- Introduction:
We live in a constant changing world, profound and rapid changes are spreading by degrees around the whole world with imbalances and tensions. Today’s world is pervaded with injustices, violence, war, communal conflicts, oppressions and religious fanaticism etc. many people in different part of the world live in a constant fear. In this context, if shalom is concerned with the harmony of human relationships, what will be the significance of doing Christian ethics? In order to respond the realities of the present social structure that have been negating the mutual harmony of our social life, the Christian ethical reflection and action has to be oriented toward the re-establishing of Shalom.
- Biblical understanding of Shalom:
The English translation ‘Peace’ cannot do justice to the vast meaning of shalom. The concept of shalom in the Bible is different in many ways differ from modern ideas of peace. The biblical concept of peace is one in which God’s authority and power over his created order are seen to dominate his relations with his world, including both the material and the human spheres.[1] The biblical understanding of shalom means wholeness, fullness of life and the total well-being of human-beings. Shalom is not the mere absence of war, chaos, turmoil and conflicts, rather it is a state of peace, joy, physical material and spiritual happiness. Shalom is neither an inner feeling nor an external projection, but a social and personal reality which brings the common life to fruition. It is a total harmonious growth without any dichotomy between spiritual and material, prosperity of the earth and people, safety, security, absence of conflicts with them are part of shalom.[2]
2.1 Shalom in the Old Testament:
The Hebrew ‘shalom’ comes from the verb ‘shalem’ meaning complete or sound. The OT is full of the language of peace, by which one person wishes peace upon another, or someone wishes to be and to live in peace, free from trouble from enemies and from other dangers. In the OT, peace results from a person subjecting himself/herself appropriately to God or to God’s emissary, the promised Davidic king.[3]
2.2 Shalom in the New Testament:
The Greek ‘Eirene’ is equivalent to the Hebrew shalem’. In the NT, the concept of peace is extended, but still reflects the emphasis of the OT. Jesus is seen in the NT as the one who brings peace. His life and teaching, death and resurrection, are interpreted by is followers in term of the peace they bring. The essential message of the NT regarding peace may be as follow: first, God desires peace with humanity. Secondly, the work of Christ upon the cross has made possible peaceful relations between those who believe in him.[4]
- The issues of Peace in our context today:
Some of the issues that encounter the well being of humanity are necessary to highlight in the light of the Biblical concept of peace today. Peace, broadly conceived, is the pivotal issue of the 20th century, and how we handle this issue may determine not only whether or not humanity survives into the 21st century but also the quality of life for future generations and the biosphere, and even the course of human evolution. Globally, more than one trillion dollars are now invested each year in the name of security and peace. However, this has not successfully by reducing violence and warfare.[5]
The phenomenon of structural violence also takes various forms in the world today. The rigid caste system that pervades in the social structure of the Indian society has created a tension between different classes many a time. The capitalistic economy threatened the life of the marginalized people in the society, by alienating them from their inhabitants due to development projects. Due to population explosion, our natural resources are depleting in various ways, and now we are facing serious environmental crisis. No doubt, the world leading countries have been competing for the development of nuclear weapons. The rises of religious fanaticism in various forms have been threatening the well-being of humanity and many lives have lost for the sake of religion. If peace is the total well being of humanity, its implication should be internalized into the Christian education in the light of various issues facing by the Christian churches today.
- The Significance of shalom in Christian Ethical Reflection:
In a constant changing scenario in the world, Christian faith is tested and challenged to address many realities. The contexts demands that Christian ethical reflection and action should aim not only for change of individual persons but also for change of the structural system of the society. A shift from an individual concern to community welfare should be in the agendas of the Christian ethics today. To understand the significance of shalom in doing ethical reflection, we must take into consideration the concrete situation in which we are living. This is to say that, the Christian ethical reflection and action should be an instrument for transforming the present realities.[6]
The Christian Ethical Reflection should not be isolated to Christian traditions alone, but it should also relate religious traditions of those others who are also in the world in which God is still active. Since faith-formation includes transformation in all aspects of human life. Christian Ethical Reflection should be in such a way that it should facilitate on awareness of inclusive dimensions of God’s self communication and the well-being of all the people in the common search for fuller humanity and fullness of life. Christian education activities of the church should promote a willingness to work in solidarity and make common cause with all people of goodwill in the task of building an inclusive human community.[7]
4.1 Shalom with the creation:
Due to the thoughtless exploitation and destruction of the nature, the world is changing in a state of deterioration. The concern for the nature, balance ecological system and the environmental protection is now a crucial at all levels. Much interest is seen among many groups, irrespective of religious or secular affiliations, to protect the environment and the earth’s ecological balance. Many who share the same concern are aware of the depletion of resources due to the rise in human consumerism and are thinking together of ways carefully use the non-renewable resources hereafter. The indiscriminate use of technology has harmful effects on the environment. It is alarming to both rural and urban people that the earth is fast becoming a place of non suitable for human existence.[8] Nowadays, we have to learn how-to think and act ecologically, stopping thoughtless exploitation ad destruction of the nature, living in an eco-friendly manner, and maintaining peace with the creation.
