Transhumanism is a philosophical and cultural movement that advocates for the enhancement of human capabilities through advanced technologies. Some key goals of transhumanism include extending human lifespans, augmenting human intelligence, permanently eliminating disease, and even achieving immortality through radical life extension. While these goals may seem noble on the surface, the Bible offers an alternative perspective on human nature and the appropriate goals for human flourishing.
The central goal of transhumanism is to use technology to transcend what are seen as the limitations of the human body and mind. This is often framed in terms of overcoming natural human vulnerabilities and fragility. However, the Bible teaches that human vulnerability is not something to be overcome but embraced. According to the Bible, suffering and weakness have redemptive potential when united to the suffering of Christ on the cross (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Attempts to technologically conquer human limitations can reflect a rejection of God’s design for embodied human life.
Relatedly, transhumanism seeks to enhance human capabilities to levels traditionally associated with divine powers. Life extension technologies attempt to conquer human mortality, while cognitive enhancements aspire to godlike intelligence and creativity. However, the Bible teaches that there is only one God, and humans are called to embrace their status as creatures made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), albeit limited creatures. Aspiring to divinity reflects the sin of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:5).
Some transhumanists predict a future where technology enables humans to achieve immortality. However, the Bible suggests that death is part of God’s design for this age prior to Christ’s return (Hebrews 9:27). The hope of resurrection is what sustains believers as they live out their mortal lives in holiness and service (1 Corinthians 15). Radical life extension would undermine this spiritual posture toward death. It may also render the hope of bodily resurrection irrelevant.
Transhumanists maintain that we have a moral imperative to use science to improve the human condition. However, Christians believe that humanity’s deepest problem is spiritual and relational, not technical (Jeremiah 17:9). No amount of technological progress can remedy the human propensity toward sin. While technology can potentially alleviate certain effects of the Fall, only the redemptive work of Christ can reverse its root causes (Romans 5:12-21).
Some transhumanists foresee technology enabling dramatic changes to human nature itself. Technologies like genetic engineering, neural implants, and artificial intelligence could deeply transform human bodies and minds. However, the Bible suggests that humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), which puts ethical limits on how much we can modify human nature without distorting the divine imprint. Radical experiments to enhance the human also carry grave risks of unintended consequences.
An additional concern is that transhumanist technologies could alter people in deeply unequal ways based on wealth and access. This could create a society where affluent “enhanced” humans dominate the unenhanced. The Bible, however, envisions a community where diverse people flourish through fellowship and service rather than competition (1 Corinthians 12:14-26). Advanced technology pursued without concern for justice issues threatens this vision.
Transhumanists maintain that we have a moral duty to pursue technological improvements to the human condition. However, Christians believe all technology must be evaluated prudentially based on core values like justice, compassion, humility and human dignity. Tech must serve human flourishing rather than redefine it. Even benevolent goals might not justify interventions that manipulate human nature in morally risky ways.
Transhumanism casts technological progress as inevitable. However, Christians believe God is sovereign over history. Scientism attributes providential powers to scientific capacities, but the Bible suggests tech and science have limits. Not everything that is possible to achieve technologically ought to be pursued. A Biblical perspective puts ethical guard rails around the human future.
In conclusion, while transhumanism offers technological solutions to perceived human problems, a Biblical perspective suggests that human flourishing cannot be achieved solely through technological progress. Humans also need spiritual transformation and restored relationship with God and others. This happens through embracing human limits and finitude rather than rejecting them in favor of technological ascension. Christians can thoughtfully affirm technological innovation while also emphasizing wisdom, moderation, justice and human dignity in discerning its best uses. Science alone cannot redeem humanity, but it may assist in alleviating tangible forms of suffering when guided by Biblical values and ethics.