Biotechnology, AI, abortion, transgender ideology, and genetic engineering are all terms and ideas that Catholics should educate themselves about, and, when necessary, boldly and bravely speak up against. Catholic Teaching clearly forbids abortion, transgenderism, and IVF, but what about other areas related to science, technology, and the politics that regulate or control them? Thankfully, Grayson Quay’s new book, The Transhumanist Temptation, deeply discusses each of these topics, in addition to many more relevant transhuman practices in our society. His Catholic and philosophical and scriptural based perspective give clarity and truth to these harmful practices in our world.
First Impressions
When I first saw the title of this book, I was intrigued because I only had a vague idea of what “transhumanism” means. I wanted to learn more. As I started reading the book, I knew it was a book that I wanted to read and digest slowly in order to take in all of the information. It is an extremely well-researched and detailed book, and I enjoyed pondering all of Quay’s well-written explanations and ideas. I appreciated that all of his references were easily accessible as footnotes on each page. He expertly lays out all of the different ways that transhuman ideology has affected every sphere of society.
The Content
Wondering what exactly “transhumanism” is? The Introduction immediately defines what it is by defining what it is not. Quay also clearly explains why Catholics cannot in any way, shape, or form support transhumanism. Transhumanism goes against every aspect of what it means to be human, and, worse, transhumanism practices aim to alter or modify the human person in unnatural and harmful ways that do no line up with the Natural Law or humanity itself.
The book is broken up into 5 parts: Bodies, Reality, Politics, Work, and God. Each part is then broken up into 3-4 chapters that each dive deeply into how transhumanism is rapidly seeping into each of these parts of our lives. The most interesting section to me was the “Politics” part that discusses “Liberalism and Transhumanism,” “Postiliberalism,” “Transhumanism and American Politics,” and “Right-Wing Transhumanisms.” Quay calls out both American political parties and how they are each contributing to the harming of our society via transhuman ideology and practices.
Final Thoughts and Who May Enjoy This Book
The Transhumanist Temptation was a deeply thought-provoking and eye opening book. It presents the case against abortion, IVF, transgenderism, AI “girlfriends,” assisted suicide, and more using philosophical arguments and scriptural evidence – specifically illustrating how these practices are transhuman and harmful to society. We cannot lose our humanity by trying to “improve” ourselves through unnatural or destructive means.
A society where Christ is not the priority is a dark place, and this book exposes every bit of darkness and destruction that we are capable of. I will warn you, that if focusing on this type of topic tends to freak you out, then I would approach this book with caution. If you want a detailed explanation of transhumanism from a Catholic perspective, then I would definitely recommend this well-researched book which includes hundreds of references to continue to learn more about the topic.
The book does give practical ways that we can fight against transhumanism, and Quay emphasizes that it will not be easy. The main thing I took away from this book is to continue to receive the Sacraments frequently and faithfully and to not waiver in my commitment and devotion to the Way, the Truth, and the Life – Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Maybe we could also say a Rosary and St. Michael prayer for humanity – our most powerful weapons.
Find The Transhumanist Temptation by Grayson Quay at Sophia Institute Press.
Looking for more books to read this summer? Be sure to check out our 16 Christian Books to Read this Summer here!