In part 2 of our discussion on cybernetic immortality and resurrection we look into the concepts of the soul, personal continuity, and resurrection as we compare the Christian image of hope with the possibility of uploading the mind. ----more---- Topics: The nature of the soul: Dualism v. psychosomatic unity Influences on Christian theology of the soul Wolfhart Pannenberg on Christian anthropology Pannenberg, Wolfhart. Systematic Theology 3 volumes ed. Geoffrey Bromilley. Grand Rapids:...

Is the human mind simply a biological machine like any other or is there more to what makes us human and unique individuals than can be observed? Could we upload the mind into a computer for cybernetic immortality and how would that compare to the doctrine of resurrection? (Part 1 of 2) ----more----In part 1 we'll discuss the possibility, predictions, and challenges to uploading the mind as well as present efforts to make this tech a reality. In part 2 we'll address Christian contributions to...

Are Augmented and Virtual Reality the future of human interaction? How will these improve our lives? What new problems might they bring? Today we discuss the current developments of AR and VR as well as their future potential. How will your church make use of AR and VR? Can we help society deal with this brave new (virtual) world? ----more---- Topics: The desire for immersion in older media Augmented vs Virtual Reality Smart Contact Lens development and design Medical...

Will technology usher in new tools to enhance freedom or create ways to diminish privacy and liberty? In this episode we discuss the potential for technology in both directions as well as ways it’s already being used around the world to corral citizens. How will Christians respond in a world where technology enables diminishing privacy and greater centralized control? What choices can we make now, before technology is implemented that way? ----more---- Topics: Technology and access to...

Are the robots coming for your job! In today's episode we discuss the possible impacts of automation and artificial intelligence on the economy and employment in the coming decades. Jobs at every level of the economic ladder are within reach of technology. What will this mean for our livelihood and daily purpose? We’ll look at the way the church can address the biggest issues now, especially questions of meaning and identity in a word with fewer careers. ----more---- Topics Technological...

In this episode we address the ways in which Christians, both in favor of and wary of various emerging technologies, often rely on eschatological themes, opinions, and speculations to justify or support their position, or to dismiss the possibilities such technologies may provide. ----more---- Topics: Eschatological Perspectives and meaning Framing our arguments in eschatological language The danger of replacing eschatological hope with technological hope The danger of dismissing technology...

In this episode we discuss the potential for medical science to dramatically increase human life expectancy in the coming years. Could we start measuring our ages in centuries rather than decades? We’ll discuss the possibility, some current research, and the opinions of Aubrey de Grey, one of the major voices in the longevity project. We also address social questions, concerns, and challenges unique to the church. Also, a new microphone means better audio quality! ----more----Topics: Present...

A discussion on the present and future use of gene editing therapies. Where can this development in medical science take us and where should we draw the line? What’s being done with this research now? How does our Christian perspective give us insight into these challenges? Also, apologies for some audio issues in this episode. I wasn’t able to clean it all up, but the problem is solved by the next episode. ----more----Topics The Human Genome Project Second International Summit on Human...

In this inaugural episode we set up the premise that we are entering into a period of time when technology will begin an increasingly speedy advancement in many areas. These advancements will have significant implications and challenges for the economy, society, relationships, and lifestyles. In particular, we look at the way the church is uniquely placed to address many of these concerns, as well as issues that may be uniquely questioned by the church. As a means of introducing the topic, we...