Christianity, Technology, and Culture in the Age of the Posthuman

Abstract

Transhumanists seek to use biotechnology to overcome the limitations of the human body and ultimately evolve into a “posthuman” being. This issue considers the extent to which transhumanism may be reconciled with a Christian worldview. Several authors propose ways that human enhancement technology may be limitedly compatible with Christian anthropology. Nevertheless, all the authors of this issue argue that the philosophy behind transhumanism threatens to distort our understanding of human nature, basic goods, ways of thinking, hope, justice, and even heaven itself. Thus, transhumanism presents an alternate culture to Christianity. This issue culminates in a reflection on Christian identity and our relationship to technology in the “age of the posthuman.” A uniquely Christian technology, typified in the Eucharist, infuses nature with human creativity in a vital act that directs us to God as our ultimate good.