Salaam, salaam I wish you!
You’ve probably noticed that we greet you every day with ‘Salaam’ rather than ‘Namaste’. This might seem odd because ‘Salaam’ is often associated with Middle Eastern greetings, whereas ‘Namaste’ is considered more Indian.
Allow us to explain our choice.
‘Namaste’ is a Sanskrit term that means ‘I bow to you’. Some Christians might argue that bowing should only be done towards God (Philippians 2:10-11), whereas others would point out that bowing to a person as a sign of respect, when culturally appropriate, was also practised by Biblical figures like Abraham, Jacob and Joseph.
‘Salaam’ has its roots in the Hebrew word ‘Shalom’, which is how Jesus also greeted people! Jesus said: “Shalom be unto you.” – John 20:19.
Shalom is translated in English as ‘peace’ but, conveys much more than a simple greeting. It embodies a profound sense of perfection, completeness, wholeness, joy, health, safety and prosperity – essentially all the blessings that only God can provide (James 1:17).
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. – Isaiah 26:3
In this verse, the word ‘Shalom’ is used for both ‘perfect’ and ‘peace’ 🤯 The verse literally reads, “You will keep in PEACE PEACE (or SHALOM SHALOM) those whose minds are steadfast on You”.
So why say ‘Namaste - I bow to you’ when we can invoke God’s perfect peace and all of His blessings on you by saying ‘Salaam’? Jesus says to you today: friend, Shalom, I leave with you; My wholeness and joy I give you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not be afraid. I will keep you healthy and prosperous because your mind is set on Me (John 14:27 and Isaiah 26:3).
