More whackery from the X-Files branch of the Xian Right

One of the more fanciful interpretive frames that religious bioconservatives have applied to enhancement technologies is that they are a fulfillment of ancient prophecies about the emergence of superpowered demons in the EndTimes. Apparently in the Hebrew apocrypha there are references to nephilim, the products of mating between angels and humans. According to Christian apocalyptic news-service manager and conspiracy monger Tom Horn, everything from human genetic engineering and human-animal chimera research to nano-neural interface and DARPA supersoldier projects are signs of the imminent re-emergence of the evil nephilim.

The Book of Jasher, mentioned in the Bible in Joshua 10:13 and 2 Samuel 1:18, says, “After the fallen angels went into the daughters of men, the sons of men taught the mixture of animals of one species with the other, in order to provoke the Lord"(4:18).

This clear reference to the Genesis 6 record illustrates that “animals” were included in whatever cross-species experiments were being conducted, and that this activity resulted in judgment from God. The Book of Enoch also supports this record, saying that after the fallen angels merged their DNA with women, they “began to sin against birds, and beasts, and reptiles, and fish” (7:5,6).

The Old Testament contains associated reference to genetic mutations, which developed among humans following this activity, including unusual size, physical strength, six fingers, six toes, animal appetite for blood and even lion-like features among men (2 Sam 21:20; 23:20).

Of course, one of the key problems for a Manichean interpretation of enhancement capacities like Horn’s is whether enhancements couldn’t also be used by good people for good ends. After all, you need superheroes to fight supervillains. At least if you are going to interpret the world through fantasy fiction.

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