Transhumanism and Posthumanism in the Religious Studies Context

Introduction. The object of the research is the problems of transhumanism (TG) and posthumanism (PG) in the thematic space of religious studies. The subject of the study is the relationship of religion/religions to the ideas and scenarios of the future proposed by TG and PG. Transhumanism and posthumanism pave two paths to the future: radical prolongation of life in the body or disembodied cybernetic immortality. Both are attempts to create a future without death. Content. The article examines religious assessments of trans- and posthumanism, as well as the inclusion of different religions in the transhumanistic problems of human perfection/betterment. The most significant aspect of the problem is to compare the ultimate goals of religions and the ways to achieve them with what is proposed by TG and PG. The problem of supposed immortality is discussed, with the existential significance that knowledge of the inevitability of death had for a person: only a person is able not only to know about his finiteness, but also to be guided by this knowledge, determining the meaning/meanings of his existence. Conclusion. The key difference between religions and trans- posthumanist projects lies in the different understanding of goals - technology-provided endless longevity vs posthumous bliss, achieved in whole or in part (with God's help) by the personal efforts of the believer. Theoretically, it can be assumed that to the extent that religions are able to adapt to changing conditions, they will either accept changes by default or will change the basic doctrinal formulations, interpreting their substantial part in accordance with the present reality.