In the latest episode of The City, the question of whether cities can be “good” is explored. With increasing urbanization around the world, issues such as inequality, environmental degradation, and social isolation can often feel like inherent parts of city life. But does it have to be this way? Join us as we dive into the complexities of urban living and examine the ways in which cities can strive towards a better future.

The City Episode 6 Explores: Can Cities Be Good?

Introduction

In the previous episode of The City, we learned about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and how God judges against injustice and oppression. Today’s episode marks a shift in tone as we explore the first positive portrayal of a city in the Bible, specifically Egypt under the wise leadership of Joseph during a famine. However, this positive moment is short-lived as later Pharaohs enslave God’s people and force them to build cities. In this article, we will delve into the themes of cities in the Bible and how they corrupt human nature.

The Ups and Downs of Joseph’s Leadership

Joseph’s story in the Bible is a series of ups and downs, leading to his becoming a prisoner in Egypt. Despite the negative associations with Egypt, Joseph’s wise leadership during the famine turned the city into a food bank to feed the world. This is a powerful example of how a city can be used for good. However, as the story of Exodus shows us, the same city later enslaved and oppressed God’s people.

The Preference for Living Outside of Cities

The storyline of Genesis shows a preference for living outside of cities. Abraham and Isaac were traveling migrant herdsman who never lived in cities. The biblical narrative seems to suggest that living outside of cities is a better way of life. This is perhaps due to the idea that cities are hotbeds of corruption and immorality. The Bible suggests that the further away one is from cities, the closer they are to God.

Cities and the Corruption of Human Nature

The conversation in The City Episode 6 reflects on the role of cities in the Bible and how they can both amplify and corrupt human nature. The Bible is clear that cities are places of great potential, where people can come together to create something greater than themselves. However, this potential for greatness is easily perverted, and cities can become places of great evil. They can amplify the worst aspects of human nature, such as greed, selfishness, and corruption.

Conclusion

The City Episode 6 is an exploration of the role of cities in the Bible. It raises important questions about the nature of cities and their potential for both good and evil. The story of Joseph shows us that cities can be used for good, but the story of Exodus reminds us that they can also be places of great evil. In conclusion, although the Bible seems to suggest that living outside of cities is better, it is clear that the potential for greatness is much greater in cities. What we do with that potential is up to us.