Authors

Adam Davis is a physicist and educator. He received his degree from Case Western University and currently teaches physics at Wayne State College. His academic pursuits extend beyond conventional physics into areas that bridge science and theology, particularly within the context of Latter-day Saint beliefs. Davis’s interests lie in exploring the concept of “spirit matter,” a topic central to Mormon theology. He approaches this subject through a scientific lens, seeking to develop models and frameworks for understanding its nature and properties. His work examines the theological necessity of spirit matter and considers its implications for human advancement and the attainment of divine potential. At the Mormon Thought & Engineering Vision conference held in 2009, Davis presented his perspectives on spirit matter, acknowledging the limited understanding currently available while emphasizing the importance of continued exploration. He examined scriptural and anecdotal accounts, including descriptions of spirit bodies and the spirit world, to inform his approach and stimulate further discussion on this complex topic—ultimately suggesting that no current models are completely adequate. Davis served on the MTA Board of Directors for several years.

Alan Wilson Watts (1915–1973) was a British-born American philosopher, writer, and speaker best known for popularizing Eastern philosophy—particularly Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism—for Western audiences. He remains one of the most influential interpreters of Asian religious thought in the twentieth century. Watts began his career in England, where he was involved with the Buddhist Lodge in London. He later moved to the United States, briefly serving as an Episcopal priest before leaving the ministry to pursue a broader philosophical vocation. He became a professor and dean at the American Academy of Asian Studies in San Francisco and authored over twenty-five books, including The Way of Zen (1957), Psychotherapy East and West (1961), and The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are (1966). His lectures, many of which survive as recordings, continue to reach millions worldwide. Watts’s central teaching—that the individual self and the universe are fundamentally one—resonates with Mormon Transhumanist themes of theosis and the expansive potential of consciousness. His insistence that human beings are not merely in the universe but of it, expressions of a deeper cosmic process, parallels the tradition’s interest in humanity’s divine trajectory. However, significant differences exist. Watts generally rejected the concept of a personal God, viewing divinity as an impersonal process rather than a being with whom one could have a relationship. He was skeptical of doctrines of sin and moral depravity, seeing guilt as a psychological obstacle rather than a theological reality. He also questioned the Western emphasis on individual free will, favoring a view of spontaneous action aligned with Taoist wu wei . Despite these divergences, his lifelong project of dissolving boundaries between the sacred and the secular, the human and the divine, offers rich material for dialogue with Mormon Transhumanist thought.

Albert Einstein (1879–1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists in human history. His contributions to physics fundamentally reshaped humanity’s understanding of space, time, energy, and the cosmos. Born in Ulm, in the Kingdom of Württemberg in the German Empire, Einstein developed the special and general theories of relativity, and his mass–energy equivalence formula, E = mc², has been called the world’s most famous equation. In 1921, he received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect, a pivotal contribution to the development of quantum theory. Einstein held academic positions at the University of Zurich, Charles University in Prague, the Prussian Academy of Sciences, and, after emigrating to the United States in 1933, the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, where he remained until his death. Beyond his scientific achievements, Einstein was a profound philosophical thinker who often reflected on the relationship between science, mystery, and what he described as a “cosmic religious feeling.” He expressed deep reverence for the rational structure of the universe, once stating that “the most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is comprehensible.” While not religiously orthodox, his sense of awe at the intelligibility of nature resonates with transhumanist and theological themes of humanity’s capacity to comprehend and participate in the divine order of creation. Einstein’s legacy speaks powerfully to the Mormon Transhumanist vision: his life exemplifies the extraordinary potential of the human mind to transcend prior limitations, to unveil deeper truths about reality, and to expand the horizon of what humanity can know and become.

Ally Isom is a business and community leader with a diverse background spanning public service, corporate strategy, and political engagement. Currently a Republican candidate for the United States Senate in Utah, she brings a wealth of experience to the political arena. Isom has demonstrated a commitment to fostering authentic human connection, a theme echoed throughout her work and personal interests. This dedication aligns with the Mormon Transhumanist Association’s focus on leveraging technology to enhance human potential and spiritual growth. Prior to her senatorial bid, Isom held prominent positions in Utah state government, including Deputy Chief of Staff and spokesperson for Governor Gary Herbert. She also served in public affairs, communication, and branding roles within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her career transitioned into the private sector, where she served as Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer and, eventually, acting executive officer for Evok Nano, a company focused on innovation and technology. Isom’s presentation at MTAConf 2022 highlighted the vital importance of human connection, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. She explored the neuroscience behind connection, emphasizing its role in strengthening the immune system, promoting mental and emotional well-being, and fostering spiritual growth. This perspective resonates with transhumanist ideals of enhancing human capabilities and experiences through technology and community engagement. Outside of her professional life, Isom enjoys a variety of activities, including riding, hiking, cooking, and indulging in her favorite dish, mole poblano, preferably enjoyed on a beach with a good book. She is married to Eric and they have four children and five grandchildren.

Amit Goswami is a scientist and researcher who challenges mainstream scientific materialism, particularly in its application to consciousness, health, and healing. He advocates for the integration of spirituality with medicine and seeks to demonstrate the importance of consciousness in these areas—a view often dismissed by conventional scientific paradigms. Goswami draws heavily on the principles of quantum physics to argue for a reality where consciousness plays a fundamental role. He posits that the prevailing materialistic worldview, which treats the body and mind as mere machines, inhibits our understanding of health, healing, and the human experience. He believes that quantum physics offers an alternative perspective, one that acknowledges the subjective aspect of consciousness and its potential impact on our well-being. At a 2013 conference jointly organized by the Integrative Health Network and the Mormon Transhumanist Association, Goswami presented on “Quantum Physics, Consciousness and Health.” He emphasized the disconnect between the implications of quantum physics and its public perception, suggesting that media and academia have perpetuated materialistic concepts to the detriment of a more holistic understanding of consciousness and its potential for influencing health and personal agency. His work attempts to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and spiritual understanding, encouraging a reevaluation of the role of consciousness in our lives.

Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 296–373 AD) was one of the most influential theologians in Christian history, serving as the twentieth Pope of Alexandria and playing a decisive role in the development of Trinitarian doctrine. His lifelong defense of the Nicene Creed against Arianism earned him the title ‘Father of Orthodoxy,’ while his writings on the incarnation articulated a vision of human transformation that continues to resonate in Eastern Orthodox theology and beyond. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Athanasius received a thorough education in Greek literature, philosophy, and Christian scripture. As a young deacon, he accompanied Bishop Alexander to the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, where he witnessed the formulation of the creed that would define Christian orthodoxy. Three years later, at approximately thirty years of age, Athanasius succeeded Alexander as bishop of Alexandria—a position he would hold for forty-five years despite being exiled five times by various emperors sympathetic to Arianism. Athanasius ’ s most enduring theological contribution appears in his treatise On the Incarnation , written when he was still a young man. In this work, he articulated the doctrine of theosis—the belief that God became human so that humans might become divine. This concept, sometimes expressed as ‘God became man that man might become god,’ became central to Eastern Orthodox spirituality and has profound implications for understanding human potential and destiny. Throughout his tumultuous career, Athanasius faced opposition from Arian bishops, imperial persecution, and periods of exile in the Egyptian desert, Rome, and elsewhere. Yet he persisted in defending what he understood as apostolic faith against theological compromise. His friendship with the desert monks, including Anthony the Great, influenced his biography of Anthony, which became foundational for Christian monasticism and hagiography. Athanasius’s doctrine of theosis resonates profoundly with transhumanist themes. His vision of humanity’s potential for transformation and participation in divine nature anticipates contemporary discussions of human enhancement and transcendence. The idea that humans are destined for a radical elevation of their nature—not merely moral improvement but ontological transformation—connects ancient Christian theology with modern aspirations for human flourishing beyond current limitations.

Basil of Caesarea (330–379 AD), known as Basil the Great, was a bishop and influential theologian who supported the Nicene Creed. He was one of the Cappadocian Fathers, along with his brother Gregory of Nyssa and friend Gregory of Nazianzus. Basil made significant contributions to Christian monasticism and liturgy. His writings on the Holy Spirit explore how souls illuminated by the Spirit become spiritual themselves and send forth grace to others, becoming like God through divine participation. He established guidelines for monastic life that influenced both Eastern and Western monasticism, and his liturgy is still used in Eastern Orthodox churches. Basil’s theology of deification emphasizes the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in making humans partakers of the divine nature.

Ben Romney is a senior software engineer at Qualtrics. Outside of his professional career, he pursues his interest in moral philosophy. He presented at the MTAConf 2020 on his paper, “A Gradient Rubric for Human and Non-Human Utility,” available at bromney.com/ethicspaper.pdf. Romney’s work focuses on expanding ethical considerations beyond the human species to encompass animals, plants, and potentially robots, all in service of maximizing global happiness. He advocates for a utilitarian approach, proposing a gradient rubric to quantify various life forms’ capacity for happiness, aiming to prioritize efforts to improve the world for all sentient beings.

Brian Green is a scholar at Santa Clara University specializing in the intersection of transhumanism and Catholic ethics. His research explores the complex relationship between these seemingly disparate fields, seeking to identify areas of both conflict and potential collaboration. He has dedicated approximately a decade to this field of study, commencing with his master’s program at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. His work aims to foster mutual understanding and dispel misconceptions between transhumanist and Christian communities. At the Religion and Transhumanism Conference 2014, Green addressed prevalent myths regarding the Catholic Church’s stance on life extension and human genetic manipulation, arguing for a more nuanced perspective that acknowledges the diversity within both transhumanism and Christianity. He advocates for identifying true points of tension and exploring potential alliances between these groups. Green’s research considers the justice implications of emerging technologies, and the practical challenges of achieving immortality. He seeks to encourage productive dialog that reconciles the benefits of emerging technologies with Catholic concerns for social justice, human dignity, and spiritual well-being.

Britt Hartley is an author, philosopher, and educator whose work explores the intersection of Mormon thought, philosophy, and the human search for meaning. Raised in a Latter-day Saint family in Idaho, she taught high school history and LDS seminary before pursuing graduate studies in theology with a focus on the future of American religion. Hartley is the author of Mormon Philosophy Simplified: An Easy LDS Approach to Classic Philosophical Questions (2019), which bridges the rich tradition of Mormon academic theology—drawing on thinkers like Terryl Givens, Hugh Nibley, and Blake Ostler—with the everyday questions of Latter-day Saint life. She presented at the 2019 Conference of the Mormon Transhumanist Association on how genealogical record-keeping across cultures reflects the priorities and narratives of the societies that produce them, and how advancing technology is expanding the transparency and complexity of Mormon genealogy in ways that may drive theological reflection. In her subsequent work, Hartley has focused on helping individuals navigate questions of meaning, connection, and spiritual practice beyond traditional religious frameworks. She is the author of No Nonsense Spirituality: All the Tools, No Faith Required (2024) and hosts the No-Nonsense Spirituality podcast, where she draws on philosophy, psychology, and contemplative practice to explore themes of awe, ritual, community, and purpose—concerns that resonate with the transhumanist commitment to human flourishing in all its dimensions. Hartley lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband and four children.