Transhumanism, by definition, is a worldwide cultural and intellectual endeavor that has the end objective of transforming humanity by developing and extensively providing technologies that significantly enhance the intellectual, physical, and psychological capacities of human beings. During much of the transhumanist movement, advocates of Christianity have rightly opposed supporters of transhumanism because of ideological differences. But the time has come for Christians to embrace transhumanism.
Much of the distress around transhumanism by Christians in the past surrounds its proponents’ vocal atheistic attempts to define the prefix “trans” in ways that advocate individual enhancement through technological means to become “post” human. Many of these perspectives tend to lend themselves to the narcissistic hubris associated with Nietzschean self-actualization, which forsakes the needs of the whole of humanity in exchange for self-glorification and exclusive personal gain. Anyone with even the slightest sensitivity to past events in world history can appreciate why those who advocate for peace and justice would not want to support such behavior. It is understandable, then, why Christians have appropriately reacted with caution and concern.
But while certainly such trepidation is not without legitimacy, there is a pressing concern that should be considered. By not embracing transhumanism, Christianity may be “throwing out the baby with the bathwater.” That is because the aforementioned interpretation of transhumanism is not the only legitimate understanding of what the movement is or could be in the future.
For instance, a more nuanced meaning of the prefix “trans” is one that implies traversing “across” the scope of what it might mean to be human. Such an understanding does not signify a forfeiture of our humanity, but a collective bettering of it. This view of transhumanism empowers Christians to advocate for the development and use of technology for the intentional goal of participating in Christ’s redemptive purposes for humanity and all of creation. In doing so, we may then be able to continue to technologically enhance humanity in ways that honor God, helping us to more fully flourish as human beings made in God’s Image.
Moreover, as we are living in the highest point of technological development in human history, followers of Christ have a moral responsibility, as good stewards, to help guide the direction of this exponential technological growth for the betterment of humanity and the world. It has always been the goal of Christians to care for and heal the sick, give sight to the blind, help the deaf to hear and the lame to walk, to give voice to the mute, and to guide persons toward holistic wellbeing in community. Disease (Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Ebola, Alzheimer’s, Malaria etc.) and death are humanity’s enemies and, in and through Christ, using the technological gifts that we have been given, Christians should continue to work diligently to better humanity by overcoming them. Transhumanism shares all of these technological goals, and as such, Christians should embrace it.
A more nuanced meaning of the prefix “trans” is one that implies traversing “across” the scope of what it might mean to be human. Such an understanding does not signify a forfeiture of our humanity, but a collective bettering of it.
But Christians should also not be naïve in this pursuit either, because for most post-human transhumanists, the ideological battle for intellectual ownership of transhumanism is presently occurring. And those who want it for their exclusive gain are seeking to discredit Christian theology’s practical value to humanity hoping that, by doing so, they can actualize their personal goals by minimizing Christian concern for the corpus of humanity in need.
Fortunately, Christians have a numerical advantage against such adversarial factions in most places in the world. Which means that the only thing truly delaying the development and utilization of technology for Christ’s redemptive purposes is Christians’ failure to advocate for such goals. As such, it is time for Christians to embrace a proper understanding of transhumanism, and in so doing, to actively help to bring to fruition, through Jesus, the redemption and betterment of humanity and the world.
Reality Changing Observations:
1. What do you think the potential for humanity is “across” the scope of what it might mean to be human?
2. In what ways do you think that humanity can use technology to honor God?
3. What do you think might be the most effective way to counter Nietzschean self-actualization that forsakes the needs of the whole of humanity in exchange for self-glorification and exclusive personal gain?
