I did a small post on Secondhand Smoke that I thought might be of interest to First Thoughts readers. A Presbyterian pastor apparently considers transhumanism inevitable, and even, consistent with Christian views. I think “Christian transhumanism” is an oxymoron. Here is part of what I wrote:
But the incompatibility is most vividly seen in the two theologies’ contrasting beliefs about suffering: The overarching purpose of transhumanism, its very point, is to avoid suffering–all suffering–whatever the cost and effort that project requires. In contrast, Christians see suffering altogether differently, although there is much confusion in the secular world over this. In Christian theology, suffering can be redemptive. That is not to say that Christians revel in suffering or want others to suffer. To the contrary, it is a Christian obligation to alleviate and palliate the suffering of humanity whenever possible, that is, to take others’ suffering upon their own shoulders. But suffering can also be a trial to accept with humility and for which to give thanks because it can lead the sufferer and his/her caregivers directly into the unconditionally and eternally loving arms of God.
If you want to read more, here’s a link.
April 22nd, 2012 | 3:34 am
For the Spirit himself giveth testimony to our spirit, that we are the sons of God. And if sons, heirs also; heirs indeed of God, and joint heirs with Christ: if we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.
– Romans 8:16-17
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ in my flesh, for his body, which is the church.
– Colossians 1:24
Must Jesus bear the cross alone, and all the world go free?
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it; for he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall save it.”
There is redemptive value in uniting our sufferings with the sufferings of our Elder Brother. His was a very hard and painful labor of love that His adopted brothers and sisters are asked to join Him in. When it is all said and done we will feel very foolish if we didn’t, much like we would feel if an arduous group effort of which we were a part was being highly praised upon its completion, and many members of the group were truly heroic in their sacrifices for the cause, and we knew we didn’t really put that much effort into it.
April 22nd, 2012 | 7:54 am
Here’s an except from a blog post I wrote. I think Edward Norman handles this topic well:
April 22nd, 2012 | 8:31 am
There really should be no question about this in the Christian world. Each of the thorny problems which come up in the area of reproduction (eg, issues of parenthood, abortion, stored embryos, etc with ivf) would be avoided by adhering to the millenias-old understanding that we cannot separate the unitive and procreative meanings of sex.
April 23rd, 2012 | 9:56 am
In the parlance of Wikipedia… [citation needed].
April 23rd, 2012 | 4:34 pm
The project of achieving immortality through technology is directly in competition with Christ’s method of achieving immortality, through resurrection.
April 23rd, 2012 | 5:09 pm
I am no expert on transhumanism, but I don’t think any self-respecting scientist would predict that humanity can achieve true immortality through technology, since one way or another, the material universe is going to come to an end, or at least all information in it will be destroyed.
April 24th, 2012 | 12:59 am
For contrasting viewpoints, see the Mormon Transhumanist Association:
http://transfigurism.org
April 24th, 2012 | 6:37 pm
Mr. Wesley J. Smith should be better informed:
in Italy we had a Theological Week in Pistoia dedicated to this argument “Immortality of Earth” with the closing intervention of the Bishop of Pistoia.
The Bishop was understanding of the arguments and praised them. You better read them.
You could use Google translate to translate from Italian the article linked. From the article linked there are links to the single talk or writing sent there (one of them mine).
In fact, transhumanism is not about “avoid suffering whatever the cost”. It is about make individuals better using technological means. And technology is about doing things, not contemplating. People with greater IQ, will, emotional control, empathy, etc. is better. And at the end, you will know what is good by its fruits.
April 25th, 2012 | 1:26 pm
Maybe your Presbyterian minister should familiarize himself with Viktor Frankl.
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn might be useful too.
This minister might also want to check out the Greek Stoics.
“Transhumanist” intellectual lightweight non-entities may think they’re reinventing the wheel……..but they’re squatting in the kiddie pool.
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