Shalom: The Bible's Word for Salvation Justice and Peace

The biblical challenge of shalom is one which ought to draw all Christians together in a common struggle so that Gods will might be done and Gods kingdom might come on earth as it is in heaven. People as well as structures need to be transformed. People who are caught in oppressive structures need to be liberated from the values and perspectives inculcated by these structures. The shalom maker as a result is involved in a mission of conversion--converting people to a new understanding and way of life. This conversion based on Gods love for them in Jesus frees them from old patterns of thought. If we struggle for shalom we shall suffer because we are actively confronting and resisting the structures of oppression and working for the liberation of powerless and oppressed people. Shalom love is not love at a distance not love in the abstract not love in the rocking chair--it is the love of confrontation of strike of protest and of disobedience to the structures of violence. Shalom love is suffering love because it is militant love struggling for human liberation justice and shalom which is Gods will for our world.