Moving from Utilitarianism to Presence

with Alison Christian

This day is based on the work of Martin Buber, who, although Jewish, has profoundly affected Christian spirituality and philosophy. His concept of the ‘I and Thou’ relationship, honouring the sacred in all our encounters, is the essence of Jesus’ presence and teaching.

Martin Buber wrote, “When two people relate to each other authentically and humanly, God is the electricity that surges between them.” What creates these profound and illusive moments? Can we make them happen? How do we create conditions that can foster them? During this day we will look at the attitudes and practices we need to encourage in ourselves and others so that genuine “I and Thou” encounters might happen.