Teilhard and Transhumanism

The Journal of Evolution and Technology of the IEET has a very interesting and thoughtful article by Eric Steinhart on Teilhard de Chardin and Transhumanism.

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Complete entry

Posted by David Bowles  on  02/18  at  06:08 PM

I agree that Teilhard provides a starting point for the collaboration of science and "religion"; however, I don't have much hope that Christianity, in its present popular form, can embrace the new ethical underpinnings needed to embrace an understanding of the noosphere's evolution and the need to avert the end of the universe. Imagine the sort of rehaul of religion that would be required: righteousness would have to be redefined as "promoting the growth of the noosphere and the spread of information-based consciousness throughout the universe to halt its demise." Actions would only be considered moral as they aligned to that fundamental sentient duty...

I guess it's hard for me to imagine Christianity abandoning the story of the Fall from Grace in favor of a Rise toward Grace... but who knows? Religions evolve...

Posted by Giulio Prisco  on  02/20  at  02:48 AM

Thanks for writing David,

I don't have much hope either in a radical change of Christianity in its organized form. The church, like any other large organization in a position of power, is basically interested only in self-perpetuation and staying in power.

But I am not concerned or interested in the future of the church. I am concerned and interested in the well-being of the billions of people who call themselves Christians, and think embracing Teilhard's visions could contribute to their well-being.

G.

Posted by David Bowles  on  02/20  at  09:27 AM

Agreed. Additionally, reflecting on your comments, that'd be the best way to influence the memetic evolution of the Church... arguably, the changes it's experienced over the centuries have been driven to a large extent by the changing views of its members.

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