Shalom

The Psalm says, “Seek peace and pursue it.” In Hebrew, peace is “shalom.” It means much more than the absence of conflict or tension with others. Shalom is rooted in the harmony and health of the whole community. It leads to collective liberation. I hear a lot of white Christians, both conservative and liberal, lamenting the polarization of society and the politicizing of everything. Many of these folks preach that our ultimate duty is to stop arguing with each other and stay unified in Christ (or America).

This white Christian version of peace sounds great, but so often it serves as a substitute for the main goal. Shalom. The assurance that all God’s children are protected and provided for—no matter what they look like, who they love or how they worship. Peace is not about staying silent so we won’t fight with friends and family. Peace is a spiritual paradigm shift proclaiming that it will be impossible for us to get along with each other until everyone is cared for. Peace demands that we openly disagree with those dishing out deception and disinformation to justify their peaceful lives.