Mormon Transhumanism works to syncretize modern science and emerging technology with Mormon theology. When encountering this syncretization for the first time, most members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) respond with cautious interest. Some glow with enthusiasm. Some react with skepticism. Recently, Mormon Transhumanism has begun growing quickly in Africa. And of course Mormon Transhumanists in Africa, like elsewhere, are encountering varying reactions from fellow Mormons when they talk about Mormon Transhumanism. Because new Mormon Transhumanists in Africa don’t yet have much experience with these reactions, a few have reached out to me, asking for advice. To that end, in this article, I’ll identify a few reasons for skepticism that I’ve heard some Church members repeat. And I’ll share some thoughts on how Mormon Transhumanists can respond. Before that, to establish context, I’ll describe differences between the Mormon Transhumanist Association (MTA) and the Church. And I’ll explain why MTA isn’t a church, and doesn’t aspire to become one. Difference Between MTA and the LDS Church The LDS Church is a global religious institution committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ and related ordinances developed by Joseph Smith. The Church has a centralized ecclesiastical hierarchy. It emphasizes participation in local worship services and activities, worldwide missionary work, temple rituals both for the living and on behalf of the dead, and expansive humanitarian aid. The Church does not explicitly engage with Transhumanism, focusing instead on traditional expressions of theology that implicitly resonate with Transhumanism. In contrast, MTA is an advocacy organization, whose purpose is to promote ideas expressed in the Transhumanist Declaration and the Mormon Transhumanist Affirmation. As a collective of philosophical activists, MTA facilitates publications and gatherings that encourage practical expressions of religious faith, informed by modern science and empowered by emerging technology. Common interests include artificial intelligence, cybernetics, life extension, and space exploration, which we typically view as complementary to Mormon visions of eternal progression and divine potential. While most MTA members are also members of the LDS Church, MTA functions independently and has no formal relationship with the Church. MTA Is Not and Does Not Aim to Become a Church MTA is not and does not aspire to become a church for several reasons, rooted in its foundational purposes and structural philosophy. First, the legally-established purpose of MTA is advocacy. Its purpose is not principally religious practice. Of course, that doesn’t mean MTA is opposed to religious practice. To the contrary, we commonly advocate for religious practice. Second, MTA aims to support its members in their respective religious affiliations and practices. This eliminates any burden of duplicate function. It emphasizes the complementary nature of Transhumanism with the core tenets of Mormonism generally. And it cultivates diverse approaches to Mormon Transhumanism. Third, most MTA members value our relationship with the LDS Church, or another church as the case may be, cherishing the communities and doctrines. We tend to see MTA not as a replacement for church, but as a tool that helps us better align our hearts and minds, so that we may more effectively participate in church. Responses to Criticisms from Church Members Despite the inclusive intentions of most Mormon Transhumanists, some LDS Church members are skeptical of our ideas due to theological, practical, or emotional concerns. Below are some reasons for skepticism that I’ve heard some Church members repeat. Each is followed by my brief thoughts on how Mormon Transhumanists can respond. “Evolution theory is not compatible with Mormon doctrine.” The LDS Church has no official position on evolution theory, thereby facilitating a spectrum of beliefs among its members. Beyond that, it’s not difficult to harmonize evolution theory with Mormon theology, leveraging symbolic interpretations of scriptures in ways that the scriptures themselves encourage. Given the prominence of the doctrines of eternal progression and exaltation, Mormons should be the foremost evolutionists in the world. “Transhumanism is hubris, like the Tower of Babel.” Without exception, all goals can be hubris, if we pursue them with an arrogance that does not acknowledge and express gratitude for the pervasive and persistent grace of opportunity, granted by people around us and the world that we live in. In particular, seeking to raise one’s self above God, as exemplified by Satan, rather than seeking to raise each other together in Godhood, as exemplified by Christ, is the ultimate hubris. However, God calls us to participate in the divine work, using all means including technology that God has given us, to bring about human immortality and ...
