Denis Alexander Posted: 19 June 2009
Keywords: Science & Technology, Worldviews & Culture,
Enhancement involves giving abilities integral to the body beyond those we would normally consider a human to possess. Transhumanism is an influential philosophy based on human autonomy in which enhancement technologies play a central role. This paper summarises transhumanism, describes the scope of current enhancing technologies, and provides a Christian critique, presenting the biblical strategy for human transformation as a compelling alternative to the transhumanist project.
I appreciate Dr. Alexander's emphasis on relational health and on the transformation found in Christ (peace, joy, and the abundant Christian life as benefits). But aren't we forgetting something vitally important here in a Christian critique? Transhumanism seeks to steer the course of our own human evolution, make us better, stronger, faster, healthier. Yet our Christian hope is different. It's not merely hope for this present life to be transformed by Christ and made relationally healthy, but our hope is a new and resurrected life (I believe on this same earth, though renewed and restored); a life as fully human, with a spiritual body, but without the corruption of sin and evil affecting our bodies, minds, or spirit. It seems like God has already designed our evolutionary future, and we've even seen a glimpse of it in Christ's resurrection. Transhumanism is like trying to prolong the life of a larva, giving it mechanical wings and a bio-tech reproductive capacity; when all we really need to do is let it "die", go into stasis in the chrysalis, and emerge as a butterfly.
Daniel Button 8 July 2009