Walls: Protection or Partition?

Dear readers,

In 1961, the Berlin Wall split a city, a people, and an ideology. It served to protect East Germany but became a barrier to freedom, trust, and unity. Across history, walls have played dual roles—offering security while sowing separation.

The Great Wall of China stood against invasions, safeguarding a civilization while dividing cultures. Medieval walls defended castles but shut out communities. Even in Western civilization, walls of faith emerged between Catholicism and Protestantism, perpetuating centuries of distrust. In Northern Ireland, the “Peace Lines” are physical manifestations of religious and political divides—walls designed to prevent conflict but often reinforcing segregation.

Apartheid in South Africa revealed yet another kind of wall, one built not of bricks and mortar, but of racial discrimination and inequality. Segregation laws walled off communities, denying millions the dignity of shared spaces, opportunities, and basic rights. The legacy of apartheid reminds us how invisible walls, constructed by prejudice, can be even harder to tear down than physical barriers.

In the Judeo-Christian faith, biblical prophecy gives us a glimpse into the kingdom reality of the future. In Revelation 21:9–27, the Jewish Apostle John, while persecuted on Patmos Island, saw the vision of the new Jerusalem revealing walls and gates—not to divide, but to reflect the glory of God. These walls, adorned with precious jewels, have gates that remain open, welcoming nations to bring their splendor into the city. The walls will represent divine protection and unity, not separation.

As Christians, how should we interpret these future walls and gates amidst the many past humanistic failures? Matthew 5:9–10 calls the children of God to be peacemakers, to reconcile, and to pursue righteousness even amid persecution. Perhaps it is fit to ask: Are we building walls that isolate or gates that invite? How can we embody the spirit of peace and reconciliation, striving not to shut others out but to welcome them into a shared understanding of grace and truth, whether within or without our cities.

May God bless you,

Your faithful friend.