A Christian Renaissance to Sanctify Transhumanism

Christopher VanDusen wrote a thoughtful article on “The Need for a Christian Renaissance to Oppose Today’s Transhumanist Renaissance.” I appreciate his work to foster deeper devotion and understanding among Christians. It’s important for the faithful to engage with contemporary cultural and technological movements critically.

Christopher argues that Transhumanism is like Renaissance Humanism, both movements that excessively emphasize human reason and capability apart from divine guidance. However, as a founder of the Christian Transhumanist Association, I’d like to offer a different perspective.

Historical and Theological Context

First, it’s important to understand that Transhumanism, like any ideology, has a diverse range of adherents and interpretations. The historical comparison to Renaissance Humanism is insightful but incomplete.

Renaissance Humanism indeed championed human potential. But it also laid the groundwork for modern science and contributed significantly to spiritual and theological developments within Christianity itself. Many Renaissance Humanists were deeply religious, seeking to integrate their newfound knowledge with their faith.

Similarly, Transhumanism does not inherently reject God. Many Transhumanists, myself included, advocate for the ethical use of technology to enhance human abilities, including that of addressing the challenges of disease, poverty, and even mortality. Our efforts are not about idolizing humanity, but about fulfilling divine mandates to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and raise the dead, as exemplified and invited by Jesus Christ.

Purpose and Direction of Transhumanism

Christopher mentions that Transhumanism seeks to transform humans into a new race of part-human, part-computer creatures. While some ideas within the Transhumanist discourse can seem radical, they also push boundaries in ways that can align with Christian eschatology. For example, the Christian doctrines of transfiguration and theosis – the transformative process of becoming one with God – resonate with the Transhumanist aim to transcend current human limitations in ethical and compassionate ways.

Christopher expresses concern that Transhumanism dehumanizes, making people more obsessed with themselves and distant from God. This is a valid critique if technology is pursued without ethical concern. However, it’s a misconception to think that all Transhumanists are unreflective technophiles.

Many of us, particularly within the religious Transhumanist communities, emphasize ethical considerations and the spiritual ramifications of technological advancements. Our objective is, of course, not to create a dystopia. Rather, our objective is to work toward a future where technology serves the betterment of all humanity. This is consistent with a discipleship of Jesus Christ, enlivening our faith through work.

Call to Christian Transhumanism

Rather than opposing Transhumanism with a revival of exclusively pre-modern Christian thought, I advocate for an integrated approach. This wouldn’t be the first time that Christians reconcile with the science of their day. As Christians, we can yet again engage with and even lead in the development of technology, ensuring that advancements are aligned with values of love, justice, and mercy. This ambition is the essence of Christian Transhumanism, where faith and technology work hand in hand for the greater good.

Christopher VanDusen’s call for a return to scripture is valuable. No technological or intellectual advancement should ever overshadow the wisdom preserved from our past. The Bible and the Gospel of Jesus Christ still have much to teach us.

However, technological and intellectual advancements can and should be seen as tools, provided to us by God so that we may participate in the divine work. A Christian Renaissance in our time should not be about rejecting new ideas. Our Christian Renaissance should be about sanctifying them – aligning them with the plan and work of God to bring about human immortality and eternal life.