H+ & Religion session at American Academy of Religion

The American Academy of Religion has created a “Transhumanism and Religion,” unit. 

Here is the call for papers for the November 1-3 meeting in Chicago:

Transhumanism and Religion Consultation: Call for Papers

The Transhumanism and Religion consultation welcomes papers on any aspect of transhumanism and religion.  We particularly welcome papers that identify and critically evaluate the implicit religious beliefs underlying key transhumanist claims and assumptions.  For example, what are the operative notions of anthropology, soteriology, and eschatology that are at play in the transhumanist quest for enhancement, including extreme longevity?  Also, rather than depending on biotechnology, some transhumanists place greater confidence in nanotechnology, robotics, and information technology to achieve virtual immortality and create a superior posthuman species.  We welcome critical and constructive assessments of this envisioned future.

Send to:

Calvin Mercer, Ph.D.
Co-Director, Religious Studies Program
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC 27858 USA
fax:  252 328 6301
Mercerc @ ecu.edu
http://www.ecu.edu/religionprogram

AAR Transhumanism and Religion Steering Committee

Calvin Mercer, East Carolina University (chair)
Ronald Cole-Turner, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Sherry Fohr, Converse College
Tracie Gardner, California State University, Northridge
Heup Young Kim, Kangnam University
Brent Waters, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary