Launch Church of Transhumanism
Donation protected
Transhumanists, Biohackers, Humans - Welcome.
We believe it is our basic human right to be able to upgrade ourselves, and to develop and leverage the fundamental technologies that enable the next phase of evolution. We believe the future of the human race will not only allow us to opt out of nature’s selective processes and choose our own evolutionary paths, but that our very survival as a species depends on it. These beliefs are the cornerstone of Transhumanism.
So far, transhumanists and biohackers have had the relative luxury of working in the fringe, staying out of the spotlight... but the rise of Transhumanism is upon us. Transhuman projects and ideology are becoming talking points in news media, television programs, and documentaries. General awareness of Transhumanism is growing. Unfortunately, with that exposure, we find our beliefs and our work under threat. Forces are actively attempting to oppress and squelch our human rights and ideological beliefs. Security through obscurity is no longer an option for us or the work we do.
Biohacking & Transhumanism is under threat
Just one example of this can be found here, but there are many others. Of particular concern is a law entitled “Prohibiting Mandatory Implantation of RFID Microchips” which sounds all well and good, but within the text (which has now been enacted in several US states) there are also provisions that make it illegal to even allow employees who want to get an implant to do so. Blocking employers from requiring their employees to get implants is one thing, but blocking employees who want to get a chip from doing so is a direct threat to our right and freedom to augment ourselves.
Technology development and research is core to our fundamental beliefs, yet lawmakers are actively working to destroy both the right to develop and the ability to disseminate any transhumanist technological innovation. There are many examples, and the latest attack comes from Germany.
Why start a Church? ... a strange opportunity
Some transhumanists dislike the idea of conflating Transhumanism with religion or representing Transhumanism as a religious ideology. They feel the idea of “religion” will sully the ideal, value, and execution of the scientific method, which is the key driving methodology of Transhumanism. Let us shake off the stigma of "religion" and evaluate the idea from a logical perspective.
religion /rəˈlijən/
- a particular system of faith and worship.
- a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance.
The standard definition of religion, as stated above, continues to hold credence in the context of Transhumanism. Our “particular system of faith and worship” is the “system” called the scientific method. We have “faith” in the capability of human endeavor. We “worship” by actively supporting and participating in bringing a Transhumanist existence to fruition. The pursuit of Transhuman ideals and goals are something we “ascribe supreme importance” to. Truth is deduced through scientific method, but beliefs and opinions are still human constructs, and Transhumanism considered as a set of beliefs and ideals fits nicely into the schema of religious tenet and canon.
The current political climate in the US has, sadly, created a strange opportunity. The current US president has committed to removing constraints that bar religious organizations from participating in and influencing politics. Several states have already enacted their own version of the 1993 federal “Religious Freedom Act”.
We are arguing that it’s time to acknowledge the organizational, political, financial, and ideological advantages of creating the Church of Transhumanism as a legitimate, domestic US (but soon to be international), 501(c)3 registered religious organization. We must organize and take advantage of the rapidly increasing power religious organizations have around the world, especially here in the USA.
What will the funds be used for?
The filing fees required to create a corporation and proceed through the 501(c)3 registration process are only a couple thousand dollars. However, navigating the legal and administrative pitfalls of not only registering, but judiciously constructing and operating your religious organization require the services of experienced legal council. An example of an improperly formed religious organization could mean fines and jail time for the Church to financially support a biohacker project or Transhumanist community outreach event. Ensuring the Church of Transhumanism is legally positioned to be able to actively engage and support Transhuman endeavor, whether it be domestic or international.
The Church of Transhumanism will focus on:
- Furthering transhumanist goals
- Supporting and celebrating rational thought
- Creating and/or funding public service projects that highlight transhuman projects and Transhumanism
- Supporting community outreach and missionary work
- Proselytizing membership and clergy
- Evangelizing the concepts and ideals of Transhumanism to the world
- Supporting our membership and their projects around the world
Please donate today to help launch the Church of Transhumanism and create a credible vehicle and invaluable tool for supporting Transhumanist goals and bringing Transhumanism to the forefront of ethical and political action.
At this time, the organization is not yet formed, so your donation to help launch the Church of Transhumanism will not be tax deductible. However, donors who give $100USD or more will have their names added to the Eternal Circle of Founders. Donors who give $1000USD or more will have their likeness and an inspirational quote be forever enshrined as an Ascension Elder of the Church.
*All funds donated will be used to further the launch of the Church, regardless of whether or not we achieve our stated goal.
