The essay was written in German, with his use of the German language said to be "unconventional", how can we be sure that the translation into English is accurate, and that we thus interpret it's meanings as Buber would have intended?
There are different versions of the translation. Which is more accurate? Even without the need for translation into another language, if his use of German was unconventional then surely it is easier to misinterpret his intended meaning?
Buber suggests that we can all have a relationship with God, and that any inter-human relationship is merely a reflection of the human relationship with God. The obvious question being; Does God actually exist? Surely if there is no God, his theory is a little weightless?
Updated: 28th October ~ Further Thoughts and Questions...
Gestalt Therapy was founded by Fritz and Laura Perl and Paul Goodman in the 1940s/50s. Laura Perl became personally associated with Martin Buber whilst living in Frankfurt. She is said to have been a fan of his lectures.
"The basic messages and concepts of existential philosophy became the philosophical foundation of Gestalt Therapy". (Gestalt Therapy website).
Gestalt Therapy often uses the 'open chair' technique, in which the person having therapy talks to an empty chair - talking to someone who isn't there. Is this a spin-off from talking to God? It's proven to benefit people who are quite closed, who find it difficult to express themselves freely to another person. So, even if God doesn't exist, surely this makes Bubers work useful?
well maybe not, if you think in terms of the god delusion then anyone having a "conversation" with god is really only talking to themselves or their subconscious.
ReplyDeleteso anyone can have a relationship with god (or what would have previously been refered to as god)by getting to know yourself!