Transhumanism, Theology, and Embodiment

Catalog description

Society understands embodiment as incomplete, unsound, and limited by frailty, mortality, and illness. Embodiment is equated with vulnerability and has been historically problematized within theology and philosophy. Theology provides the basis for restoring and healing that is needed due to dissatisfaction with 'failed bodies', and due to discrimination, exclusion, and violence against bodies that do not measure up to a mediated norm. Transhumanism is offered by some as a solution to humanity's struggle with the limitations of embodiment, particularly, as a response to 'failed bodies'. Thus, this class will engage questions such as: What should be the Christian response to soteriological and eschatological visions offered by transhumanism that help humans cope with the dissatisfaction that arises from embodiment? How do particular Christian communities help humans deal with the onslaught of dissatisfaction that arises from embodiment? What stigmatizing and detrimental narratives does theology undergird within faith communities regarding embodiment?