S2 Ep1102: A Raw Conversation with Katie McCoy, John Hammett, and Dr. Marc Cortez
Aug 14, 2023
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Katie McCoy, John Hammett, and Dr. Marc Cortez discuss the relevance of theological anthropology in contemporary ethical issues, including transgender identity and artificial intelligence. They explore the significance of understanding human identity and challenge gender stereotypes. The speakers also dive into the complexities of sex and gender, highlighting the variability of biblical womanhood. They debate the threat of AI to human uniqueness and discuss the need for schools to adapt to technology in education.
Understanding theological anthropology is crucial for addressing contemporary ethical questions related to gender, sexuality, and relationships.
Recognizing the complexity of the body-brain connection helps emphasize the inseparable connection between the self and the physical body.
Defining human uniqueness as imago Dei broadens the perspective on artificial intelligence, highlighting the need to consider its impact on human identity and well-being.
Deep dives
Theological Anthropology and Its Importance
The podcast episode explores the importance of theological anthropology and why it is relevant in addressing contemporary ethical questions. The guests, who are experts in the field, emphasize the significance of understanding what it means to be human according to biblical teachings. They discuss how theological anthropology informs our understanding of gender, sexuality, relationships, and other aspects of human life. The conversation highlights the need to approach these topics with compassion, empathy, and a recognition of the pain experienced by individuals whose identities may not align with traditional gender norms. The guests also emphasize the interconnectedness of theological anthropology with other doctrines, such as Christology and ecclesiology. Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of theological anthropology for guiding Christian beliefs and practices in relation to human identity and ethical decision-making.
Sex, Gender, and Identity
One of the main topics discussed in the podcast episode is the distinction between sex and gender. The guests highlight that sex refers to biological characteristics, while gender encompasses the psychological, social, and cultural aspects of being male or female. They emphasize the interconnectedness between biology, gender identity, and gender expression. The conversation delves into the significance of understanding the body and its role in shaping gender identity. The guests discuss the challenges of navigating cultural stereotypes and the need to recognize the diversity of gender expressions and experiences. They underscore the importance of engaging in thoughtful and compassionate discussions surrounding gender identity and supporting individuals who may experience gender dysphoria or seek to express their gender differently than societal expectations.
Theological Anthropology and Artificial Intelligence
The podcast episode also touches upon how theological anthropology informs our understanding of artificial intelligence (AI). The guests note that defining what makes humans unique is crucial in considering the implications of AI for human existence and flourishing. They emphasize that focusing solely on human reasoning as the defining human characteristic may not be the most accurate perspective. Instead, they suggest a broader understanding of human uniqueness as imago Dei (the image of God). This broader view guards against seeing AI as a threat and recognizes the human involvement behind AI development. Additionally, the episode suggests exploring how AI impacts human flourishing and the ethical considerations surrounding its use. While the conversation does not dive deeply into this topic, it acknowledges the potential concerns related to how technology shapes our lives and the need to consider the impact of AI on human identity and well-being.
The complexity of body-brain relationships and personhood
The podcast delves into the intricate connection between the body and the brain, highlighting the complex nature of body-brain relationships and its relevance to personhood. The speaker emphasizes that the focus is not on the feasibility of brain transplants, but rather on revealing the complexity of these connections. They discuss how biblical commands to glorify God with our bodies prevent rejecting or dissociating from our physical selves, emphasizing the inseparable connection between the self and the body.
Gender, neuroscience, and the challenges of AI
Another key topic discussed in the podcast is the relationship between gender, neuroscience, and advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The speaker cites studies in neurology indicating that there are no distinct male and female brain parts, but rather variations in brain structure and behavior. They also acknowledge the impact of hormones on gendered behavior in the womb and explore how neuroplasticity, the brain's capacity to change, plays a role in gender identity. The conversation raises questions about the social construction of gender and the potential implications of AI in shaping human creativity, critical thinking, and identity formation.
Dr. John Hammett is the John L. Dagg Senior Professor of Systematic Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he has taught since 1995.
Dr. Katie McCoy serves as director of Women’s Ministry at Texas Baptists (Baptist General Convention of Texas). She holds a Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where she previously served on faculty. Katie and John are co-authors of the book Humanity (releases Sept. 1, 2023) with B&H Academic.
Dr. Marc Cortez is a professor of Theology at Wheaton college and an expert on the topic of theological anthropology, which is the topic that we discuss in this conversation. We begin by talking about what theological anthropology is, why it’s important, and then we interact with why theological anthropology is important for understanding philosophical and theological issues related to transgender identities and questions related to AI.