Saved through technology : exploring the soteriology and eschatology of transhumanism

Abstract

According to the intellectual and cultural movement of transhumanism, human beings are in the early stages of development, and it encourages the use of modern science to radically enhance physical, intellectual, psychological, and moral capacities. This paper offers an overview of transhumanism by outlining its historical roots and some current debates within this movement. This paper will further describe several theological responses to transhumanist ambitions and predictions about the future. As will be seen in this paper, how one understands “salvation” affects whether the relationship between Christianity and transhumanism can be framed in terms of a conflict or cautious friendship. The paper will end by showing the ways in which transhumanism itself gives rise to both soteriological and eschatological beliefs about human nature and the wider cosmos.