A Hopeful Despair: Analysis and Rebuttal of "Homo Deus"

So on my 60th birthday, I found myself recovering from surgery to remove two kidney stones, just two weeks removed from having 72 laser blasts to repair two retinal tears. As I recover from the 2nd procedure, what better thing to do than read and research... right?

As has been stated over the last few weeks of posts, I am writing a series on Biblical hope. And I happened to encounter some podcasts that got me thinking a lot about WHERE we are losing Christian ideas in the marketplace.

As much as I applaud work being done by Elon Musk for example in the effort to preserve free speech or Tucker Carlson to stand firm on platforms for truth seeking and even Joe Rogan who devotes hours to unravelling myths as a popular, high tech BS detector, there really isn't a evangelical Christian voice contending in this marketplace.

Why? Some of it is that the Church abandoned a lot of this when Darwin published Origin of the Species. In my estimation, only the Princeton reformers actually took the debate head on (and I have already written on this in previous years).

This is NOT to discount great sociological work or apologetics work done by a myriad of strong and talented Christians.

And the world has a way of preventing the message form getting through. That is why Scripture characterizes it as the "Domain of Darkness"(Col 1:13).

I don't have the intellect or a social platform big enough to mount a movement, but as a believer in the truth of Christ, I do feel compelled to offer a small, still voice in rebuttal to some awesome opportunities in our midst. and we need to do it where the mainstream ideas are flowing.

Silicon Valley and SOME social media outlets are waking up... algorithms are getting fairer and the internet is getting more free.

So I have loaded up a reading list and said- 'Why not?' Can't we learn and debate without it becoming a war of insult and attack?

So here is a small step in that direction and hope that it spurs some hope!

Yuval Noah Harari: A Brief Biography

Yuval Noah Harari is an Israeli historian, philosopher, and professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Born on February 24, 1976, Harari earned his PhD from Jesus College, Oxford, in 2002, specializing in medieval and military history. He is renowned for his bestselling books that explore the history and future of humanity, including "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind," "Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow," and "21 Lessons for the 21st Century." Harari's interdisciplinary approach combines history, biology, philosophy, and technology, making his works both accessible and thought-provoking.

I started Homo Deus (Man/God) with much anticipation and I am immediately struck by its optimism. This is the same optimism that we find in the original "Star Trek" where science and progress produces some amazing unity and unimaginable advancements.

In "Homo Deus," (Chapter 1)Yuval Noah Harari argues that humanity has largely brought famine, disease, and war under control, suggesting that praying to gods is no longer necessary as these challenges are now solvable through human ingenuity. While Harari's arguments are persuasive, several counterpoints from a theistic perspective can be considered to provide a more nuanced view.

God's Role in Human Progress

Harari's assertion that divine intervention is no longer needed in solving major human challenges overlooks a critical theological perspective: the belief that God deserves our gratitude for the progress humanity has made. From this viewpoint, the advancements in technology, medicine, and agriculture that have mitigated famine, disease, and war are themselves gifts from God. Theologically, human creativity and intellect are seen as part of God's creation mandate, implying that God's providence and blessings enable human progress. This perspective maintains an attitude of gratitude towards God for providing the resources and abilities that humans use to address these challenges. 

The Persistent Challenge of Human Nature

While Harari focuses on external threats such as famine, disease, and war, it is important to consider the persistent challenge posed by human nature. Despite significant progress, humans continue to struggle with moral and ethical failings. Issues like greed, hatred, and irrational behavior often drive conflicts and suffering. This suggests that a deeper transformation is necessary, one that goes beyond technological solutions and addresses the core of human nature. Many religious perspectives argue that such transformation is only fully attainable through spiritual means, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to human progress that includes ethical and moral development.

The Hubris of Coordinated Ecological Efforts

Harari posits that coordinated human efforts can solve remaining challenges, including ecological issues. However, this view can be critiqued as potentially hubristic. Coordinating global efforts to address ecological challenges requires overcoming significant political, economic, and cultural barriers. The assumption that humanity can universally prioritize long-term ecological stability over short-term growth may be overly optimistic. Moreover, the success of such efforts is not guaranteed, given the complexity of ecological systems and the unpredictable consequences of human interventions. This perspective cautions against overconfidence in human capabilities and highlights the need for humility and realistic assessments of what can be achieved.

