In the future, humans will be augmented and upgraded with far greater intentionality than we see today. These changes will reshape how we view ourselves in relation to God, each other, and the cosmos. I believe these transformations in humanity will ultimately bring us closer to God.
Imagine meeting one of your ancestors from 2,000 years ago—they would likely see you as a superhuman. Your life expectancy is double theirs. Thanks to better nutrition and healthcare, your physical development is likely superior. You’re more educated due to widespread access to education, and you’re literate. You’ve probably seen more of the world due to advancements in transportation. Clearly, scientific and technological progress has played a huge role in these developments.
From a technological perspective, you might seem like a wizard to your ancestor. You can fly using airplanes, communicate with anyone worldwide, and access most of the world’s knowledge by simply asking an AI in your pocket. The list of advancements goes on and on.
It’s reasonable to suspect that if you were to meet one of your descendants 2,000 years from now, they would appear superhuman to you—perhaps exponentially so. As science and technology continue to advance rapidly, especially with the help of AI, humanity will continue to augment itself at increasing speeds.
I’ve previously contended in That Which is Biological is Digital that biological life is a form of digital AI and that humanity is God’s “Alternative Intelligence.” This idea suggests that everything in the known universe, including biological life, is composed of fundamental units of information that can be represented as 1s and 0s. For us, this means that the “information technology” (IT) of humanity has the potential to be upgraded.
From a Christian theological perspective, whether altering our human IT is an upgrade or something else depends on whether it helps us draw nearer to God and become more like Christ, or whether it leads to separation from God (sin).
Currently, we upgrade our human IT through spiritual practices and formation—a process shared with our ancestors from 2,000 years ago. However, today we also use technological tools that accelerate our development and help us stay diligent in our spiritual discipline. For instance, many modern Christians use technologies like:
- Bible apps, devotional tools, and accountability apps
- Daily encouragement apps and guided meditations
- Commentaries and study guides
- Live streaming of services and online small groups
- Podcasts, online courses, and sermons
- Christian music and entertainment
- Prayer apps
- Social media, online forums, and groups
- Online giving and volunteer coordination
- Christian blogs and articles
These technologies allow spiritual formation to occur more quickly for the person today than the average person from 2,000 years ago.
Additionally, more Christians are using AI to expedite their spiritual growth by aggregating vast amounts of information in ways that are easier to process and integrate into daily practice. In 2015, I argued in The Christian Post that AI Will One Day Lead People to New Levels of Holiness. I think that it is now evident that this is already happening in small ways as human cocreated AI is becoming more and more part of our eschatological journey. AI is indeed already leading people to new levels of holiness.
All of which leads us to a much more challenging question: When humanity can upgrade its own IT (or have AI do it for us), what specific upgrades will help us draw nearer to God and become more like Christ? Might…
- Cognitive advancements that accelerate learning deepen our understanding of Scripture by providing broader perspectives on specific passages?
- Neurofeedback devices and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) enhance our focus during prayer and meditation?
- Advanced nanotechnologies enable us to heal those who suffer, bringing physical healing to the world?
- Enhanced longevity could give us more time to grow spiritually, serve others, care for the cosmos, seek peace, and deepen our relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit?
- Communication and empathy upgrades help us connect more deeply with others, strengthening communities and outreach efforts?
The possibilities of the upgrades to our human IT are as endless as our imagination (which could also be enhanced.) Guided by God, as our technology evolves, so too will our spiritual practices.
