Is Transhumanism compatible with Christianity?

Explore the intersection of Christian theology, mysticism, and Darwinian evolution.

Abstract

In times past, the dream of transcending the limited human form was shaped by mysticism and religious myth. In the twentieth century, the ancient belief that humans were, and are, masters of their own destiny became wedded to both naturalism and technological advances. This desire to transcend the limits of the physical body is known as Transhumanism (Humanity+ or H+). Throughout the twentieth century, many Christians sought to integrate the Darwinian theory of animal to human evolution with their own theology of human origins. This group generally falls under the label theistic evolution or evolutionary creation. Given the influence of H+ among many religious thinkers, we must consider how Christian H+ answers two critical questions: “What does it mean to be human?” and “What is the future of humanity?” The H+ proposal to each respective question is commonly framed in terms of singularity and immortality. Immortality is the pursuit of never-ending life ushered in using technology as humans self-evolve into something greater. This paper surveys the H+ literature among Christian who also embrace animal to human evolution and examines the implications for those who define human personhood—not simply as an artifact of humanity’s past evolution—but as an ever-emerging avatar of humanity’s future.

Outline

1. Introduction

2. Early Advocates of Christian H+

3. Can Christian H+ Preserve Human Personhood & Human Rights?

4. Conclusion

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Introduction