Eternalism is entirely theoretical. While the religion tries to offer guidance for living in a modern world it does not assert that the theories found within Eternalism should be taken as fact.

 

Eternalism is based on an interpretation of some elements of modern-day physics wherein the possibility exists that within an infinite amount of space and time, there is a significant probability that your consciousness will emerge many times.

Many definitions of religion both legal and philosophical state that religion is defined by a belief in an unseen ‘supernatural’ force. Within Eternalism there exists the belief in a fundamental force in the nature of reality that tends towards the emergence of consciousness and furthermore, that without consciousness, reality itself cannot exist.

 

IMPORTANT: Before exploring the ideas and philosophies found within Eternalism, readers should have some basic understanding of the concept of infinity. Further more, we do encourage any individual seeking to further understand Eternalism to educate themselves with some mathematic concepts such as factorials and exponents.

Infinite Space and Time

Eternalism is based on the belief that within an infinite amount of space and time, there is a possibility that your consciousness will emerge many times.

It is important that the concept of infinity be at least partially be understood before exploring the concepts found within Eternalism.

Eternalism abandons the traditional concepts of an ‘afterlife’ wherein the individual is granted access to a form of heavenly rewards or condemned to punishment for actions in this life.

The Infinite Mind

Eternalism attempts to explore the possible methods through which consciousness can emerge and re-emerge. Focusing on the possibility of repeating consciousness whereby individual conscious entities emerge again and again throughout the infinite depth and breadth of reality.

This re-emergence, though similar to the concept of reincarnation, is not defined by the same restraints as reincarnation.

Within our current limited understanding of the universe, there are many actual and theoretical methods by which consciousness can arise. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Evolution
  • Spontaneous fluctuations or “Bolt zmann Brains”
  • Multiverse or alternate dimensions
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Virtual worlds
  • Cyclic Universe
  • Combinational limitations of matter

Worst Case Scenario

Even if the possible pathways for emerging consciousness are limited to the only proven process of evolution, given infinite time and/or infinite space it is highly likely that an individual consciousness that exactly matches your own will re-emerge. You can find a fantastic explanation on the combinational limitations of matter within an infinite universe here.  The link provided is an attempt to define a mathematical outline for the probability of re-emerging consciousness based on our current theoretical and actual understanding of the physical properties of the universe.

Even theoretical theories such as ‘Panpsychism’ in which the universe is conscious on a fundamental level, or the implications of certain elements of Quantum theory in which the presence of a conscious observer actually influences the outcome of the experiment.

Given the scope of possibilities through which consciousness can emerge, and assuming that consciousness is limited by the number of combined attributes that can be bestowed upon any given mind, such as thought patterns, emotional response, brain waves, level of intelligence, response to external stimuli, free will and self-awareness, It is highly likely that the combination of attributes that create the entity known as ‘you’ is likely to be repeated many times throughout an infinite universe or multiverse. There is even the possibility that the current version of you will re-emerge, containing all the memories of your current existence.

Although Eternalism is based around the concept of re-emerging consciousness within an eternal framework of reality, belief in re-emerging consciousness is not a requirement of Eternalism. In fact, all arguments against the concept of re-emerging consciousness are welcome and encouraged.

While there is sound theoretical and philosophical grounds that within an infinite universe in which there is only a finite number of combinations of matter and energy that multiple occurrences of the same matter and energy combinations will inevitably occur, there is no proof that this is actually true.

Warning

When an individual deliberately attempts to detach themselves from reality by imagining their continued or simultaneous existence in alternate realities, dimensions, or locations in space time, mental health issues can arise.

Please review our Mental Health Warning and seek out the help of a mental health profession if you experience any of the symptoms listed there.

The theories found within Eternalism are not based on proven data. They are simply theories and rely on certain assumptions that may or may not be true.

If you choose to believe in the theories of Eternalism based on the mathematics contained with this site, please consult the mental health warning.

If you choose to disregard the theories found within Eternalism, this does not disqualify you from becoming a member of Eternalism. Please read our FAQ page titled, “Why would I encourage this nonsense.”