to be like someone else?
• I wonder what God thinks about our world today with many different languages, cultures, colors, and places?

For Youth and Adults

• In this story, the people express both pride and fear as their reasons for building a tower. How are pride and fear dangerous to spiritual life? How do you see pride and fear expressed today?
• Why do you think the people wanted to be the same, speak the same way, and live in the same place?
• God offers a reason for making many languages in verses 6-7. Based on what you know about God from other stories in the Bible and your personal experiences, what are some other possible reasons that God scattered the people and gave them many languages?
• Have you had the experience of being in a place where people come from many cultures and speak many languages? Have you had an experience of being in a place where people are pretty similar to each other? Compare the benefits and drawbacks.

Prayer

Dear God, you made us with many beautiful differences. Thank you for our culture, and for all the things we learn from people who come from different cultures. Help us praise you through our diversity. Build us up and unite us in love so that we can do your work in the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.