The Technosapien Temptation in AI, Genetic Engineering, and Mars Colonization

Abstract

The technosapiens among us promise technological transformation. The technosapien temptation is to trust in the call to digital transformation, even if what is promised is more than technology can deliver. Here are six scenarios tempting the present generation: (1) Despite the capacity of cyberspace and social media to actualize our potential for global peace, disinformation along with conspiracy theories and competing ideologies are fragmenting our consciousness and balkanizing human community; (2) Despite dramatic increases in computing capacity, neither AI (artificial intelligence) or IA (intelligence amplification) can empower the sinful human person to advance in virtue let alone deification; (3) Despite the promise of CRISPR gene-editing for healing through therapy, a slight mistake in germline gene-editing risks irremediable damage to the human species; (4) Despite plans to employ bio-nano-tech to enhance human intelligence, the promethean impulse in the transhumanist vision actually replaces the human species with a posthuman superintelligence; (5) Despite the heart pounding success of the Iron Dome defense, AI controlled lethal autonomous weapons threaten more military dehumanization; (6) Despite the ambitious plan to colonize Mars with Earthlings, the change in gravity will so alter human physiology that our descendants living on Mars will become Martians, not Earthlings in diaspora. Do any of these technologies offer us the equivalent scientific salvation? The public Christian theologian needs to assess the threats and promises of technosapienism in light of God’s promises that through sanctification we can become Christlike, living the holy life on Earth as well as in the future resurrection.