Many moderate and progressive evangelicals like to speak of the biblical vision of shalom. Randy Woodley, a professor at George Fox in Oregon, just wrote a book published by Eerdmans called Shalom and the Community of Creation that emphasizes that shalom is not just an absence of warfare. It also includes the concepts of wholeness, safety, soundness, tranquility, fullness, rest, and harmony. Woodley explores these New Testament themes and suggests that the path of Jesus can promote both social and personal health:
reconciliation between Euro-Westerners and indigenous peoples, a new connectedness with the Creator and creation, an end to imperial warfare, the ability to live in the moment, justice, restoration — and a more biblically authentic spirituality.
David R. Swartz 