Theological comprehension of modern biomedical technologies

Abstract

This article is an attempt at theological comprehension of modern biomedical technologies. The currently observed active digitalization and the introduction of modern technologies in medicine are inherently focused on its improvement and are intended to significantly develop the doctor’s capabilities in diagnosing and treating diseases. However, technical solutions implemented in medicine are often based on the same technologies that the ideology of cyborgization and transhumanism is guided by in its development: big data, artificial intelligence, robotics. These technologies, which today are aimed at good purposes, at some point can become a tool in the “improvement” of human nature and the realization of technological or “digital” immortality. With the rapid development of the secularized world and the ever-increasing confidence in human capabilities, this line between the transition from good to evil is becoming thinner and thinner. The only thing that can, in the author’s opinion, help prevent this technological apocalypse is man’s awareness of his true destiny, which is to achieve the likeness of God. Without a correct understanding of human nature, based on Orthodox anthropology, the correct development of modern biomedical technologies is impossible. In this article, as an example, the distorted view of the human body that takes place in transhumanism is contrasted with the patristic teaching of the Orthodox Church. It is the Orthodox Church today, more than ever, that should be the channel that is capable of correctly directing the development of human thought for the benefit of humanity.