Spirituality as connection: a prose analysis of martin buber's 'i-thou' relationships among young students

Abstract

This essay aims to investigate the concept of spirituality among students, highlighting the notion of connection based on Martin Buber's "I-Thou" theory. It seeks to understand how young people interpret spirituality and the importance of authentic connections in their lives, especially during social isolation like the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected through discussion groups with 10 public school students and 11 confessional school students, exploring their perceptions and experiences of spirituality. Discussions were recorded, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed to identify recurring and significant themes using Prose Analysis. The results revealed that students strongly associate spirituality with the idea of connection, whether with God, others, or themselves. These perceptions align with Buber's theory, showing that spirituality for them is not limited to formal religious practices but is centered on authentic and meaningful relationships. Students reflected on the concept of spirituality as an "I-Thou" encounter, where the authenticity and depth of the connection are essential. Additionally, the pandemic, by providing moments of introspection, facilitated deep connection experiences, highlighting the contemporary relevance of Buber's ideas, which can be a useful lens for understanding youth spirituality, especially in crisis contexts.