Shalom Cycle
In the book Not The Way It’s Supposed To Be: A Berviary of Sin, Cornelius Plantinga defines shalom as:
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 cease-fire 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 s the creatures in whom he delights. Shalom, in other words, is the way things ought to be.[Plantinga, C. (1995). Not The Way It’s Supposed To Be: A Berviary of Sin Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995), page 10)]
A healthy, wholesome life is marked by THE SHALOM CYCLE.
In the novel BEYOND PISD, after he learns that the affair partner contacted Meg, Art wonders if he will get back to being his old productive self again (Page 3). He recognizes how chasing sex had squeezed out life (Page 4). On Page 163, Art reflects on his double life.
Questions for Reflection
- What was Art’s double life?
- What was Art doing when he was living the Shalom Cycle?
BIBLIOTHERAPY QUESTIONS
Remorseful Spouse:
- Describe your life when you were living the Shalom Cycle?
- When you were living the Shalom Cycle:
- Who were you deeply connected with?
- What activities were you involved in?
- What were your family and work life like?
- What excited you?
- What do you miss most about living in the Shalom Cycle?
Betrayed Partner:
- Describe your life when your spouse was living the Shalom Cycle?
- How did you and your spouse connect?
- What activities were you involved in?
- What was your family life like?
- What do you miss most about living in the Shalom Cycle with your spouse?