Opinion

Life Extension: A Mormon Transhumanist View

Chris Bradford
Chris Bradford

Chris Bradford is a co-founder and former president of the Mormon Transhumanist Association. He has a background in helping people explore and understand their ancestral histories, having worked for a company dedicated to genealogy. He recognizes the powerful impact of understanding and shaping the stories of our past on our understanding of ourselves. His interests include the intersection of transhumanism, Mormonism, and historical narratives, particularly as they relate to themes of memory, identity, and community. Visiting from his home in Switzerland, Bradford brings an international perspective to the Mormon Transhumanist Association. His conference talks often explore the concept of “redeeming our dead,” drawing parallels between ghost stories, genealogical research, and the transhumanist aspiration to enhance and extend life.

Life extension is the idea of prolonging life⁠—ideally vigorous and healthy life⁠—well beyond current life expectancy rates. Even accounting for the dramatic improvement in infant mortality rates worldwide, average life expectancy has increased by 17-24 years in the U.S. alone since the beginning of the 20th century. Worldwide, the effect has been even greater. Along with decreasing birth rates, this has resulted in an increasing proportion of the elderly, raising the visibility of aging-related disease.

Life extension asks whether the age of a tree can become a human hope.

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Light

Lincoln Cannon
Lincoln Cannon

Lincoln Cannon is an American philosopher and technologist who co-founded the Mormon Transhumanist Association in 2006, serving as its president from 2006 to 2016. He is a leading advocate of technological evolution and postsecular religion, combining software engineering expertise with degrees in philosophy and business. Cannon is also a founder and board member of the Christian Transhumanist Association. He formulated the New God Argument, a logical argument for faith in God that has become popular among religious transhumanists. His academic work includes “Mormonism Mandates Transhumanism” published in Religion and Human Enhancement: Death, Values, and Morality (Palgrave Macmillan, 2017) and “Transfigurism: A Future of Religion as Exemplified by Religious Transhumanists” published in The Transhumanism Handbook (Springer Verlag, 2019). Mormon transhumanism, as articulated by Cannon, holds that humanity should learn how to be compassionate creators. This idea is central to the Mormon theological tradition, which provides a religious framework consistent with naturalism and supportive of human transformation. Cannon’s work bridges religious faith with scientific advancement, advocating for the ethical use of technology to extend human abilities in ways consistent with a religious worldview.

This is a poem that I wrote while I was serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Southern France around 1995. The poem is a sonnet in iambic pentameter. Each couplet is associated with a color of the rainbow. And there are both obvious and subtle allusions to scripture.

An apple stains the hands and wine the breath
betrayed by blood for pottage and a horse.
“Come home I love you, fire lights the course
and smoke the trials”: Stumble-blind from death.

Light

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No Pity for Nietzsche

Lincoln Cannon
Lincoln Cannon

Lincoln Cannon is an American philosopher and technologist who co-founded the Mormon Transhumanist Association in 2006, serving as its president from 2006 to 2016. He is a leading advocate of technological evolution and postsecular religion, combining software engineering expertise with degrees in philosophy and business. Cannon is also a founder and board member of the Christian Transhumanist Association. He formulated the New God Argument, a logical argument for faith in God that has become popular among religious transhumanists. His academic work includes “Mormonism Mandates Transhumanism” published in Religion and Human Enhancement: Death, Values, and Morality (Palgrave Macmillan, 2017) and “Transfigurism: A Future of Religion as Exemplified by Religious Transhumanists” published in The Transhumanism Handbook (Springer Verlag, 2019). Mormon transhumanism, as articulated by Cannon, holds that humanity should learn how to be compassionate creators. This idea is central to the Mormon theological tradition, which provides a religious framework consistent with naturalism and supportive of human transformation. Cannon’s work bridges religious faith with scientific advancement, advocating for the ethical use of technology to extend human abilities in ways consistent with a religious worldview.

If Christianity is the religion of pity then Nietzsche was right about it. But too many persons, including both Nietzsche and Christians, interpret the relation between Christian religion and Nietzschean philosophy too uncharitably. A case in point, recently, is an interpretation suggested by Dan Peterson, a fellow Mormon.

To frame his interpretation, Dan offers a few quotes from Nietzsche’s The Antichrist. The quotes come from an English translation by Anthony M. Ludovici (New York: Barnes and Noble, 2006). The first is from the introduction by Dennis Sweet:

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Responding to the Immortality Machine

Lincoln Cannon
Lincoln Cannon

Lincoln Cannon is an American philosopher and technologist who co-founded the Mormon Transhumanist Association in 2006, serving as its president from 2006 to 2016. He is a leading advocate of technological evolution and postsecular religion, combining software engineering expertise with degrees in philosophy and business. Cannon is also a founder and board member of the Christian Transhumanist Association. He formulated the New God Argument, a logical argument for faith in God that has become popular among religious transhumanists. His academic work includes “Mormonism Mandates Transhumanism” published in Religion and Human Enhancement: Death, Values, and Morality (Palgrave Macmillan, 2017) and “Transfigurism: A Future of Religion as Exemplified by Religious Transhumanists” published in The Transhumanism Handbook (Springer Verlag, 2019). Mormon transhumanism, as articulated by Cannon, holds that humanity should learn how to be compassionate creators. This idea is central to the Mormon theological tradition, which provides a religious framework consistent with naturalism and supportive of human transformation. Cannon’s work bridges religious faith with scientific advancement, advocating for the ethical use of technology to extend human abilities in ways consistent with a religious worldview.

In January 2018, Plough published an article by Michael Plato, “The Immortality Machine,” criticizing Transhumanism and its relationship with theosis. I responded to that criticism in a letter to the editor, which Plough published in February 2018, along with some disappointing additional thoughts from Michael. Below is a record of the exchange, along with some of my additional thoughts.

Orthodox Christianity

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49 Thoughts on October 2018 General Conference

Lincoln Cannon
Lincoln Cannon

Lincoln Cannon is an American philosopher and technologist who co-founded the Mormon Transhumanist Association in 2006, serving as its president from 2006 to 2016. He is a leading advocate of technological evolution and postsecular religion, combining software engineering expertise with degrees in philosophy and business. Cannon is also a founder and board member of the Christian Transhumanist Association. He formulated the New God Argument, a logical argument for faith in God that has become popular among religious transhumanists. His academic work includes “Mormonism Mandates Transhumanism” published in Religion and Human Enhancement: Death, Values, and Morality (Palgrave Macmillan, 2017) and “Transfigurism: A Future of Religion as Exemplified by Religious Transhumanists” published in The Transhumanism Handbook (Springer Verlag, 2019). Mormon transhumanism, as articulated by Cannon, holds that humanity should learn how to be compassionate creators. This idea is central to the Mormon theological tradition, which provides a religious framework consistent with naturalism and supportive of human transformation. Cannon’s work bridges religious faith with scientific advancement, advocating for the ethical use of technology to extend human abilities in ways consistent with a religious worldview.

It’s that time again, when members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gather for our worldwide general conference. I’ve compiled a list of some of my thoughts while listening to October 2018 General Conference.

As usual, my list includes affirmations, criticisms, elaborations, and questions. My intent is to engage and encourage engagement with the messages from the conference. And I welcome any feedback or questions you might have.

General Conference

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This Post Is Sponsored by Fundamentalist Christians

Lincoln Cannon
Lincoln Cannon

Lincoln Cannon is an American philosopher and technologist who co-founded the Mormon Transhumanist Association in 2006, serving as its president from 2006 to 2016. He is a leading advocate of technological evolution and postsecular religion, combining software engineering expertise with degrees in philosophy and business. Cannon is also a founder and board member of the Christian Transhumanist Association. He formulated the New God Argument, a logical argument for faith in God that has become popular among religious transhumanists. His academic work includes “Mormonism Mandates Transhumanism” published in Religion and Human Enhancement: Death, Values, and Morality (Palgrave Macmillan, 2017) and “Transfigurism: A Future of Religion as Exemplified by Religious Transhumanists” published in The Transhumanism Handbook (Springer Verlag, 2019). Mormon transhumanism, as articulated by Cannon, holds that humanity should learn how to be compassionate creators. This idea is central to the Mormon theological tradition, which provides a religious framework consistent with naturalism and supportive of human transformation. Cannon’s work bridges religious faith with scientific advancement, advocating for the ethical use of technology to extend human abilities in ways consistent with a religious worldview.

Fundamentalist Christians would like to tell you what I believe, and how that contrasts with what they believe. So today’s their big day! Front and center, on my own website, I give you “my” beliefs in their own words. That’s right: “MY” beliefs in THEIR own words, as well as the “TRUTH,” all capitalized of course. So far as I can tell, it’s what they’ve always wanted most from me. So I’ve decided to give it to them.

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My Funeral (God Forbid)

Lincoln Cannon
Lincoln Cannon

Lincoln Cannon is an American philosopher and technologist who co-founded the Mormon Transhumanist Association in 2006, serving as its president from 2006 to 2016. He is a leading advocate of technological evolution and postsecular religion, combining software engineering expertise with degrees in philosophy and business. Cannon is also a founder and board member of the Christian Transhumanist Association. He formulated the New God Argument, a logical argument for faith in God that has become popular among religious transhumanists. His academic work includes “Mormonism Mandates Transhumanism” published in Religion and Human Enhancement: Death, Values, and Morality (Palgrave Macmillan, 2017) and “Transfigurism: A Future of Religion as Exemplified by Religious Transhumanists” published in The Transhumanism Handbook (Springer Verlag, 2019). Mormon transhumanism, as articulated by Cannon, holds that humanity should learn how to be compassionate creators. This idea is central to the Mormon theological tradition, which provides a religious framework consistent with naturalism and supportive of human transformation. Cannon’s work bridges religious faith with scientific advancement, advocating for the ethical use of technology to extend human abilities in ways consistent with a religious worldview.

One of my friends (I’ll call him “Joseph”) is going through a difficult situation, which has motivated me to think about my funeral. Joseph is a Mormon Transhumanist. His father (I’ll call him “Alvin”), also a Mormon, recently died. That’s already difficult, but there’s more, which Joseph has given me permission to write about.

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The Sacred Grove Is a Maze

Lincoln Cannon
Lincoln Cannon

Lincoln Cannon is an American philosopher and technologist who co-founded the Mormon Transhumanist Association in 2006, serving as its president from 2006 to 2016. He is a leading advocate of technological evolution and postsecular religion, combining software engineering expertise with degrees in philosophy and business. Cannon is also a founder and board member of the Christian Transhumanist Association. He formulated the New God Argument, a logical argument for faith in God that has become popular among religious transhumanists. His academic work includes “Mormonism Mandates Transhumanism” published in Religion and Human Enhancement: Death, Values, and Morality (Palgrave Macmillan, 2017) and “Transfigurism: A Future of Religion as Exemplified by Religious Transhumanists” published in The Transhumanism Handbook (Springer Verlag, 2019). Mormon transhumanism, as articulated by Cannon, holds that humanity should learn how to be compassionate creators. This idea is central to the Mormon theological tradition, which provides a religious framework consistent with naturalism and supportive of human transformation. Cannon’s work bridges religious faith with scientific advancement, advocating for the ethical use of technology to extend human abilities in ways consistent with a religious worldview.

From a resurrected version of the Smith family log home, my family and I continue along a dirt path into the grove⁠—a forest.

It’s high summer. It’s humid. But thick green foliage absorbs the heat and scatters the light. We’re cool and other-worldly.

For a while, I think we haven’t yet reached our destination. The path curves through trees, past occasional well-spaced benches, some empty and others occupied. A woman, black and stout, walks slowly. As we pass, I hear her singing softly and strongly about Joseph Smith’s first vision.

Cannon Family in the Sacred Grove

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My Biases on Bryan Johnson's Plan to Save Humanity

Lincoln Cannon
Lincoln Cannon

Lincoln Cannon is an American philosopher and technologist who co-founded the Mormon Transhumanist Association in 2006, serving as its president from 2006 to 2016. He is a leading advocate of technological evolution and postsecular religion, combining software engineering expertise with degrees in philosophy and business. Cannon is also a founder and board member of the Christian Transhumanist Association. He formulated the New God Argument, a logical argument for faith in God that has become popular among religious transhumanists. His academic work includes “Mormonism Mandates Transhumanism” published in Religion and Human Enhancement: Death, Values, and Morality (Palgrave Macmillan, 2017) and “Transfigurism: A Future of Religion as Exemplified by Religious Transhumanists” published in The Transhumanism Handbook (Springer Verlag, 2019). Mormon transhumanism, as articulated by Cannon, holds that humanity should learn how to be compassionate creators. This idea is central to the Mormon theological tradition, which provides a religious framework consistent with naturalism and supportive of human transformation. Cannon’s work bridges religious faith with scientific advancement, advocating for the ethical use of technology to extend human abilities in ways consistent with a religious worldview.

Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson has written a brief plan for the future of humanity. He’s concerned about global catastrophic risks associated with technology. And he intends his plan to start a conversation.

Bryan prefaces his plan with the disclaimer that he, like everyone else, has biases and shortcomings. So he’s interested in hearing and understanding other perspectives on his plan. To that end, here are my own biased thoughts.

Vision

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Wesley Smith Lies About Transhumanism

Lincoln Cannon
Lincoln Cannon

Lincoln Cannon is an American philosopher and technologist who co-founded the Mormon Transhumanist Association in 2006, serving as its president from 2006 to 2016. He is a leading advocate of technological evolution and postsecular religion, combining software engineering expertise with degrees in philosophy and business. Cannon is also a founder and board member of the Christian Transhumanist Association. He formulated the New God Argument, a logical argument for faith in God that has become popular among religious transhumanists. His academic work includes “Mormonism Mandates Transhumanism” published in Religion and Human Enhancement: Death, Values, and Morality (Palgrave Macmillan, 2017) and “Transfigurism: A Future of Religion as Exemplified by Religious Transhumanists” published in The Transhumanism Handbook (Springer Verlag, 2019). Mormon transhumanism, as articulated by Cannon, holds that humanity should learn how to be compassionate creators. This idea is central to the Mormon theological tradition, which provides a religious framework consistent with naturalism and supportive of human transformation. Cannon’s work bridges religious faith with scientific advancement, advocating for the ethical use of technology to extend human abilities in ways consistent with a religious worldview.

Wesley Smith at the National Review is writing about Transhumanism again. And again, as when Wesley characterized Transhumanists as oppressive cave-dwellers, he’s misrepresenting Transhumanism and its relationship with religion.

These misrepresentations are not the only problems with his latest article. For example, he’s also engaging in poor reasoning about the potential of brain emulation and the nature of consciousness. But I’m going to ignore the technical topics (where Wesley is easily excused) and focus on the ideological topics, where Wesley should know better.

Flesh and Bones

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