Are We Evolving into Gods?
The concept of deifying humans or improving ourselves to a god-like state has been a recurring theme throughout philosophical and religious contexts. Often, this idea is met with skepticism and even ridicule. Nevertheless, the scientific and technological progress we have witnessed in the past few centuries has certainly fuelled this notion of human evolution resembling the path to godliness.
Evolution of Human Perception
Throughout history, societies have consistently revered certain individuals or beings as divine or god-like due to their attributes, powers, and influence. This attitude often stems from a narrow and partial definition of what a God might be. In today's world, we tend to view the ability to control our environment, extend our lifespans, surpass our physical limitations, and even transcend biological confines as god-like qualities.
Religious and Philosophical Implications
Christian denominations like the Latter-Day Saints (LDS) occasionally explore the concept of becoming like God. However, this is not a widely accepted or historical view. One of the primary objections I face with the idea of elevating human beings to the level of a deity is the arrogance implied. The biblical passage from John 12:24 can be interpreted as a reminder of the importance of sacrifice and transformation for greater growth.
From a Christian perspective, the true journey of life involves sacrifice and submitting to a higher power, not aspiring to become that power. Jesus Christ's teachings often emphasize humility and submission. Lucifer’s fall from grace is a parable illustrating the risks of aspiring to a divine status without divine backing.
The Future View of Humanity
If we were to transport a society member from thousands of years ago into present times, they might find us god-like due to our advanced technologies and societal structures. Similarly, if we were to travel a few hundred years into the future, people living in that timeline might consider us god-like. However, such future inhabitants would still view us as simple humans by their standards.
The Definition of God
It is essential to recognize that the term 'god' has a relative meaning based on cultural, societal, and historical contexts. Traditionally, a god is any entity, real or perceived, that a group of people considers significant enough to worship. Historically, gods have included living mortals, deities of nature, and even animals.
The Potential of Human Evolution
The path to a future where humans might consider themselves or each other gods is not far-fetched. Technological advancements will play a crucial role in this transformation. People might live for centuries, possess enhanced physical and cognitive abilities, and control technology in ways that seem god-like to current standards.
In this future, we might see a strong fusion of human and machine, where cybernetic enhancements allow us to jump beyond the limitations of the human body. We might also develop extensive environmental control and healing abilities, leading to a worldview in which we are no longer bound by the same physical constraints that define us today.
Conclusion
Is our future trajectory one of becoming gods? While it's possible and even exciting to consider, it's crucial to keep in mind the perspective of those in the future. Just as we view our ancestors with awe and wonder, future societies might view us with the same amazement. The key question, then, is not whether we will become gods, but how we will reconcile our new capabilities with the ethical and moral frameworks that have shaped human civilization.