I grew up in an era where the technology war was between VHS or Beta. It is truly hard to fathom how far it has come since those days in the late 70s and early 80s. For crying out loud, I was the remote control in our house. If the channel needed to be changed, the volume turned up/down, or the TV turned off, it was good ole Ronald who had the honors. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love technology. I always have…and I am sure that I always will. 

This is why the transhumanism is a fascinating movement to me. What is transhumanism? It is the idea that the human race can extend beyond its physical and mental capacities through the avenue of science and technology. This obvious progression of thought from the technologically advanced culture we find ourselves in should not be surprising to us. We have gone from a society where everyone knew everyone else’s phone number, to our phones actually being an extension of who we are (and no one actually knows anyone else’s number). We are dominated by technology and desire to know the latest and greatest ways our lives can be “made easier” by the new technological advances that are just right around the corner. Transhumanism takes this desire and pushes it to another level. An easier life is no longer the goal of technology to the transhumanist. It is now a better human, i.e., a different, evolved human . Is this something the Christian theist should embrace? 

Christianity’s answer to transhumanism is found within the ontic structure of mankind as so described in Scripture: we were made for a purpose in the image of God. The idea that technology will bring about a new kind of human existence is more of a fantasy consumed with prediction and prescription than a human-controlled evolution of man into an almost different species. While technology can enhance the ability to live longer, improve quality of life, allow us to stretch beyond our normal limits, etc., it will not bring about something that goes beyond the capabilities of the God-given ontic structure of both the physical and metaphysical realties of man. I would also say the real  answer is: the gospel. Why? Transhumanism is really the attempt to redeem mankind from his own peril (aging, illness, etc.). Christ has already redeemed mankind through his sacrificial death on the cross. He then proved himself to be God by raising from the dead. When he returns, he will redeem this fallen/broken world. This is the true answer humanity is desperate for, and it is our wonderful responsibility to share this beautiful message with the world.

So…technology is a wonderful way to enhance our lives and improve our experience in the world, but it is not the answer to mankind’s most significant need: redemption. Liberation from the broken state we find ourselves will not come from science. It has come… and it is the person of Jesus Christ.

Good resources for this topic: