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Essay / A Divine Testimony: An Analysis of the Controversial Idea...
In the technologically advanced world we live in, more and more people are searching for "the Holy Grail." Not the cup that King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table traveled across Britain for, but the idea of a scientific "Holy Grail" that would transform all who used it into an exempt super-form of death and illness. The idea of transcending one's own flaws and becoming immortal has been the basis of many religions throughout human history, but in these religions, transcending usually meant death. Today, transhumanists offer life on earth without expiration. The organization and implementation of transhumanist ideas by the Mormon Transhumanist Association would allow any human being willing to achieve freedom from death, but many, such as the Catholic Church and Francis Fukuyama, believe that by doing so, the human race would defy the bioethical ideals set by the United States. State government and the divine will of God. Mormonism is a religion in the Judeo-Christian tradition that advocates discipleship of Jesus Christ that leads to creative and compassionate works. On the other hand, transhumanism is an essentially worldly ideology that advocates ethical use of technology to develop human capabilities. However, Mormonism and transhumanism hold remarkably similar views of human nature and potential. (Association, 2010). The Mormon Tranhumanist Association believes that Mormonism and transhumanism broadly share the same ideals. “We believe that scientific knowledge and technological power are among the God-ordained means of enabling such exaltation, including the realization of various prophetic visions of transfiguration, immortality, resurrection, renewal of this world and discovery and creation of endless worlds" (Asso...... middle of document...... religions which would not allow transhumanist opinions to blur the lines on an afterlife. Works cited Association, MT (2010, Mormon Transhumanist Association, retrieved January 13, 2014, from Mormon Transhumanist Association: http://transfigurism.org/Cordeiro, J. (January 6, 2013, From Humanism to Transhumanism). January 2014 from Transhumanity: http://transhumanity.net/. Fain, L. (October 3, 2013). Retrieved January 15, 2014 from The Catholic. World Report: http://www.catholicworldreport. com/Item/2616/the_surprising_spread_and_cultural_impact_of_transhumanism.aspxFUKUYAMA, F. (2004, September 1). Transhumanism. Retrieved January 15, 2014 from Foreign Policy: http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2004/09/01/transhumanism