What Is Posthumanism, and Should It Be a Matter of Concern for the Christian?

Esther Hill
Jan 24
6 min read

Updated: Feb 3

The question of what it means to be human has never been more contested than in our current age of rapid technological advancement and cultural change. Among the many responses to this question is the concept of posthumanism, a movement that challenges traditional understandings of human identity and explores the potential for humanity to transcend its biological and cultural limitations. While posthumanism presents exciting possibilities for innovation and progress, it also raises profound ethical and theological questions that Christians cannot ignore.

This blog post seeks to unpack the key ideas behind posthumanism, its implications for Christian theology, and whether it should be a matter of concern for those committed to a biblical worldview.

What Is Posthumanism?

At its core, posthumanism is an intellectual movement that seeks to move beyond traditional definitions of humanity. It questions the anthropocentric view that humans are the central or most significant entities in the world and instead emphasises the interconnectedness of humans, technology, and the broader environment. While posthumanism is not a single, unified ideology, it can be broadly divided into two streams: critical posthumanism and transhumanism.

Critical Posthumanism

Critical posthumanism is a philosophical approach that deconstructs traditional humanist ideas, such as the notion of a fixed human essence or the supremacy of human rationality. Thinkers like Donna Haraway and Rosi Braidotti argue that humanity must abandon the anthropocentric worldview that has historically justified the exploitation of other species and the environment. Instead, they call for a reimagining of identity that recognises humans as part of a larger, interconnected web of life.

Transhumanism

Transhumanism, on the other hand, is more focused on the practical and technological aspects of transcending human limitations. Proponents of transhumanism, such as Ray Kurzweil and Nick Bostrom, envision a future in which humanity can overcome physical, cognitive, and emotional constraints through advancements in fields like biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology. These enhancements might include extending human lifespan, augmenting intelligence, or even achieving a form of digital immortality by uploading human consciousness into machines.

Theological Implications of Posthumanism

Posthumanism raises fundamental questions about human nature, identity, and destiny—questions that lie at the heart of Christian theology. To engage with posthumanism, Christians must grapple with how its ideas align or conflict with biblical truths.

The Imago Dei

One of the central tenets of Christian anthropology is the belief that humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). The imago Dei is not merely a functional or physical attribute but encompasses humanity’s unique capacity for relationship with God, moral responsibility, and creative expression. Posthumanism, particularly transhumanism, challenges this understanding by proposing that human identity can be fundamentally altered or even surpassed through technological means. If humans can transcend their biological nature, what becomes of the imago Dei? Does it reside in our physical bodies, our consciousness, or our relationship with God?

The Nature of Embodiment

Christian theology has long affirmed the importance of the body, not only as a vessel for the soul but as an integral part of human identity. The Incarnation—God taking on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ—underscores the significance of embodiment in God’s redemptive plan. Posthumanist visions of disembodied consciousness or radically altered bodies raise questions about what it means to be human in a theological sense. Can a digitally uploaded mind still reflect the fullness of human identity? Or does the loss of embodiment diminish what it means to be human as God intended?

The Problem of Hubris

At its most optimistic, posthumanism reflects humanity’s desire to overcome suffering, mortality, and limitations. These aspirations resonate with the biblical hope of a renewed creation where death and pain are no more (Revelation 21:4). However, the means by which posthumanism seeks to achieve these goals often rely on human ingenuity and technological power rather than divine grace. This raises the danger of hubris—the belief that humanity can achieve salvation and perfection apart from God. The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of such pride.

The Eschatological Dimension

For Christians, the ultimate hope lies not in human enhancement but in the resurrection and the new creation. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15 about the transformation of the perishable into the imperishable through the power of God. This eschatological vision affirms that human destiny is in God’s hands, not our own. While posthumanism offers intriguing possibilities for extending life or enhancing abilities, it cannot address the deeper issue of sin or offer the eternal life promised in Christ.

Should Christians Be Concerned About Posthumanism?

The question of whether posthumanism should be a matter of concern for Christians depends on how its ideas and technologies are applied. While some aspects of posthumanism may align with biblical principles, others pose significant ethical and theological challenges.

Areas of Alignment

Stewardship of Creation: Critical posthumanism’s emphasis on interconnectedness aligns with the biblical call to care for creation. Recognising humanity’s dependence on and responsibility for the environment can encourage more sustainable practices and greater humility.
Relief from Suffering: Many transhumanist goals, such as curing diseases or alleviating physical limitations, reflect a desire to address the consequences of the Fall. Christians can affirm the use of technology to promote healing and human flourishing, provided it is done ethically and with respect for God’s design.

Areas of Concern

Redefinition of Humanity: The reimagining or surpassing of human identity risks undermining the biblical understanding of what it means to be created in God’s image. If humanity becomes something other than what God created, how does this affect our relationship with Him?
Erosion of Embodiment: Technologies that diminish or replace the embodied experience could lead to a diminished understanding of the Incarnation and the sacredness of the physical body.
Moral and Social Inequities: The availability of human enhancement technologies may exacerbate existing inequalities, creating a divide between those who can afford to enhance themselves and those who cannot. Such disparities run counter to the biblical call for justice and equality.
Ethical Boundaries: The pursuit of radical enhancement raises difficult ethical questions, such as the potential for unintended consequences or the exploitation of vulnerable populations. Christians must advocate for ethical guidelines that prioritise human dignity and the common good.

How Should Christians Respond?

Engaging with posthumanism requires a balanced approach that combines theological reflection, ethical discernment, and cultural engagement. Here are some practical steps Christians can take:

Develop a Robust Theology of Technology: Churches and Christian thinkers must articulate a theology of technology that affirms its potential for good while recognising its limitations. This includes addressing how technology can be used to serve God’s purposes without becoming an idol.
Engage in Ethical Discussions: Christians should participate in broader societal debates about the ethical implications of posthumanist technologies. This involves advocating for policies that protect human dignity and prevent exploitation.
Discern Cultural Narratives: Many posthumanist ideas are driven by underlying worldviews, such as materialism or secular humanism. Christians must critically evaluate these narratives and offer a counter-narrative rooted in the hope of the gospel.
Emphasise the Gospel Message: Ultimately, the Christian response to posthumanism must centre on the gospel. While technological advancements may offer temporary solutions to human problems, only Christ can address the deeper issues of sin, redemption, and eternal life.

Conclusion

Posthumanism presents both opportunities and challenges for the Christian faith. It forces us to confront foundational questions about human nature, identity, and destiny while offering new tools for addressing suffering and limitations. However, it also risks undermining biblical truths and ethical principles if pursued without discernment.

As Christians, our hope lies not in human enhancement or technological progress but in the transformative power of God’s grace. By engaging thoughtfully and prayerfully with the ideas and technologies of posthumanism, we can bear witness to the truth that human identity and destiny are ultimately found in Christ.

References

Bostrom, Nick. Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014.
Haraway, Donna. Simians, Cyborgs, and Women: The Reinvention of Nature. New York: Routledge, 1991.
Kurzweil, Ray. The Singularity Is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology. New York: Viking, 2005.
Peterson, Gregory R. “Genetic Enhancement and the Image of God,” Theology and Science 8, no. 2 (2010): 129-152.
Walters, Gregory J. What Is a Person? An Ethical Exploration. Ottawa: University of Ottawa Press, 1997.
Wright, N.T. Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church. London: SPCK, 2007.
Zylinska, Joanna. The Ethics of Cultural Studies. London: Continuum, 2005.