Jaspers’ Philosophy of God

 Karl Jaspers’ understanding of God differs significantly from traditional religious beliefs. While he identifies as a theist, his concept of God is not rooted in religious doctrines but in an inner awareness of Transcendence—something beyond human comprehension. Rather than seeing God as a personal being, he describes Him as "the Encompassing" (das Umgreifende), an all-pervading reality that cannot be fully grasped by human understanding. He compares this to a fish swimming in the ocean—completely surrounded by water yet unable to comprehend its vastness.

Rejection of Christian Doctrine

Although Jaspers believes in God, he rejects key Christian teachings, particularly the idea that Jesus is divine. He disputes the Gospel of John’s claim that “the Word became flesh,” arguing that no human can be God. For Jaspers, defining God in human terms limits rather than reveals His nature. He avoids referring to God as “God the Father” and instead describes Him as a transcendent reality that cannot be confined by religious definitions. Making God too specific contradicts His infinite nature.

The Limits of Language in Defining God

Jaspers emphasizes that human language is inadequate when describing God. In Von der Wahrheit (1947), he writes, “Whatever is said about Him is immediately also false.” He believes that any attempt to define God distorts His true nature. He compares this to trying to describe a sunset to someone who has been blind from birth—words can hint at the experience but never fully capture it. Since language cannot encompass God’s essence, Jaspers argues that philosophy should guide people toward an awareness of Transcendence rather than imposing rigid doctrines.

God as Providence, Not Fate

Despite the limitations of human understanding, Jaspers offers some insights into God’s role in human life. He describes God as "the Encompassing of all Encompassing," the ultimate source of everything. However, he distinguishes between Providence and Fate. While Fate implies a predetermined course of events, Providence is a guiding presence that allows for human freedom. For example, someone who survives a near-death experience might feel as though their life was mysteriously guided. However, this does not mean that life is predetermined—humans remain free to make their own choices.

Link for Video: https://youtu.be/qcFrBRqX4dQ

Link for PPT: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ESJxJJ5mP47p9F7iDgVkX8GFHUhjaGIh/view?usp=sharing

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