Shalom and Justice

Two words. Two definitions that will change the world.

What is ‘shalom’?

“The webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight is what the Hebrew prophets called shalom. We call it peace, but it means far more than mere peace of mind or a ceasefire between enemies. In the Bible, shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight – a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts fruitfully employed, a state of affairs that inspires joyful wonder as its Creator and Savior opens doors and welcomes creatures in whom He delights. Shalom, in other words, is the ways things ought to be.” (Cornelius Plantinga, NOT the Way It’s Supposed to Be, p. 10)

What is ‘justice’? 

“Justice and shalom are closely linked. Doing justice is repairing shalom where it’s been broken. Justice is shalom and doing justice is repairing the fabric where it’s breaking apart. IT’s going to places where the fabric is weak and reweaving the fabric where it’s broken.” (Tim Keller, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, from Doing Justice)