kara walling blog 9

assigned class book or journal:Martin Buber "I Thou"
12/1/09

Martin Buber uses the "I-thou" as the way humans relate to their world. "I-thou" is the existence of two beings in an authentic existence without any realization of one another. He explains how "I-thou" encounters are made actual, rather than being merely concepts. An example of this in everyday life is two strangers on a train. What I really liked about Buber's explanation of the "I-thou" relationship, is how you can form that type of relationship with God. You don't necesarily have to pursue the relationship, you just have to be open to it. If you're open to a relationship with God, then he will come to you. Also, because it is your choice to be open to something, the "I-thou" relationship lasts as long as an individual chooses.
I remember we went over this in class, but Buber's article really helped me grasp the information. Basically, an "I-thou" relationship is something you're open to, but don't seek out. If you seek it out it will turn into an "I-it" relationship, which are the types of relationships we form in reality. In our day to day lives we are constantly striving to get things, not just open to the idea. I don't know how many times i have heart the saying, "if you want something go get it." So I guess the "I-it" relationship are things we can touch, see, and smell, whereas the "I-thou" relationship is something more spiritual where you rely solely on faith. Another thing I thought was interesting is once you've reached an "I-thou" relationship, when you come back to the "I-it" world you act with a deeper relation and community. So forming an "I-thou" relationship will effect the way you live in the "I-it" world.