Black Transhuman Liberation Theology

Abstract

Edition description: This book proposes freedom through an unlikely source: science. Mediating Black religious studies and liberation theology, Philip Butler explores how Black Americans can utilize technology in conjunction with their spirituality in the fight towards materializing freedom. The discussions shaping what it means for humans to exist with technology and as part of technology are already underway – transhumanism suggests that any use of technology to augment intellectual, psychological or physical capability makes one transhuman. Black Transhuman Liberation Theology explores the role technology already plays in the lives of Black Americans, and considers the possibility for technology to be used as a liberative tool. Addressing some of the issues that have prevented Black Americans from participating in science, technology and even science fiction, the book engages how religion, medical abuse and the perception of the Black intellect in America have served as barriers. It takes a critical scientific approach to understanding the biological embodiment of Black spiritual practices, and projects how current and emerging technologies can be aligned with spiritually generative biological states to physically deconstruct oppressive societal structures.