Android of Tomorrow by Antiheld7 on DeviantArt
Upgrade: Human 2.0Technological and medical advancements have created unprecedented possibilities in our era.In recent decades, technology has transformed our daily lives, the workplace, and our leisure time at an unprecedented pace.Technologists believethat humans also need an upgrade.Their vision is the necessary optimization of the body and mind through technology and science.Transhumanism is aninternational philosophical and technical movementthat views technology as the central tool for the radical transformation of humanity.The name itself, derived from the Latin “trans” (beyond, over, past) and “humanism” (human),already suggests: Here, humans are to betechnically and mechanically modified. Scientists, technologists, DIY researchers, and entrepreneurs see it as their mission to actively shape the future.They promise to prevent wars and diseases,extend human life, or reduce human suffering.For many transhumanists, their vision represents the next step in the evolutionary chain of humanity.The Danger of Deifying OurselvesTranshumanism/posthumanism promises immortality and technological perfection. While these visions and utopias may be tempting, their destructive potential must not be overlooked.Yet dangers lurk behind the shiny facade: total surveillance, dehumanization, and the threat of an elitist two-tier society.This movement discriminates not only against the elderly and the sick, but also against the human body. For ultimately, the body is to be replaced by a machine.Whoever interferes with DNA makes himself a god, elevates himself above his Creator, and will thus have Him as an enemy (Genesis 3:5).When God is supplanted, humanity loses the standard for truth, morality, guilt, and dignity (Romans 1:18–22).True renewal therefore does not begin with transhumanism, but with a return to God (Acts 17:30, 20:21).However, man is more than the material and energetic processes of his body; the spirit is more than information processing.Before the absolute and boundless God, he is a being consciously created in His image, superior to the animals.He is characterized by his finitude, contingency, and limitations. God’s Marvelous WorkMan was formed from dust and brought to life by God’s breath (Genesis 2:7). This makes it clear that physical existence is not a secondary aspect of human identity, but its very core. Man was wonderfully created by God, as the psalmist describes in Psalm 139:14: »I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.«This affirmation of human dignity as a created being stands in sharp contrast to transhumanist visions, which view the body as a problem to be overcome. Divine revelation teaches that human beings are a unity of body, mind, and soul—not merely a collection of data to be preserved, but an embodied soul in relationship with God and others.The Origin of DeathThe idea of evolving humans into gods and thereby reaching the highest level is sheer blasphemy.This endeavor is doomed to failure from the start.Humanity would do better to draw upon the wisdom of ancient revelation.In the biblical sense, the origin of suffering and death is the consequence of sin—that is, the sinful condition of humanity, which consciously lives apart from God (Isaiah 59:2).Even the Old Testament teaches us about the true tragedy that led humanity into transience.In Paradise, the first created couple, Adam and Eve, were charged with cultivating and tending the garden (Genesis 1:28, 2:15).They were permitted to eat from every tree except the »tree of the knowledge of good and evil« (Genesis 2:16–27).In Eden, the serpent tempted Adam and Eve by promising that eating the forbidden fruit would make them »like God, knowing good and evil«(Genesis 3:1-19). Theologically, the drive to overcome death through technology echoes this same temptation—seeking autonomy from God instead of trusting in His wisdom.Years later, humanity also died physically as a result of its rebellion(Genesis 5:5).The New Testament reveals to us that the devil has the power of death, and that people are subject to him because of their sins(Hebrews 2:14).In contrast, there is One who has power over (spiritual and eternal) death, through which He can free sinners from their bondage.The eternal Son of God became human to redeem us from eternal death:»Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.«Hebrews 2:17-18Jesus bore our guilt on the cross even unto death, so that it would lose its power over us.He took our iniquity, our failures, and our sins with Him into death (Isaiah 53:5).For everyone who believes in him as their Savior and Lord, he offers a fresh start, forgiveness, and freedom! On the cross, we see God’s love manifested in justice, and justice manifested in love. We need both, because we are wounded and lost sinners. »Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.«Romans 4:25»But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.«Romans 5:8Divine Transformation The gift of eternal life is offered to everyone unconditionally—regardless of our age, background, or skin color.The Bible reveals that only those who believe in Jesus Christ receive eternal life and are transformed by God(Ephesians 1:13, 1 Timothy 1:12-14).God is the one who accomplishes this perfect transformation.It is not an external intervention on a person, but occurs through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within the person (Romans 5:5, Titus 3:5).After death or, at the latest, the Rapture, a new body awaits the Christian, one that is no longer subject to mortality(1 Corinthians 15:40, 50–54).Death (both physical and eternal) is definitively overcome for them:»O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.«1 Corinthians 15:55.57
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