Technology, Transhumanism, and God
Image courtesy of Pixabay, Author TyliJura
“Apart from Christ there is no art, no science, no technology, no agriculture, no microprocessor, and no medical innovation. If God is the center of our life, technology is a great gift. If technology is our savior, we are lost.”
–John Piper, author of “Desiring God“
Technology is neither a threat to God, nor inherently adverse to Him. How we view and apply technology is what matters. Both David and Goliath employed the technology of their day. So, of course, did Hitler.
Surveillance cameras, smart phones, and electronic vehicles all reflect recent rapid advances in technology. The pace of change can at times feel overwhelming.
And technology can alter the way we see ourselves, dehumanizing us if we allow it to do that. Despite artificial intelligence’s potential benefits for productivity, medicine, and national defense, AI can diminish the importance we place on human beings.
Technology can, also, inflate our egos. We may begin to believe that science is superior to religion, even that we have become gods.
Both these extremes feed into today’s Transhumanist Movement. Transhumanism is a philosophic and scientific movement aiming to utilize technology to exceed normal biological limitations and extend human lifespan [1]. Julian Huxley originated the concept in 1957.
Transhumanists support AI, nanotechnology, cybernetics (including bionic implants and bionic limbs), cloning, genetic engineering, and cryonics. Designer babies, artificial wombs, and synthetic bliss are not far behind. On its face, this may have some appeal, especially to those who are disabled. Enter dystopia; exit free will [2A][3A].
But we are more than the “brains in a vat” Elon Musk has described. These bodies were designed for us by God. They define us as human beings, and shape our lives.
Pride, anger, fear, and immorality will not be eliminated from the human heart by technology. Despite a desire to “improve” the human condition, transhumanists cannot establish moral values [2B][3B]. And abandoning those will lead only to destruction.
To remain faithful must Christians then go off the grid and become Luddites, opposing any new form of technology? Is it holier to reject technology? The answer is “no”.
“We do not make smart phones ex nihilo [out of nothing]. We make smart phones out of the things that God has given us to make [them] with.”
–John Reinke, author of “God, Technology, and the Christian Life“ [4A]
The Bible instructs us, from Genesis through Revelation, to see and appreciate God’s glory and generosity in our technology [4B][5]. We are not required to live an agrarian lifestyle. We are required to live by God’s law, in the use and understanding of technology.
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[1] Telefonica, “Transhumanism: what is it and what does it consist of?”, 9/21/23, https://www.telefonica.com/en/communication-room/blog/transhumanism-what-is-what-consist/.
[2A and 2B] Denison Forum, “What does the Bible say about transhumanism?” by Mark Legg, 6/20/23, https://www.denisonforum.org/resources/bible-transhumanism/.
[3] That Hideous Strength by CS Lewis (1945).
[4] YouTube, CS Lewis Institute, “The Impact of Technology on the Christian Life – Interview of Tony Reinke”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SZfD4wnTlY.
[5] God, Technology, and the Christian Life by Tony Reinke (2022).
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A Lawyer's Prayers 
Truth in a world of lies. Thanks for this accurate window on our present world. Empowering!
Thank you, Erroll. I am always encouraged by you.
Technology, when rooted in God’s purpose, can be a powerful tool for good. It’s not the tool, but how we use it, that matters.
Exactly.
Being technologically challenged, I doubt that technology will inflate my ego. (*eye roll*) It has been more often a source of embarrassment and irritation to me, causing me to indulge in other sins (involving the mouth) to express my frustration. However, I’m thrilled that knowledgeable people can use technology to spread the gospel more effectively. It was so encouraging to see how many people were tuning in to Christian podcasts and streamed church services during the lockdowns. It was the one bright spot during an otherwise dark time.
Yes, technology can be used for good or evil, just as you say.
Transhumanism is such an evil ideology, Anna, and reminds me of the Tower of Babel, man’s ancient attempt to reach the heavens, and the judgment that resulted.
That’s a perfect comparison, Dora.
I think it is going to crash and burn
Nothing man creates will ever be equal to much less superior to God
That being said too many are too wrapped up in technology and desert God. That always leads to disaster and tragedy.
I fully agree.
Fantastic post Anna!
I suspect we in America now have something involving technology to be very concerned about, and that is that certain individuals have just been granted access to very sensitive information about us through the Social Security system.
https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-elon-musk-doge-treasury-5e26cc80fcb766981cea56afd57ae759
I cannot imagine such access bodes well for us, as the knowledge of such systems is crucial to the inevitable elimination of our currency in favor of electronic currencies.
May we all be as informed as possible as to what is happening right before our eyes.
Thank you, Ron. I am so glad you liked the post!
There is little question that these are perilous times. The point you make is well taken. I, too, believe that we will in the not too distant future convert to cryptocurrency, over which the government has far greater control than cash.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall long ago said, “The power to tax is the power to destroy.”
When the government is given unlimited knowledge about us (even in the absence of unlawful conduct on our part), it is given unlimited power.
Taxing law abiding citizens beyond their capacity to bear and limiting government benefits only to politically correct individuals are likely to be two means of exercising such power.
It used to be said that “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”. I think it’s safe to say that saying has given way to “whoever has access to your finances rules the world”. In this case, nothing good can come of this.
You’re write so widely sister