URBAN COMMUNICATION | SIGNS AND SIGNALS | STADTGESPRÄCHE

The hope for redemption and the fear of the final judgment

 

We live in a dismal world. One day, our life time is over. What will happen to us? Is there some kind of life after death? Does our behavior on earth change our opportunities in the hereafter? Are we born again? Is there a heaven and a hell? Many important questions can not be answered adequately on the basis of everyday experience.

Religions are pools of experiences who were able to maintain for generations. In order to guarantee stability appropriate manifestations are necessary. A formal language has evolved to allow a distinction between sacred and profane messages. To use religious signs in secular contexts has long been considered to be sacrilege. In many regions of the world, such an approach is still under strict punishment.

Nevertheless we can observe today many attempts to transform profane situations into a religious, almost divine appearance. Even in secular societies we can observe a desire for the unusual, supernatural, exceptional and sublime. These forms of stylization does not provide an all encompassing meaning of life, but allow people to stand outside of a world that is called nature.

If we worry

about the rest of us

 

There are two main methods of dealing with conflicts between beliefs and everyday problems. At all times and in almost every region of the world an attempt was made to suppress any opposition to religious ideas with merciless violence. In addition or as an alternative there exists also the possibility to narrow the perspective as much as possible. However enticements are more effective than prohibitions. Communities that offer their members protection and care can more easily recruit engaged members.

 

It is repeatedly discussed whether the human being is fundamentally good or bad, or whether he is only forced into one or the other direction. If people are not tamed by religion, they would remain anti-social. The domestication helped himself repeatedly with murderous methods. Carrot and stick, heaven and hell, reward and punishment are the methods to force the thinking and behavior of people in a certain direction. In the world of consumption, the cycle of stimulus and rewards has successfully become independent. We adapt to today willingly and accept a lot of stress and frustration, in the hope to get as much as possible from the promising fortune of consumption. Other people are not seen as a resource of happiness, but regarded as rivals.

 

Buddha statues have become a popular decorating item. They remind us of the belief, that an unlimited development of all existing potentials should be possible on the basis of our own independent strength.

Many hopes were disappointed. The media warn of dark prospects for the future. The „losers” are losing their belief in the auspicious power and the good intentions of global corporations. These corporations now try to show social engagement, but not predominantly where it is needed, but in such special contexts that are perceived and therefore increase the value of the brand.