Criticisms
Technological evolution, postsecular religion, and Mormon Transhumanism attract a spectrum of criticisms. Traditional religious critics, particularly from fundamentalist Christian circles, dispute scriptural interpretations, suggesting they stray from established doctrines. Atheist Transhumanists, on the other hand, question the necessity of merging religious concepts with technological optimism, viewing such a mix as potentially incongruent. Within the Mormon community itself, some are skeptical about the implications of embracing Transhumanism, fearing such may compromise or misrepresent fundamental aspects of their faith.
This is a list of articles that Lincoln Cannon has written in response to criticisms of his views. A full archive of all articles that Lincoln has published since 2005 is also available. You may also search for articles and other content that's available on any of Lincoln's websites.
-
Mormon Transhumanism Trusts in Christ
A recent academic paper by Roba Megersa of Jimma University mentions my work on Mormon Transhumanism. The aim of the mention is to contrast my theology with that of persons who the author esteems to be “fundamentalists” and “bioconservatives.” There’s a clear contrast, for sure. But the author takes the ... -
Still Insane for Believing the Simulation Hypothesis
A decade ago, Blake Ostler called me insane for believing in the Simulation Hypothesis. Today, a friend brought to my attention that Blake recently doubled-down on that characterization, in an episode of an Exploring Mormon Thought podcast, asserting that people like me “have serious problems in assessing reality.” My response? ... -
This Post Is Sponsored by Fundamentalist Christians
Fundamentalist Christians would like to tell you what I believe, and how that contrasts with what they believe. So today’s their big day! Front and center, here on my own blog, I give you “my” beliefs in their own words. That’s right: “MY” beliefs in THEIR own words, as well ... -
Response to a New God Argument Critique by Killian
Timothy Killian authored a critique of the New God Argument (NGA). Entitled “An Analytic Review of Lincoln Cannon’s ‘The New God Argument’”, the critique includes some interesting thoughts about NGA’s assumptions. The critique also includes numerous mischaracterizations of NGA, the Simulation Argument (SA), and their relationship. And the critique includes ... -
Imaginary Sky Masters and Transhumanism
Sometimes atheist Transhumanists ask me, “What do imaginary sky masters have to do with Transhumanism?” Of course there’s an appeal to ridicule in the question, so it’s not exactly a shining model of rational engagement. But underlying the ridicule is a real question worth addressing. Here’s my answer. I want ... -
Controversial Topics in Mormonism
Several friends have asked for my opinion on a set of controversial topics in Mormonism that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) addressed in a series of essays during 2013 and 2014. The topics include: “Are Mormons Christian?” “Becoming Like God” “Book of Mormon and DNA ... -
Progressive Revelation Among the Mormons
A friend, who considers me a progressive Mormon, shared with me an article by BYU political science professor Ralph Hancock on “Progressivism Among the Mormons.” In the article, Ralph observes that progressive Mormons appear to interpret the doctrine of continuing revelation as a politically progressive mandate. And he expresses his ... -
Christ and the Gospel in Mormon Transhumanism
Kyle Gregg recently attended the Mormon Transhumanist Association conference and wrote an excellent blog post about the conference and the association, entitled “A Mormon Critique of the Mormon Transhumanism Conference”. Kyle says he’s not a Mormon Transhumanist. But he’s been a Mormon his whole life and has “a firm and ... -
Dynamic Faith in Pancritical Rationalism
In the comments on an H+ Magazine article on “Why Christianity and Transhumanism are not Enemies,” Max More disagreed with my assessment of the inevitability of faith. Here’s the exchange, including an opening comment from someone named “Ben.” Ben: “Christianity is based on FAITH. Transhumanism is based on SCIENCE. What ... -
First Response to a Mormon Transhumanist Response
This morning, I found that someone, using the pseudonym “Vblogger”, has set up a blog entitled “Mormon Transhumanist Association Response”, with the stated purpose of showing that Mormonism and Transhumanism are not compatible. Vblogger describes herself as a member of the LDS Church, married with children, and convinced that truth ... -
Response to the "Mormon Transhumanist Problem"
I recently responded to a Mormon blogger, Jettboy, who expressed concerns with Mormon Transhumanism. I’m going to post my response here, too, for additional readers. Jettboy, I’m happy that you consider the intent of the Mormon Transhumanist Association to be noble, even though you have concerns with its theological grounds. ... -
Skeptical of Ideas Proposed by Transhumanists?
Are you skeptical of the ideas proposed by Transhumanists? Perhaps you have something in common with the folks quoted below. “… so many centuries after the Creation it is unlikely that anyone could find hitherto unknown lands of any value.” — committee advising Ferdinand and Isabella regarding Columbus’ proposal, 1486 ...