Philosophical Foundations

Harari’s arguments are grounded in a secular humanist worldview, emphasizing human reason, ethics, and justice while often excluding religious or spiritual considerations. The theistic perspective, on the other hand, integrates a belief in a higher power that not only created but continues to influence and sustain the world. This foundational difference impacts how each side interprets human progress and the challenges that remain.

Moral and Ethical Dimensions

Human Capacity for Good and Evil

The theistic argument emphasizes that technological and scientific advancements do not necessarily lead to moral progress. Human history is replete with examples where technological prowess has been used for both good and evil, suggesting that moral and ethical guidance is necessary alongside technological advancement.

Inherent Worth and Dignity

Many theistic traditions assert that human beings have inherent worth and dignity because they are created in the image of God. This can counter a purely utilitarian view of human progress and emphasize the need for ethical considerations that respect this inherent dignity.

Ecological Responsibility

Stewardship vs. Exploitation

From a theistic viewpoint, humanity is seen as stewards of the Earth, responsible for its care and preservation. This contrasts with a purely human-centric approach, which may prioritize human needs over ecological balance. The concept of stewardship adds a moral imperative to ecological efforts, underscoring the ethical responsibility to protect and preserve the environment for future generations.

Community and Solidarity

Isolation vs. Community

Harari's vision of human progress often focuses on individual and collective human effort without considering the communal and relational aspects emphasized in many theistic traditions. The theistic perspective values community, solidarity, and mutual support, which are essential for addressing global challenges effectively.

Limitations of Human Knowledge

Epistemic Humility

I keep coming back to our great need to require a new epistemology for our young people to evaluate truth claims. Just take a few moments to read X and you will see what a circus we live in these days. It is KILLING our political discourse!

A theistic perspective emphasizes the limitations of human knowledge and the importance of epistemic humility. Acknowledging that humans do not have all the answers and that there are mysteries beyond human comprehension can temper the hubris associated with relying solely on human ingenuity.

 "The Last Days of Death" in Harari's "Homo Deus"

This section in Chapter 1 was the saddest to me and makes me want to cry out and contend for the gospel!

In this section of  Chapter 1 of "Homo Deus," Yuval Noah Harari discusses the ambitions of contemporary technologists and entrepreneurs to defeat death, highlighting notable figures like gerontologist Aubrey de Grey, inventor Ray Kurzweil, and entrepreneurs Bill Maris and Peter Thiel. Harari explores their visions of life extension and potential immortality, emphasizing their significant investments in life sciences and ambitious goals. While these ideas may seem futuristic and even fantastical, they represent a significant shift in societal aspirations and priorities considering theological, ethical, and practical perspectives.

Harari's Worldview

Harari's arguments rest on a secular, humanist worldview, where science and reason are elevated above any notion of a divine being or metaphysical reality. His premise is the age old argument that religion serves merely as a "God in the gaps" explanation for mysteries that science has yet to solve. This worldview treats death as a challenge to be overcome through human ingenuity and technological advancement. The optimism and promise in Harari's writing are clear, yet the absence of a divine purpose or eternal meaning leaves a profound sense of despair. In a godless approach to death, existence becomes a quest for an eternal man-machine hybrid of titanium and processors—an existence devoid of deeper meaning.

The Silicon Valley Entrepreneurs

Harari cites several prominent figures in the tech industry who are deeply invested in life-extension research:

Ray Kurzweil: Director of engineering at Google, who advocates for the possibility of significantly extending human lifespans.
Bill Maris: A key figure in Google Ventures, who has claimed that living to be 500 is within the realm of possibility and has invested heavily in life sciences start-ups aimed at life extension.
Peter Thiel: Co-founder of PayPal, who expresses his desire to fight against death rather than accept or deny it.

These technologists and entrepreneurs view death as a problem to be solved, driven by the belief that it is better to live than to die. Their significant financial investments and intellectual efforts reflect a broader trend in Silicon Valley towards seeking technological solutions to human mortality.

A Theological and Ethical Rebuttal

From a theological standpoint, the pursuit of immortality raises profound questions about the nature of life and death. Biblically speaking, it is a hard truth - death is a natural and necessary part of the human experience, integral to the spiritual journey and the cycle of life. This ambition to "solve death" can be seen as an attempt to usurp a role that I believe is reserved for the divine. I tis fine to improve a quality of life, but to extend it endlessly ultimately produces something more of a machine and less a man. I get it, I too want to fight like hell over death- but there is only one name under heaven where we have a chance in that fight....

