Superhumans for Good or Not?

Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) are an emerging technology with great potential and dangers. These are electronic systems which may be implanted in the brain or worn on the head and allow people to control computers, robots, or other devices using brain signals. In clinical trials, BCIs have helped people with severe disabilities communicate and use robotic limbs. Anastasia Young of Reasons to Believe has written “BCI technology has been used to help people with severe brain injuries or neurodegenerative disorders, and I was amazed. It’s incredible to think about how these breakthroughs can restore what was lost. Alleviating suffering where possible feels right to most of us.”

The Six-Million Dollar Man. When I first read about this technology, my thoughts immediately went to the 1970’s TV show, “The Six-Million Dollar Man” starring Lee Majors. In the show, Majors plays Steve Austin, a US astronaut who is injured in a test flight. Steve Austin is rebuilt. At the time, it seemed to be science fiction, but is becoming reality. In the show, his right arm, both legs, and left eye are replaced with “bionic” implants that enhance his strength, speed and vision far above human norms: he can run at speeds of over 60 mph (97 km/h), and his eye has a 20:1 zoom lens and infrared capabilities, while his bionic limbs all have the equivalent power of a bulldozer (Wikipedia). He begins work as a secret agent for a government agency and uses his powers for good.

While the show was enjoyable, it, along with today’s BCI progress, brings about some serious concerns and issues. Current research foresees using BCI in the workplace, in national defense, and for consumer use. But there is a dark side to the use of BCI. Some see the ultimate possibility that the technology can be used to control people’s thoughts and actions. Given the human proclivity to excess, it is not beyond the realm of belief that this technology can, and will, be misused. Young asks the question “Is there a ‘too-far” point when it comes to using BCI?”

BCI and Christianity. Let’s take a look at BCI from a Christian viewpoint. Let me qualify this with a disclaimer. Obviously, there is nothing in the Bible that directly addresses this issue. So much of what follows is my (hopefully) informed opinion. I may be wrong. You may disagree with me. But let’s start this conversation.

First, God created everything including man and woman. He also endowed us with intelligence and the ability to think and create. In this context, create is used to describe human action. As an artist, man creates works of art, we build huge buildings, we develop technology. God’s creation means that he brought into existence things that were not previously there. I am reminded of the tale that a scientist approached God, saying that he had learned to create a human being from dirt, as God created Adam. God said “show me.” The scientist reached down for a scoop of dirt. At that point, God said “No, you must make your own dirt.”

Second, God spoke almost everything into existence. In the Genesis account of the creation, Genesis 1:1-3 reads (NIV) “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty… And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” From nothing, God spoke the earth and all it contains into existence.

Third, God created man and woman differently. Genesis 2:7 “Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living person.” And in Genesis 2:22 “And the Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man.” God did not speak us into existence, it was a “hands-on” creation. We are the pinnacle of His creation and we occupy a special place in that creation. We were given dominion over the earth.

Fourth, God has granted great abilities to mankind. There is no question that we are far superior to other species. With this special place in His creation, we are expected to be good stewards of what we have been given. Jesus had harsh words for those who fail to do His will. In Luke 12:46-47 (CEV) Jesus tells of a master who returns and finds his servant not attending to his duties. “That servant will then be punished and thrown out with the servants who cannot be trusted. If servants are not ready or willing to do what their master wants them to do, they will be beaten hard.”

God Gave Us Amazing Minds. I think this same principle applies to BCI. God has given us minds that are capable of accomplishing much good. Unfortunately, we are also capable of horrific misdeeds. BCI has great potential. We have a responsibility to utilize BCI for good. It is somewhat like dynamite. Used properly, it can be beneficial in mining, quarrying, construction, and demolition industries. But it also revolutionized war and made war much more destructive. Aldred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, was said to have instsituted the Nobel Peace Prize from his guilt at the destruction that his invention caused.

BCI can take away human autonomy. Visualize a corrupt dictator who controls an army of individuals who have been empowered by BCI. That person can control the actions of his superarmy. The individuals have become robotic slaves, carrying out the programmed instructions of their leader.

BCI has the potential to do great good, enabling people to recover functions of our bodies that have been lost to time or misfortune. At the same time, it has the potential to create superhumans. Imagine Steve Austin using his powers to maim or kill. Someone who can’t afford BCI is doomed. What if He used the power to destroy buildings, bring down aircraft. And what happens when Steve Austin meets Steve Austin? rain-computer interfaces have the potential to make life better for many. But it can also turn life into a living hell to those on which it is misused.

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All scripture unless otherwise indicated is from the New American Standard Bible.

Photo credit to tookapic, dorothe, and kadumago on Pixabay.