IMAGE: PHOTO OF COLONIAL SHIPS

So much angst in debates either for or against religion comes from pitting a dogmatic pre-secular attitude towards religion against reductive secular-only world-views. Often both see no possible way forward. And if religion can only ever be pre-secular and if secularly-informed world views can only ever be secular-reductive then perhaps that might be the case. But between these two extremes there lies a faith which delights in the truths gained through honest secular endeavors but that still acknowledges the reality and power of God.

IMAGE: PHOTO OF PLAY VIDOE BUTTON

At almost any minute of any day, your life could change drastically. Our bodies are fragile, our destinies determined second-by-second. Snap your fingers. That’s how suddenly what you have come to expect for yourself, or a member of your family, could change as the result of an illness or accident. What would it mean in terms of work, mobility, relationship, identity? How quickly or slowly would you adapt to a drastically new state of reality?

IMAGE: PHOTO OF NEWSPAPER TITLE WITH TRUTH

Pilate asked, "What is truth?"

At the time of writing, The Transfigurist didn’t have a comment system yet, but the essays published had been shared on various social networks and stimulated interesting discussions. I found a comment from a respected friend to my essay “Religion Fiction Inspires Real Religion” very interesting, and worth replying to in detail.

IMAGE: PHOTO OF KNEELING STATUE

A Thoughtful Faith podcast interviewed Lincoln Cannon on Mormon Transhumanism and becoming one in the body of Christ.

A Thoughtful Faith features the stories and perspectives of intelligent, thoughtful believers who maintain a strong faith in Mormonism despite their awareness of and/or struggles with common challenges and issues. Its hope is to model potential paths for individuals in faith transition or crisis that allow them to maintain faith, as well as provide resources for thoughtful believers everywhere.

IMAGE: PHOTO OF A FETUS

I am a stay-at-home mother with three beautiful children. I am also a Transhumanist. It may seem like an unlikely pairing, but as you read you’ll see it’s quite natural. My journey toward Transhumanism started before I even realized it began.

IMAGE: PHOTO OF CANDLES

Religious anthropologist, Jon Bialecki, has launched a study of the Mormon Transhumanist Association, with support of Association leadership. We invite members, friends, critics, and observers of the Association to contribute by welcoming Jon to related discussions and events. You may direct questions to Jon or to Association leadership. Below is a letter of introduction from Jon.

IMAGE: PHOTO OF WOMEN HOLDING MAGIC WITH TITLE

In ninth grade I decided I wanted to be a scientist. I loved learning and discovering new ideas, especially ideas related to science and technology. I enjoyed reading about the process of how discoveries in science were made.

IMAGE: PHOTO OF OLD TEXT

Growing up, the man who lived just down the hall from me was a talented spine surgeon. As an academic and devout Mormon, he continually interjected his work with religion and vice versa. I recall him being decorated with awards for medical achievements and the occasional colleague referring to him as an outlier. To me, he was just Dad.

On Sunday 17 May at 11:30am Mountain time, Lincoln Cannon, president of the Mormon Transhumanist Association, will be on Convergence with John Carosella, at Blog Talk Radio.

[http://www.blogtalkradio.com/fireflywillowslive/2015/05/17/convergence-with-john-carosella]

IMAGE: PHOTO OF MTA LOGO

The Mormon Transhumanist Association has released a summary of results from its 2014 member survey. The survey asked questions about religion, politics, feedback and demographics. It also explored members' views on the nature of God, the problem of evil, and consciousness. At the end of 2013, the association consisted of 481 members, 66 of whom participated in the survey. The association thanks Brent Allsop for managing the 2014 survey.