Divine Sovereignty: Biblical Christianity holds that life and death are under divine control. The attempt to achieve immortality can be perceived as an act of human pride, challenging the natural order established by a higher power. This view emphasizes humility and acceptance of human limitations. It is ok to be humble under the mighty hand of God! He demonstrated His love towards us!

Purpose and Meaning: Theologically, death is often seen as a passage to another form of existence or a final judgment. The prospect of immortality on Earth may diminish the perceived meaning and purpose of life, which is often framed within the context of a finite existence leading to an eternal afterlife.

Ethical Considerations: The pursuit of radical life extension involves significant ethical considerations. Investing heavily in life-extension technologies may divert resources from other pressing medical and social needs. Moreover, the possibility of extending life significantly may exacerbate existing social inequalities, as access to advanced treatments is likely to be limited to the wealthy, creating a class of long-lived elites while the majority continue to experience traditional lifespans.

The Biblical Worldview

The Christian worldview offers a different perspective on life and death, one that embraces scientific inquiry within the framework of divine creation and purpose. The Princeton Reformers, for example, sought a science that operated under the existence of the God of the Bible. They believed that scientific exploration and discovery were means to understand and appreciate the Creator's work.

Harmony of Science and Faith: Christianity does not inherently conflict with scientific progress. Many Christian scientists view their work as a way to explore God's creation and uncover the laws and processes He has put in place. This perspective sees science and faith as complementary rather than contradictory.

Hope and Eternal Life: The Christian faith offers a profound hope that transcends earthly life. The promise of eternal life in a new earth and new heaven provides meaning and purpose beyond physical existence. This hope is rooted in the belief in the resurrection and the transformative power of God's love and grace.

Ethical Stewardship: Christians are called to be stewards of creation, caring for the world and each other in ways that reflect God's love and justice. This ethical framework encourages the pursuit of medical and technological advancements that enhance human well-being while recognizing the limitations and potential consequences of such pursuits.

So far in my reading, Yuval Noah Harari presents a compelling case for the power of human ingenuity in addressing major challenges, but his godless approach to death and life extension ultimately leads to despair and a lack of deeper meaning. TheBiblical worldview, in contrast, offers a holistic and hopeful perspective that integrates scientific inquiry with divine purpose and ethical stewardship. By acknowledging human limitations and embracing the hope of eternal life, this perspective provides a more profound and meaningful understanding of life and death. This balanced approach encourages a collaborative effort to improve the world, respecting both human potential and the divine mandate to steward creation wisely.

Here is a very interesting section by Harari in this chapter:

Contrary to common notions, seventy-year-olds weren’t considered rare freaks of nature in previous centuries. Galileo Galilei died at seventy-seven, Isaac Newton at eighty-four, and Michelangelo lived to the ripe age of eighty-eight, without any help from antibiotics, vaccinations or organ transplants. Indeed, even chimpanzees in the jungle sometimes live into their sixties. In truth, so far modern medicine hasn’t extended our natural life span by a single year. Its great achievement has been to save us from premature death, and allow us to enjoy the full measure of our years. Even if we now overcome cancer, diabetes and the other major killers, it would mean only that almost everyone will get to live to ninety – but it will not be enough to reach 150, let alone 500. For that, medicine will need to re-engineer the most fundamental structures and processes of the human body, and discover how to regenerate organs and tissues. It is by no means clear that we can do that by 2100.

The scientific establishment and the capitalist economy will be more than happy to underwrite this struggle. Most scientists and bankers don’t care what they are working on, provided it gives them an opportunity to make new discoveries and greater profits. Can anyone imagine a more exciting scientific challenge than outsmarting death – or a more promising market than the market of eternal youth?

My response is a step further, what if we rediscovered the power and essence of the Gospel and partnered together to continue this grand experiment of a shining city on a hill. My life has been devoted to it because I see the true freedom and prosperity offered.

I work at a school where we have struggled for this for 60 years now! 

Could I get a scientist and capitalist to underwrite what we are trying to do?... create a new Christian enterprise that loves God and people and have a Creation Mandate and Great Commission to accomplish great work in the name of Christ!