Transhumanism — What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Transhumanism is a philosophical movement that advocates for the use of technology to enhance human physical and cognitive abilities, potentially transcending current biological limitations. This ideology envisions a future where humanity evolves beyond its present form through scientific and technological advancements. While transhumanism's goals of alleviating suffering and improving human life may seem noble, they often conflict with core Christian beliefs about human nature, salvation, and our relationship with God. The Bible teaches that true fulfillment and transformation come through faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:22–23), not through human-driven technological progress. Understanding transhumanism challenges Christians to articulate a biblical view of human dignity, the limits of technology, and the ultimate source of human flourishing.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Genesis 1:26–27: "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.'... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." This passage establishes the unique status of humans as image-bearers of God, which contrasts with transhumanist views of human nature as merely biological and improvable through technology.
• Psalm 139:13–14: "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." This affirms the inherent value and design of human beings as created by God, challenging transhumanist notions of human imperfection and need for technological enhancement.
• Ecclesiastes 3:11: "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." This verse speaks to the human longing for transcendence, which transhumanism attempts to address through technological means, rather than through relationship with God.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." This emphasizes spiritual transformation through God's work, contrasting with transhumanist ideas of self-directed evolution.
• First Corinthians 15:42–44: "So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body." This portion describes the Christian hope of resurrection and transformation, which differs from transhumanist visions of technological enhancement.
• Philippians 3:20–21: "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." We are pointed to Christ as the source of ultimate human transformation, contrasting with the transhumanist reliance on technology.
• Second Peter 1:3–4: "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire." This passage speaks of believers partaking in the divine nature through God's promises, offering a spiritual alternative to transhumanist aspirations.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The rise of transhumanist ideas in our technologically advancing society presents a unique challenge for Christians to articulate a biblical understanding of human nature and destiny. This calls us to develop a robust theology of technology that recognizes its potential benefits while maintaining that true human flourishing comes through relationship with God, not technological enhancement. As we engage with transhumanist concepts, we have the opportunity to offer a hope that transcends technological solutions—the transformative power of the gospel. This perspective can guide ethical discussions about emerging technologies, reminding us that while scientific progress can bring great good, our ultimate identity and purpose are found in Christ, not in our technological capabilities.

UNDERSTAND

• Transhumanism can undermine human dignity by suggesting enhancement through technology, rather than acknowledging our value as God's image-bearers.
• True transformation is rooted in faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit, not in self-directed technological progress.
• Our ultimate hope and purpose lie in God, not in technological advancements, as the gospel promises eternal life and spiritual renewal.

REFLECT

• How do you perceive the impact of technology on our understanding of what it means to be human?
• How can we embrace technological advancements while still upholding the biblical view of human dignity and God’s sovereignty?
• How can our faith in Christ shape our perspective on the pursuit of enhancement through technology?

ENGAGE

• Transhumanism advocates using technology to fundamentally enhance or transcend human capabilities and biological limitations, envisioning a future where humanity evolves beyond its current form. This is different from just being pro-technology, which supports the use of technology to improve human life and solve problems, without seeking to fundamentally alter human nature itself​.
• How can we effectively communicate the importance of spiritual transformation over technological enhancement to those influenced by transhumanism?
• How does Scripture inform our approach to ethical dilemmas presented by emerging technologies?