Abstract

Transhumanists sometimes present their projects as fulfilling the fundamental desires for control and progress, desires they contend are natural and healthy. This view is problematized by René Girard’s mimetic theory of human desire and Jean-Michel Oughourlian’s theological account of the origin of desire. This perspective suggests that the desires shaping transhumanist projects arise socially through imitation. Furthermore, consuming desires for control and progress seem to be symptomatic of a mimetic rivalry with God. The church can combat this tendency by imitating Christ. This imitation shapes human desire in such a way as to put us in a right relationship with God. Decisions about technological advance must be made from this orientation.