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Do you know how long God took to destroy the Tower of…

“Do you know how long God took to destroy the Tower of Babel, folks? Seven minutes. Do you know how long the Lord God took to destroy Babylon and Nineveh? Seven minutes. There’s more wickedness in one block in New York City than there was in a square mile in Nineveh, and how long do you think the…” quote by John Dos Passos
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““Do you know how long God took to destroy the Tower of Babel, folks? Seven minutes. Do you know how long the Lord God took to destroy Babylon and Nineveh? Seven minutes. There’s more wickedness in one block in New York City than there was in a square mile in Nineveh, and how long do you think the Lord God of Sabboath will take to destroy New York City and Brooklyn and the Bronx? Seven seconds. Seven Seconds.””

John Dos Passos

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote uses biblical hyperbole to compare ancient divine judgments with modern urban decay, suggesting swift divine retribution for contemporary wickedness.

In simple terms: God’s quick judgment on modern cities is likened to biblical destruction.

Key Takeaway

Consider the moral weight of modern society.

Themes

morality justice urban decay religion apocalypse

Mood

critical provocative

Type

satirical political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • city planning
  • political activism
  • ethical debates
  • media commentary

Key Concepts

Divine judgment biblical metaphor social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does this say about our view of justice?
  • Can we accept divine punishment as a solution?
A Different Perspective

The comparison may oversimplify complex social issues and ignore human agency.

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