The new meaning of Shalom in contemporary times
A case study in Jeremiah 29:1-15
Abstract
This study analyzes Jeremiah 29:1–15 within the context of the Babylonian exile, highlighting the theological redefinition of the concept of shalom. Rather than associating it with territorial possession or political stability, the text proposes a relational and multidimensional understanding, valid even amid displacement and adversity. The prophet instructs the exiles to engage in daily life and seek the welfare of the city where they reside, subverting the logic of resentment and immediate resistance. In the letter, shalom is presented as an active and collective responsibility, involving constructive integration, intercession for enemies, and reciprocal well-being. This perspective breaks with temple-centered theology and anticipates the spirituality of the New Covenant, marked by the internalization of faith and personal transformation. In a contemporary society shaped by individualism, polarization, and social fragmentation, the Jeremian shalom emerges as a collective project that transcends the mere absence of conflict, encompassing justice, health, inclusive prosperity, and restored relationships. The prophetic proposal calls for active hope, mutual responsibility, and constructive engagement with the present, offering a theologically relevant model for contextual, public, and social theologies.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Marisa Furlan da Silva
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