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.

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The 2015 Conference of the Mormon Transhumanist Association is streaming live on Friday 3 April from 9am to 5:30pm Mountain at [Transfigurism.org]. Please use #mtaconf for social posts related to the conference. Administrators will monitor for questions.

Live Stream of the 2015 Conference of the Mormon Transhumanist Association

Schedule for the 2015 Conference of the Mormon Transhumanist Association

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The schedule for the 2015 Conference of the Mormon Transhumanist Association is now available online. You'll find photos, bios, and topics of speakers, including keynotes Kristine Haglund and Ralph Merkle. You'll also find speaker times, as well as time set aside for audience Q&A with a panel including both keynote speakers and Association president, Lincoln Cannon. Come prepared to be informed, inspired, provoked, and entertained, and to make or renew friendships. Audience is nearing venue capacity, so register today!

Schedule for the 2015 Conference of the Mormon Transhumanist Association

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The teenage Joseph Smith had an epiphany as he wrestled with scripture and the competing religious factions around him: answers to his questions were not to be found in an appeal to argumentation or to religious text; they were to be found in direct encounter with God. Thus began a prophetic career that attempted to facilitate and democratize communion with God.

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The Mormon Transhumanist Association has released its 2014 annual report. The report includes a message from Association president Lincoln Cannon, an overview of Association leadership, a timeline and summary of Association accomplishments in 2014, and some of the latest demographic information about members of the Association. Special thanks to Association CIO Nathan Hadfield for compiling the report, and to all members of the Association that contributed to our growth and accomplishments in 2014