A CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE OF SIN AND TRANSHUMANISM IN THE PUBLIC SPHERE: THE PROMETHEAN CONCERN OF PRIDE

Keywords: Transhumanism, Biotechnological enhancement, Public theology, Sin, Pride, Hubris, Prometheus

Abstract

Transhumanism and its attempts to enhance what it means to be human and overcome natural limitations is often described, also in secular discourses, as “playing God”. As such, it is often seen as forming part of the Promethean project. The sin of pride therefore, makes a fitting point of departure for responding to the challenges that transhumanism raises in the public sphere from the perspective of Christian theology. In this contribution, transhumanism is offered as a theological response in the public sphere, situating the discussion in public theology. While, traditionally, humility serves as the inverse of pride, in this contribution, I propose that within the context of biotechnological human enhancement, vulnerability can serve as a countermeasure to pride within the public discourse on transhumanism, utilising sin language.

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Published
2020-12-07
Section
REDEEMING SIN?