This episode introduces the very idea of—shalom; where it comes from, what it means, connections it might have.
We start with the general idea of shalom (1:00-4:20), noting how, properly understood, it offers a kind of clue to understanding reality as it is and transforming reality in ways we might hope for it to become. Introduced in the Hebrew scriptures the word points to a kind of wholeness and completeness, an integrity that exits in a sort of dynamic harmony, an unfolding action more than a completed state of being. This dynamic integration extends to all reality—from the divine, through every dimension of our “worldly” life.
While the term is not extended beyond the Hebrew scriptures, the content it represents does appear into the Bible’s “New Testament” (4:20-8:30). It also has significant similarities, verbal and substantive, with ideas and values in other cultures and faith traditions (9:00-15.00).
A common translation of the Hebrew shalom is “peace.” But for some “peace” suggests a kind of calm, tranquil, perhaps even passive state, and none of these qualities correspond very well with the biblical account of shalom (15:00-18:40). Instead, the biblical account tends to be both provocative and disturbing, provoking in some a kind of “shalom-shock.” There can be real ambivalence with regard to shalom, when it is encountered. Still, in spite of its attractive-yet-challenging qualities, shalom offers a worthy value to hold, a vision worth pursuing (18:40-22:35). And one part of what makes it worthy of pursuit is that has real practical value for matters of current life and culture (22:35-26:00). It can inform, shape, and mould our beliefs, behaviours, belongings, and beholdings in every day life.
The episode concludes with an invitation to engage these reflections, not merely as an intellectual exercise, but in a kind of contemplative meditation.
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I love the way you connected the Kingdom of God with shalom as two sides of the same coin. As you articulate it, shalom gives a much more dynamic expression of what that kingdom looks like while also bypassing the tricky language of empire which comes with its own historical and contextual challenges.
Thanks! You’ve touched on a key challenge of using “kingdom” language–a kingdom typically involves a ruler (hierarchy), rule (way of life), and realm (geographical space). Shalom talk links in with the middle of those (a way of life, including governance) but must then wrestle with the first and third, especially given the adversarial and imperial assumptions that tend to come with it, both in the biblical context and in ours. I’m drawn to shalom rethinking of a rule/way of life, in a way that significantly redefines, perhaps eliminates, ruler and realm, at least insofar as the former presupposes hierarchy and the latter presupposes defined geographical boundaries. But this requires, I think, some more biblical interpretation work than we currently have available.