12.7.4 Monismus und Dualismus – Unser Leben zwischen Liebe und Freund-Feind-Denken

The Talmud is a vast collection of writings that include the Mishnah and the Gemara. It covers a wide range of subjects such as Jewish law (halakha), ethics, philosophy, customs, history, and folklore. The Talmud exists in two main versions: the Babylonian Talmud and the Jerusalem Talmud. The Babylonian Talmud, compiled in the 5th century, is more widely studied and consists of 2,711 double-sided pages with numerous commentaries and notes.

Martin Luther's translation of the Bible, completed in 1534, was a landmark achievement in the history of Christianity. Luther translated the New Testament from the original Greek between November 1521 and March 1522 while in hiding at the Wartburg castle. He later translated the Old Testament from Hebrew and the Greek Septuagint. This translation made the Bible accessible to the German people, contributing to the spread of Protestantism. The work includes elaborate script, initials, and woodcuts, particularly those from the workshop of Lucas Cranach, and is considered a UNESCO world heritage masterpiece. The translation was revised and updated over time, with significant contributions from Philip Melanchthon. The 1534 edition is celebrated for its meticulous script and exquisite illustrations, and it remains a foundational text in Protestant theology.

In 'Ich und Du', Martin Buber explores the human condition by distinguishing between two fundamental modes of engaging the world: the 'I-It' and the 'I-Thou'. The 'I-It' mode involves treating others and objects as mere things to be used or known, while the 'I-Thou' mode involves a deep, reciprocal encounter with another being. Buber argues that modern society's exclusive reliance on the 'I-It' mode leads to alienation and that true fulfillment and meaning can only be achieved through 'I-Thou' relationships. The book is divided into three parts, addressing psychology, sociology, and religion, and advocates for a more relational and intersubjective understanding of human existence.