We believe it is our basic human right to be able to upgrade ourselves, and to develop and leverage the fundamental technologies that enable the next phase of evolution. We believe the future of the human race will not only allow us to opt out of nature’s selective processes and choose our own evolutionary paths, but that our very survival as a species depends on it. These beliefs are the cornerstone of Transhumanism.
So far, transhumanists and biohackers have had the relative luxury of working in the fringe, staying out of the spotlight... but the rise of Transhumanism is upon us. Transhuman projects and ideology are becoming talking points in news media, television programs, and documentaries. General awareness of Transhumanism is growing. Unfortunately, with that exposure, we find our beliefs and our work under threat. Forces are actively attempting to oppress and squelch our human rights and ideological beliefs. Security through obscurity is no longer an option for us or the work we do.
Biohacking & Transhumanism is under threat
Just one example of this can be found here, but there are many others. Of particular concern is a law entitled “Prohibiting Mandatory Implantation of RFID Microchips” which sounds all well and good, but within the text (which has now been enacted in several US states) there are also provisions that make it illegal to even allow employees who want to get an implant to do so. Blocking employers from requiring their employees to get implants is one thing, but blocking employees who want to get a chip from doing so is a direct threat to our right and freedom to augment ourselves.
Technology development and research is core to our fundamental beliefs, yet lawmakers are actively working to destroy both the right to develop and the ability to disseminate any transhumanist technological innovation. There are many examples, and the latest attack comes from Germany.
Why start a Church? ... a strange opportunity
Some transhumanists dislike the idea of conflating Transhumanism with religion or representing Transhumanism as a religious ideology. They feel the idea of “religion” will sully the ideal, value, and execution of the scientific method, which is the key driving methodology of Transhumanism. Let us shake off the stigma of "religion" and evaluate the idea from a logical perspective.
religion /rəˈlijən/
- a particular system of faith and worship.
- a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance.
The standard definition of religion, as stated above, continues to hold credence in the context of Transhumanism. Our “particular system of faith and worship” is the “system” called the scientific method. We have “faith” in the capability of human endeavor. We “worship” by actively supporting and participating in bringing a Transhumanist existence to fruition. The pursuit of Transhuman ideals and goals are something we “ascribe supreme importance” to. Truth is deduced through scientific method, but beliefs and opinions are still human constructs, and Transhumanism considered as a set of beliefs and ideals fits nicely into the schema of religious tenet and canon.
The current political climate in the US has, sadly, created a strange opportunity. The current US president has committed to removing constraints that bar religious organizations from participating in and influencing politics. Several states have already enacted their own version of the 1993 federal “Religious Freedom Act”.
We are arguing that it’s time to acknowledge the organizational, political, financial, and ideological advantages of creating the Church of Transhumanism as a legitimate, domestic US (but soon to be international), 501(c)3 registered religious organization. We must organize and take advantage of the rapidly increasing power religious organizations have around the world, especially here in the USA.
What will the funds be used for?
The filing fees required to create a corporation and proceed through the 501(c)3 registration process are only a couple thousand dollars. However, navigating the legal and administrative pitfalls of not only registering, but judiciously constructing and operating your religious organization require the services of experienced legal council. An example of an improperly formed religious organization could mean fines and jail time for the Church to financially support a biohacker project or Transhumanist community outreach event. Ensuring the Church of Transhumanism is legally positioned to be able to actively engage and support Transhuman endeavor, whether it be domestic or international.
The Church of Transhumanism will focus on:
- Furthering transhumanist goals
- Supporting and celebrating rational thought
- Creating and/or funding public service projects that highlight transhuman projects and Transhumanism
- Supporting community outreach and missionary work
- Proselytizing membership and clergy
- Evangelizing the concepts and ideals of Transhumanism to the world
- Supporting our membership and their projects around the world
Please donate today to help launch the Church of Transhumanism and create a credible vehicle and invaluable tool for supporting Transhumanist goals and bringing Transhumanism to the forefront of ethical and political action.
At this time, the organization is not yet formed, so your donation to help launch the Church of Transhumanism will not be tax deductible. However, donors who give $100USD or more will have their names added to the Eternal Circle of Founders. Donors who give $1000USD or more will have their likeness and an inspirational quote be forever enshrined as an Ascension Elder of the Church.
*All funds donated will be used to further the launch of the Church, regardless of whether or not we achieve our stated goal.
Organizer
Amal DT Graafstra
Organizer
Bellingham, WA