The Blueprint
The Ideology Behind It
Präsenzismus (Presentism) – the Doctrine of Living in the Present
Core Beliefs of Präsenzismus
Präsenzismus is a view of life whose core is oriented entirely toward this world (life here and now). Präsenzismus assumes that only the present life certainly exists. Meaning, responsibility and value arise not from an afterlife, but from consciously experiencing, shaping and improving the real world.
The world is sacred because it is real. Nature, body, time and fellow human beings deserve protection, not because of a divine plan, but because of their existence, their presence.
Death – responsibility instead of redemption. There is no later reward or punishment – therefore every person bears full responsibility for their actions here and now. Death may count as the end of the individual, but not of the whole. What matters is what someone has left behind: memories, changes and knowledge.
The symbol: The black elephant – it stands for presence, connectedness, wisdom, calm and strength.
Act as if this were the only world that will ever exist.
There is no notion of heaven, hell or reincarnation. All that counts happens between birth and death. It assumes, Präsenzismus means that the universe prescribes no hidden meaning. Precisely for this reason, human beings have the unique ability to create meaning themselves. Life is not seen as a test, but as a precious event,
Life is an end in itself
Life does not have to be “earned” or prepared for – it is already valuable.
Meaning arises through action
Meaning arises through decisions, relationships, work, creativity and care.
The Ten-Point Doctrine of Präsenzismus
Präsenzismus is a this-world-oriented view of life. It completely dispenses with supernatural assumptions and grounds meaning and morality exclusively in human life.
- This-worldliness of life. Human life takes place exclusively in the world we can experience. An afterlife plays no role for meaning and morality.
- Creating meaning for one's own life on one's own responsibility. Meaning arises through human thinking, acting and shaping, not through supernatural prescriptions.
- Value of the individual human being. Every human being possesses dignity and worth regardless of origin, achievement or belief.
- Orientation toward the present. The focus is on conscious experience and responsible action here and now.
- Responsibility without later reward. Moral action is not justified by otherworldly reward, but by the real consequences for people.
- Community and cooperation. Living together, mutual support and dialogue are regarded as central prerequisites for a good life.
- Respect for nature. The natural environment is protected because it is the foundation of all life.
- Knowledge and reflection. Education, science and critical thinking are regarded as important means of improving living conditions.
- Rituals for shaping life. Rituals serve orientation, reflection and community, not the invocation of supernatural powers.
- Remembrance instead of notions of an afterlife. Death is regarded as the end of individual life. Meaning arises from what a person achieves and leaves behind in life.
Rituals
No priests, but keepers of being: people who moderate discussions, preserve knowledge and accompany conflicts peacefully.
Lichtbeginn (Beginning of Light)
Every morning, a brief pause is taken to begin the coming day consciously.
Day of Gratitude
A monthly holiday on which people publicly thank one another – for small, real things.
Festival of the Present
An annual communal festival with music, food, stories and art – without sermon, without dogma.
The Retrospective
At the end of life, others tell the person's story – not to judge, but to honor and to understand.
In Comparison: Präsenzismus–Christianity–Buddhism–Islam–Judaism
1. Basic orientation
- Präsenzismus: Concentration on life here and now
- Christianity: This world as preparation for the afterlife
- Buddhism: Overcoming suffering and ignorance
- Islam: This world as a test by God
- Judaism: Living according to God's commandments in this world
2. Concept of God
- Präsenzismus: No concept of God
- Christianity: A personal God, Trinity
- Buddhism: No creator god
- Islam: One single God, Allah
- Judaism: One single God, Adonai HaShem, YHWH
3. Concept of the afterlife
- Präsenzismus: No concept of an afterlife
- Christianity: Heaven, hell, resurrection
- Buddhism: Reincarnation, nirvana
- Islam: Paradise, hell, Day of Judgment
- Judaism: Inconsistent, not central
4. Meaning of life
- Präsenzismus: Meaning is created by the human being themselves
- Christianity: Living according to the will of God
- Buddhism: Liberation from suffering
- Islam: Obedience to God
- Judaism: Fulfilling God's commandments
5. Moral foundation
- Präsenzismus: Highest personal responsibility for the real consequences of one's actions
- Christianity: God's commandments
- Buddhism: Karma and compassion
- Islam: God's commandments
- Judaism: God's commandments
6. Dealing with suffering
- Präsenzismus: Practically reducing suffering
- Christianity: Accepting suffering in faith
- Buddhism: Suffering arises from attachment
- Islam: Suffering as part of the divine test
- Judaism: Suffering belongs to the world, focus on action
7. Death
- Präsenzismus: End point of individual life
- Christianity: Transition into eternal life in heaven / hell
- Buddhism: Next transition in the cycle of rebirths
- Islam: Transition to the Day of Judgment with God as judge
- Judaism: End of life, significance of the actions lived according to the commandments
8. Rituals
- Präsenzismus: Rituals of reflection, community days, life transitions
- Christianity: Prayer, worship service, baptism, communion
- Buddhism: Meditation, mindfulness exercises, recitation
- Islam: Five daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, pilgrimage
- Judaism: Sabbath, prayer, dietary laws, religious festivals
9. Sacred texts
- Präsenzismus: No binding sacred texts
- Christianity: Bible
- Buddhism: Tripitaka
- Islam: Quran, Sunna
- Judaism: Torah, Tanakh
10. Goal
- Präsenzismus: A good, dignified life for all people
- Christianity: Redemption by God
- Buddhism: Enlightenment
- Islam: Life in paradise with God
- Judaism: Commandments, living before God