IMAGE: PHOTO OF MAN PLAYING TRUMPET IN FRONT OF SKY

(Image sources: Observable Universe Logarithmic Scale, Carina Nebula, Moroni Statue, Atomic Symbol)

In my previous post on the Fractal Lineage of Gods, I briefly mentioned that Mormonism is capable of projecting through models like Kardashev scales or Ray Kurzweil's epochs of evolution. Here I wanted to expand on that idea. If you are new to Kurzweil's epochs of evolution here's a quick video Jason Silva did summarizing it (BTW, I've talked to other members of the Mormon Transhumanist Association who are also big fans of his).

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Our family makes frequent trips to Epcot. It’s one of the perks of living 15 minutes away from Walt Disney World. Among the many fantastic attractions in Epcot’s Future World is Spaceship Earth. It’s one of our favorites, not just because of the awe inspiring architecture of the gigantic geometric sphere, but, for me, there is an important message that is so beautifully delivered through the narrator, Judy Dench.

The Mormon Transhumanist Association is pleased to announce the results of the 2015 director election. Each year, terms expire for three of the nine seats on the board of directors. This year, the seats occupied by Dorothy Deasy, James Carroll, and Lincoln Cannon expired. The Association thanks Dorothy, James, and Lincoln for the leadership and service they've provided. Voting members of the Association have elected the following three persons to serve as directors for the 2015 to 2018 term:

Blaire Ostler Dorothy Deasy Lincoln Cannon

The Association congratulates Blaire, Dorothy, and Lincoln, and thanks them for their willingness to contribute. Below is additional information about these directors. Information about all directors and officers of the association is available here:

[http://transfigurism.org/pages/about/board-of-directors/]

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Recordings of the 2015 Conference of the Mormon Transhumanist Association are now available on the Transfigurism YouTube channel. The conference was held on Friday 3 April 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the Salt Lake City Public Library. Speakers and artists presented on the themes of Mormonism, Transhumanism and Transfigurism, with particular attention to topics at the intersection of technology, spirituality, science and religion.

Playlist of recordings for 2015 Conference of the Mormon Transhumanist Association

Transfigurism YouTube Channel

Lincoln Cannon, president of the Mormon Transhumanist Association, was interviewed by Derek Bunker on the View from the Bunker podcast, which discusses topics of interest to conservative Christians. The interview covers the intersection of religious faith and transhumanism, the common aspirations and parallels between Mormonism and transhumanism, and religious arguments for transhumanism.

Listen to "Faith and Transhumanism" interview of Lincoln Cannon at View from the Bunker

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Faith is sometimes thought of as the seed for comfort in our lives. Yet often it is more comforting to turn to evidence rather than faith, to be assured that decisions and policy are sound. Science provides light into the mysteries of disease. At its best, it brings us to the root causes of suffering and helps us look in the right direction for solutions. Knowledge can bring us to compassion, it moves us away from superstition, and ideally away from stigma. Belief in the power of prayer isn't rational. Neither is believing in God. Who needs a puppeteer in the sky when we can travel into the heavens ourselves and witness the birth and death of distant stars?

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The peer reviewed journal of Theology and Science has published “What is Mormon Transhumanism?” The article was written by Lincoln Cannon, president of the Mormon Transhumanist Association. It is available for download from Taylor & Francis Online. An abstract of the article follows:

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Composite image sourced here and here

In the symbolic language of Mormonism, the circle indicates eternity. This symbolism was introduced by Joseph Smith in his expounding on eternity's nature. He used the most common symbol he had at his disposal. Prophets take eternal concepts which are beyond anything we can completely express and communicate them using familiar symbols or objects. This is semiological transmission with its encoding and decoding. And as Mormonism promotes the idea of continuous revelation of further truths, I believe the symbol system of fractals, which has come to us after the life of Joseph Smith, can be welcomed to provide clearer resolution of Mormon truths surrounding creation, cosmology, ontology, and aesthetics.

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In 1928, Carl Theodor Dreyer made the silent film “The Passion of Joan of Arc.” The film was shown once and censored. It was thought lost in a fire, and a second version, made of second takes, was created. Then, another version (not by the original director) was compiled by cutting and torturing the second original. The film Joan, thus, was subjected to a path paralleling that of the historical Joan.

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Samford University’s Center for Science and Religion will host a conference on ”Transhumanism and the Church“ as a way to promote critical reflection and public understanding on Transhumanism and the Church, which will become increasingly important in future decades. Please send a 350-500 word proposal with your name, professional title, home institution, and contact information (including e-mail address) to Dr. Josh Reeves at [email protected]. Some conference papers will be selected for inclusion in an edited book, along with chapters from the keynote speakers. The deadline for proposals is May 1. Presenters will be notified of acceptance by May 21. Final papers are due by September 14 for consideration in edited volume. Registration opens June 1. Visit the official website for more information.