Criticisms
Technological evolution, postsecular religion, and Mormon Transhumanism draw criticism from fundamentalist Christians, atheist Transhumanists, and members of the LDS Church. Lincoln's articles respond to objections about scripture, doctrine, orthodoxy, and the mixing of religion with active hope in technological transformation. He engages critiques of the New God Argument, the simulation hypothesis, and the legitimacy of Mormon Transhumanist identity. The topic lists articles relevant to direct replies and broader reflections on controversy surrounding his views.
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.
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Autocracy, Not Transhumanism, Is the Real Threat
In what was for many a jaw-dropping revelation, the world’s attention recently turned to a candid moment between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. As they walked together, a hot mic picked up their conversation about a particularly controversial issue in contemporary ethical debates: the extension of ... -
Distorting Transhumanism at Meridian Magazine
Meridian Magazine positions itself as a publication for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the largest Mormon denomination. I don’t know much about Meridian or the people behind it. But today I learned that they’re willing to publish a fear-mongering distortion of Transhumanism, “Human 2.0 Is ... -
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, on my own website, I give you “my” beliefs in their own words. That’s right: “MY” beliefs in THEIR own words, as well as ... -
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 ... -
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 ... -
Response to Cris Putnam on Christian Transhumanism
This is a response to a critique of Christian Transhumanism from Cris Putnam. Cris summarizes his critique as follows: “… promoters of Christian transhumanism are driven by an unbiblical anthropology, a Pelegian view of sin, and a profound misunderstanding of the Christian life characteristic of theological liberalism.” One aspect of ... -
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 ...