4.2 Shalom with Gender relationship:
Our concern here is a right, peaceful and harmonious life between man and woman. Why do we need to talk about shalom in term of gender relationship? God designed man and woman to live together in peace and harmony, the first created beings to whom God entrusted the continuing work of creation. Without each other human beings are not a full human being (Gen 1& 2). But God’s purpose and plan in maintaining the peaceful relationship between man and woman was distorted and disrupted as man’s claim of superiority and woman’s inferiority thereby subjecting women in the patriarchal order of life appeared from time immemorial.[9]
Only after realizing the reason why God made man and woman i.e. both of them are made in the likeness of God and not to oppress each other, then, there can be shalom between them.
Shalom with Human relationship:
Shalom with others can be said as interpersonal relationship. Human beings are designed to live together and to have fellowship with fellow human beings. Moreover, an interpersonal relationship is of God’s intension and mandate to human beings. Hence, everyone experiences the hard consequences of enmity or discord with others. Whenever there is disagreement between the people, problems sprout automatically. Until and unless such disagreement is properly addressed, problems grow and ultimate life loses peace of mind.[10] In order to cultivate shalom with others, Paul exhorts the believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility and patience and to bear each other whatever grievances they may have against one another. He says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace and be thankful” (Col. 3:12-15).
Shalom towards Denominationalism:
The Bible has many references to the question of unity. Jesus high priestly prayer is the most often quoted basis for the church union discussion in different parts of the world.
Conclusion:
In the midst of various crises that have been confronting the world today. The biblical concept of shalom should be emphasized Christian Ethical Reflection, which will promote a willingness to work in solidarity and make common cause with all people of goodwill in the task of building the well being of the humanity. The concept of shalom has a cooperating nature. It should include the struggles of people for justice and peace. It cannot be fulfilled in its isolated nature and existence. One’s own shalom has to be shared with others shalom. This notion should be embedded in the Christian Ethical Reflection and action that will promote the well being of humanity in the midst of various issues facing the Christian church today.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Abraham,KC. “The struggle for peace and justice as a context for Biblical Interpretation” in Religion and Society, Vol. XXI.
Chhakchhuak, Raltawnga. “Shalom:The essential need of the church” in Shekina Annual Magazine 2005-2006.
Das, Pradip. “The Historical Development of Ecological thinking in
Giultius,Vassilios. “An ethical Approach to Justice and peace” in Justice, peace and Integrity of creation, ed. Gennadios Limouris Geneva: WCC Publication, 1990.
Hnuni,RL. “Shalom in Gender Relationship”, Shekina Annual Magazine (2005-2006.
Maini, Darshan S. Encyclopedia of Anthropology, Vol.-1 New
Ngurhnema, C. “Shalom from the pastoral approach”, Shekina Annual Magazine (2005-2006): 40.
Porter, SE. “Peace” in New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, ed. TD Alexander and Brian S Rosner Leicester: InterVarsity Press, 2000.
Prabhakar,Samson. Essays on Christian Education and Liturgy
Snaitang, O.L. A history of ecumenical movement: An Introduction
Sumi,Akheto. “Paradigm Shift in Christian Education: It’s relevance for educational Ministry in the NE Indian churches” in Perspective, ed. Akheto Sumi Mokokchung:
[1] Vassilios Giultius, “An ethical Approach to Justice and peace” in Justice, peace and Integrity of creation, ed. Gennadios Limouris (Geneva: WCC Publication, 1990), 58.
[2] KC Abraham, “The struggle for peace and justice as a context for Biblical Interpretation” in Religion and Society, Vol. XXI, 46.
[3] SE Porter, “Peace” in New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, ed. TD Alexander and Brian S Rosner (
[4] SE Porter, “Peace” in New Dictionary of Biblical Theology…, 682-683.
[5] Darshan S Maini, Encyclopedia of Anthropology, Vol.-1 (
[6] Akheto Sumi, “Paradigm Shift in Christian Education: It’s relevance for educational Ministry in the NE Indian churches” in Perspective, ed. Akheto Sumi (Mokokchung:
[7] Samson Prabhakar, Essays on Christian Education and Liturgy (
[8] Pradip das, “The Historical Development of Ecological thinking in
[9] Dr. RL Hnuni, “Shalom in Gender Relationship”, Shekina Annual Magazine (2005-2006): 31-32.
[10] C.Ngurhnema, “Shalom from the pastoral approach”, Shekina Annual Magazine (2005-2006): 40.
[11] O.L. Snaitang, A history of ecumenical movement: An Introduction (
[12] Rev. Dr. Raltawnga Chhakchhuak, “Shalom:The essential need of the church” in Shekina Annual Magazine (2005-2006): 52.
No comments:
Post a Comment