The Building Blocks of Civilization

"For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name." Ephesians 3:14-15

According to the best estimates, civilizations first began somewhere between 4000 and 3000 BCE. While some features of civilization differ, the main characteristic is the development of urban centers. Today, we call them cities. Typically characterized by large population areas, monuments, architecture, systems of trade, and shared communication, cities serve as the physical basis for a civilization.

The desire for civilization is simple: the vast majority of people want to live in peace. Over time, people realized they could increase their odds of living in peace by coming together. Civilization is the result of the collective efforts to create peace. However, the survival of civilization requires two key elements. First, people must protect their civilization, and second, people must provide for their civilization.

Without protection, civilizations are conquered. Without provision, civilizations cannot sustain themselves. A critical mass of protection and provision must be maintained for civilizations to survive.

To achieve both, people must sacrifice for something beyond their personal desires. Those that are protecting must be willing to protect the entire society, not just themselves. Those that are providing must collectively provide for the entire society, not just themselves.

Based on this it may seem that people are the building blocks of civilization. But people are, generally speaking, not willing to sacrifice for others when push comes to shove. Think about it…people cut you off on the highway, they steal your taxi, cut you in line, manipulate you for their gain, and lie to you to get ahead. And these are relatively low stakes examples - the vast majority of people will choose self-preservation when the stakes are truly high.

Clearly, people act in their own self-interest; thus, people, by their nature, are unable to hold a civilization together for the long-term. So, if not people, what is holding up civilization today? Or rather what are the building blocks?

Families are the true building blocks of civilization: one father, one mother, and their children. They meet all the requirements. Parents are more than willing to sacrifice beyond their personal desires for their children - most parents would die for their families without thinking twice. Fathers naturally possess the capability to protect. Men are physically stronger and faster than women, making protector their natural role. And only women are capable of bringing life into the world and naturally sustaining their children, making provider their natural role.

Families are the atoms that create the molecules of civilization, but to create civilization, something has to hold the families together…something has to bond these atoms.

Inherently, we all know the answer - shared values are the glue that holds civilizations together. Shared values unite families in their morals and ethics. They create a consensus on purpose and priorities. Shared values create community.

Put a bunch of families together that share the same values, and you get a society that can sustain itself. The recipe is simple: families + shared values = civilization. Discard either one of these, and civilization collapses.

So, families and shared values must be preserved at all costs. Fortunately, religion, specifically Christianity, preserves and cultivates both. Christianity not only encourages families, but it also instructs families on how to act.

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12

“Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4

Similarly, Christianity not only codifies its shared values, but it also challenges us to do better.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

Christianity has held civilizations together for the last two thousand years so there’s no need to wonder if it can - we know it will. Christian families and Christian values create long-lasting civilizations…such a simple concept, yet sometimes the simplest things are the most easily forgotten.