It has often been noted that many modern innovations had their inspiration from science fiction novels and television series such as Star Trek. What you may not be aware of however, is the mindset of science fiction becomes science is birthing a whole new scientific reality that promises not only a better life for humanity but a whole new humanity.
Transhumanism is an area of scientific study and speculation that is rapidly growing in popularity and practice. In its most noble form, it has as a goal the improvement of the human plight through the use of modern technology to the point that many of the diseases which have plagued us and many of the physical handicaps that besiege their victims will be a thing of the past. Techological breakthroughs such as robotic prosthetic devices, brain implants which help with diseases such as Parkinsons, and gene therapy which has the promise of curing diseases such as Lou Gehrig’s disease are all a part of the good side of the movement.
However, there is a more sinister side. A side that many refer to as a “god complex.” A side that not only seeks to improve human life but seeks to take us to the next step in what they deem to be our evolutionary path – to a point where human becomes post-human and mortal becomes immortal. In this world, the extrication of the self and the hybridization of animal with human are just two of the technologies that transhumanist scientists are dabbling with, leading to a very scary place.
For the next several issues of this blog, I will seek to inform you of some of the basics of this side of the movement and look at its potential import in terms of understanding biblical history and eschatology.
Stay tuned for this journey and buckle up. It’s going to be a wild ride.