CFP (Extended): Transhumanism and the Church: Theological Reflections on Technology and Human Enhancement

Technology has changed our world dramatically over the past century and promises to change it more rapidly in coming years. Emerging computer and biomedical technologies have the potential to revolutionize our bodies and perhaps our understanding of human nature. Transhumanism is the name for the movement that enthusiastically embraces the opportunity to transcend bodily limits with new technology, especially the possibility of extending the human lifespan and increasing mental and physical abilities. Its most optimistic advocates predict a future where death has been defeated through the power to reverse biological processes or offload mental states onto computers. What should be the response of the church to Transhumanism and the technological possibilities for human enhancement that are on the horizon? Samford University’s Center for Science and Religion will host a conference on “Transhumanism and the Church” as a way to promote critical reflection and public understanding on an issue that will become increasingly important in future decades.

Examples of possible topics for conference presentations include:

•How does a Christian view of human nature support or conflict with a Transhumanist view? For example, is Transhumanist optimism about improving human nature compatible with Christian expectations about the redemption of the world? 

•Does Transhumanism represent a (secular) rival to Christian theology or are there some themes that are compatible with the Christian tradition?

•What is the proper role for technology? Is there a principled way to distinguish between beneficial and harmful technological enhancements?

•What does the coming technological future indicate about God’s purpose for creation?

•What would changing human nature imply for traditional Christian doctrines?

•What implications does a theological critique of Transhumanism have for the way we treat the biological world?

Visit http://www.samford.edu/scienceandreligion/transhumanism/ for more information.