'Shalom' peace in the midst of strife
THE recent Court of Appeal judgment has reignited the debate over the use of "Allah" and how Muslims and Christians in Malaysia address God in Bahasa Malaysia. Views have been expressed from all quarters and there is no sign the controversy will end.
The judgment was followed by the seizure and then release of the latest issue of the Catholic newsletter, The Herald, in Kota Kinabalu.
More recently, Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (ISMA) distributed 70,000 leaflets at mosques throughout the country after Friday prayers slamming the Coalition of Malaysian NGOs in the Universal Periodic Review Process (COMANGO) for being a threat to Islam by promoting human rights and civil liberties. One of ISMA's complaints was also against Christians for using the word "Allah". ISMA named several other NGOs supporting COMANGO, highlighting the Christian Federation Malaysia (CFM) at the top of the list.
Enough has been said on this trend of intolerance. Suffice to say, if it continues, communities may be polarised even more, with the present anger and frustration escalating further.
This is the context we are in as we approach Christmas. In these times, Luke 2:13-14 is particularly refreshing,
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." (NIV)
The heavenly host together with the angel in making this announcement may have had in mind the biblical prophecy of Isaiah in chapter 9:6, "that a child is born and a son is given and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace".
In our Advent journey, Christians should remember that our Lord Jesus Christ is indeed the Prince of Peace. He was sent to proclaim good tidings and to bring peace to those on whom His favour rests.
Peace is not just the cessation of hostility and conflict. The Bible's shalom peace is much more than that. The Hebrew word denotes wholeness, completeness, a sense of prosperity and harmony, a state whereby all facets of life and of society function coherently together.
Such a description of peace may feel far-fetched in a society like ours today. But if the nativity scene is instructive, the words of the heavenly host must truly resonate with us as Christians, who are to be agents of peace and blessings to those around us.
What then, does seeking peace and goodwill mean, even as we pursue truth, justice and righteousness? What does peace mean, when speaking and standing for truth, justice and righteousness can bring about conflict?
"Peace on earth, goodwill to man" must then be seen in the context of shalom's transcendent meaning. Shalom must be the greater and higher good of any society, for it lies at the heart of God's desire to reconcile all people and all things to Himself. Only then are we at the state of a wholeness and completeness that goes beyond our human experience of peace.
So we aim towards the shalom of all men and women, irrespective of race or creed, so that all may prosper in the land. The freedom from poverty and from injustice, and the freedom of conscience, of worship and of self-determination are all part of this shalom when all facets and systems in life and society cohere together for the common good of all.
In the light of Visit Malaysia Year 2014, one must surely be captivated by the promotional video clips depicting Malaysia as a country of peace and beauty. Such depictions can either make us cynical, mindful of present realities, or fill us with the same aspiration that all of us share, whether Christian or not, for a nation that is peaceful and prosperous, a melting pot that we can truly call home.
This Christmas, let us then work for shalom. History shows us that such aspirations do not come easy. Peace requires work, pain and sacrifice. But as Scripture reminds us, "for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matt 6:21; NIV).
Where then is our treasure? In the material things of this world or in the pursuit of God's sovereign will for truth, justice and righteousness as part of the peace on earth and goodwill to all?
May our Christmas this season be a truly meaningful and joyous one. God bless the church and Malaysia!
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