[extropy-chat] Pro-cloning talking point

[The Avantguardian]

--- Adrian Tymes <wingcat at pacbell.net> wrote:

> I made the
> following argument in defense of cloning research,
> in
> retaliation to religious "we should not play God"
> comments.

You make some good points. I have of late been
pursuing a similar strategy of using theological
arguments in favor of therapeutic cloning and other
life extension technologies. This is I believe, the
best strategy to defeat the Luddites. Essentially one
has to defend these technologies by staying within
their own religious paradigms. Otherwise, mere logic
will be lost on them, because they won't believe your
premises. I have researched and compiled quite a lot
of references from the bible, the koran, and other
religious sources that supports transhumanist views on
these technologies. When I am done, I will write a
comprehensive essay on them and submit them to the ExI
list. I believe that in order win over public opinion
and support for our endeavors, we must try to embrace
and assimilate spirituality and religion instead of
trying to antagonize it as many on this list have done
in the past. It doesn't really matter if you actually
believe it, so long as you are willing to exploit it.
In this vein, I have been working toward a concept of
"spiritual transhumanism" which lays the framework for
achieving our goals without pissing off God and his
faithful. Hell, if as an extropian, I am going to be
accused of being a cultist anyways, I might as well
try to start a cult.
  

=====
The Avantguardian 


"He stands like some sort of pagan god or deposed tyrant. Staring out over the city he's sworn to . . .to stare out over and it's evident just by looking at him that he's got some pretty heavy things on his mind."


		
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