Genesis is about beginnings. Here is the first man and woman, the first temptation, the first revolt against God, the first murder, the first culture, and the first city. The word for “city” here can refer to any settlement, however large or small.

There’s ambivalence that characterizes the beginnings of civilization. We read about the first harp and flute as well as bronze and iron tools—different artifacts of this developing culture. But culture can be a blessing, or it can also be a curse. Culture itself offers no redemption, but when received as God’s gift it can provide hope.

Cairo, Egypt, like most global cities today, offers many illustrations this ambivalence. Founded in 969 AD, Cairo is regarded as the center of political and cultural life of North Africa and the Middle East. It boasts the world’s second oldest university (Al-Azhar University founded in 975 AD) and the largest music and film industry in the Arab world. Cairo continues to be a city of refuge for hundreds of thousands if not millions of people fleeing war and disaster, most notably from Sudan and Syria.

And yet Cairo is a city of contrasts, as seen in two parts of the city. One is called Al-Qarafa, meaning “City of the Dead.” This is an historic cemetery the size of 740 football fields (300 hectares). Though it is impossible to be exact, people estimate that half-a-million to one million people currently squat amongst its mausoleums and tombs. The urban housing shortage, poverty and other factors have led to its rise and to the distress of those who live there. In another part of the city, known as “garbage city” because of the large population of garbage collectors or Zabbaleen that live there, we find the “Cave Church.” This is the largest Christian church in the Middle East, and it can hold up to 10,000 people. It is literally a massive church complex constructed inside a mountainous part of the city. Today, the Cave Church offers prayer, worship, exorcism, and other ministries and is a blessing to many residents of Cairo.

The seeds of ambivalence are also evident in Cain’s city. He built it and named it. The wanderer sought a settled life. The unrepentant murderer, full of self-pity, sought a name for himself. He perpetuates his name through his son to the next generation. Another title for his city could have been “Independence.” This was his first taste of self-sufficiency. The Bible shows clearly that God gives people freedom to build their life independently from him should they so choose. The impact of those choices will be felt down the generations. The consequences in later generations for Cain were negative (Genesis 4:24). May we choose a life that is reliant on the Lord and a blessing to many!