Religious Narratives and Techno-Optimism

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The chapter explores the intersection between Kurzweil's views on historical progression and Christian theology, delving into various narratives within Christianity regarding the end times. It contrasts the techno-optimistic perspective with the more pessimistic outlook on existential risks posed by AI, shaping discussions on the impact of technology. Additionally, it reflects on the eerie interconnectedness between technological and religious visions of the future, highlighting the evolution of metaphors related to technology, the mind, and consciousness.

Paris Marx is joined by Meghan O’Gieblyn to discuss parallels between transhumanism and Christian narratives of resurrection, despite the fact many transhumanists identify as staunch atheists.

Meghan O’Gieblyn is an advice columnist at Wired and the author of God, Human, Animal, Machine.

Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.

The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.

Also mentioned in this episode:

Meghan wrote about transhumanism and religion for n+1.
Paris wrote about the religion of techno-optimism in Disconnect.
Amy Kurzweil wrote about her father’s chatbot of his own father.
In China, AI “deathbots” are being used to help people grieve.
Richard Dawkins now identifies as a “cultural Christian” (not Catholic, as Paris mistakenly said in the episode).

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