Philippine E-Journals

Buber’s “The Space Between”: Interfaith Dialogue Among Philippine Coast Guards

Almero R. Panis | Florante E. Delos Santos

 

Abstract:

Aiming to explore the lived experiences of faith amongst 16 officers of the Philippine Coast Guard with different religious backgrounds, this phenomenological study, guided by Martin Buber’s theory of the “I-Thou” and concept of “space between” explored how they express respect for others in their organization who do not have the same religion as they have. Their experience and meaning of interfaith dialogue were derived from the themes of their sharing during the semi-structured interview. In the end, it can be generalized that the differences in religion have become the opportunity for the “space between” where building relationships, recognizing differences, establishing dialogue, and respecting each other despite the differences could exist.