Transhumanism,Cryonics and Resurrection

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Transhumanism,Cryonics and Resurrection TRANSHUMANISM,CRYONICS AND RESURRECTION 1.Introduc:on Transhumanism is a class of philosophies of life that seek the con3nua3on and accelera3on of the evolu3on of intelligent life beyond its currently human form and human limita3ons by means of science and technology, guided by life-promo3ng principles and values.‘ It includes ar3ficial intelligence, nanotechnology, nanomedicine, biotechnology, gene3c engineering, stem cell cloning, and transgenesis [1]. These technologies aim to overcome the limita3ons of the human condi3on- disease, aging and death. The main foci are on significantly enhancing mental and physical func3oning, expanding beyond the confines of the physical body and overcoming death itself. These technological developments will ensure that we live longer, healthier, and happier lives through removing biological imperfec3ons and the social ills caused by them. In this ar3cle we will concentrate the important area pertaining to Chris3anity and Transhumanism is resurrec3on. super intelligence, intelligence that greatly surpasses general human intelligence (Bostrom 2014, p. 50). If uploading is an op3on when the person is restored and possibly superintelligence (Mercer 2017). Recently Elon Musk said superintelligence can achieve by Neuralink. Neuralink, the brain- computer interface and neuroprosthe3cs company started by Elon Musk and others in 2016 is developing ultra high bandwidth brain-machine interfaces to connect humans and computers. Elon Musk is also the CEO of the company. The neurotechnology company headquartered in San Francisco, California is expected to develop implantable brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Neuralink aims to make devices that ini3ally would treat serious brain disease and brain damage that was caused by a stroke in the short-term. In the long-term, the company's goal is to develop the technology for human enhancement. Part of Elon Musk's inpira3on for the crea3on of Neuralink is a science-fic3on concept called Neural Lace 2. Neural Lace Neural Lace is a brain-computer interface technology that could allow human brains to compete with Ar3ficial Intelligence (AI). Currently, Elon Musk is funding research toward the development of Neural Lace technology, this is the emerging technology that could link human brains with computers without the need of a physical connec3on. This would be possible by implan3ng 3ny electrodes into the brain. The result would be the enhancement of memory and cogni3ve powers by effec3vely merging humans and Ar3ficial Intelligence. According to Elon Musk, brain-to-machine (B2M) interfaces are an important part of humanity’s future. It is well known that Elon Musk and others are concerned about the impact of Ar3ficial Intelligence on the world and the future of humanity as we know it. By finding a way to increase humans' intelligence to equal that of the Ar3ficial Intelligence programs of the future, or superintelligences .In brief, Neural Lace is an ultra-thin mesh that is implanted in the skull and forms a body of electrodes which are able to monitor a human brain func3on. As an immediate applica3on, Neural Lace could poten3ally help pa3ents suffering from brain injuries and certain illnesses. However, the ul3mate goal and mission of Neuralink are to successfully merge the human brain with machine, fusing human intelligence with Ar3ficial Intelligence. As a result, this is expected to bring humanity up to a higher level of cogni3ve reasoning. As dis3nguished from resuscita3on of a dead body to normal life, the believer’s resurrec3on, modeled a^er Jesus’ resurrec3on, is transforma3ve, resul3ng in a changed body that is qualita3vely different from the body before the resurrec3on. New possibili3es abound. In his newly transformed body, Jesus appeared and disappeared before witnesses (Luke 24:13–43), moved through doors (John 20:26), and made himself invisible (Acts 9:1–9). Paul appreciated the existence of different kinds of bodies. The resurrected body is imperishable,glorious, and powerful, as compared to the “flesh and blood” perishable, dishonoring, and weak body (1 Corinthians 15:42–43). Although he was radically transformed, the personal iden3ty of Jesus con3nued in the resurrected Lord. Disciples who knew him before his death recognized him and interacted with him in conversa3on following the resurrec3on.Paul affirms that Jesus resurrected was the same person with the same body, albeit transformed.In other accounts, the disciples were “startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit”(Luke 24:37, NRSV). Jesus responded: “See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have” (Luke 24:39, NRSV). Doub3ng Thomas said he would not believe, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side . ” (John 20:25, NRSV). Jesus appeared and told Thomas: “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side”(John 20:27, NRSV). 3.Cryonics and Resurrec:on Chris3an resurrec3on of the dead entails at least three aspects: embodiment,transforma3on, and con3nuity of personal iden3ty. Cryonics, if it is ever successful, is likely to also entail these three aspects. 1.Embodiment, 2.Transforma3on, 3.Con3nuity of Personal Iden3ty With regard to embodiment, in their facility in Sconsdale, Arizona, Alcor keeps the preserved pa3ents in a controlled environment and awai3ng developments in future medicine that can restore them. Preserving the memory and personality informa3on in the brain with the highest possible fidelity is linked to an expecta3on that developments in biomedical technology will enable medicine of the future to regrow a body. Currently, the legal and social understanding is that cryonics pa3ents are dead. So if restora3on is ever accomplished, it will be viewed as bringing back to life someone who was dead, which allows for interpre3ng that restora3on as resurrec3on. 4.Conclusion In conclusion, there are understandable differences of opinion about the compa3bility of Chris3an theology and radical human enhancement programs. Cryonics and resurrec3on might agree on the following, ar3culated by the apostle Paul:When the perishable puts on the imperishability, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is wrinen: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death,where is thy victory? O death, where is thy s3ng?” (1 Corinthians 15:54–55, NRSV). 5.ReFerences hnps://transhumanist-party.org/2019/03/24/resurrec3ng-100-billion/ hnps://www.focusonthefamily.ca/content/transhumanism-chasing-eternal-life-without-god hnps://www.discovermagazine.com/mind/when-will-we-be-transhuman-seven-condi3ons-for-anaining- transhumanism hnps://www.technologyreview.com/2017/03/16/153211/the-entrepreneur-with-the-100-million-plan- to-link-brains-to-computers/ hnps://interes3ngengineering.com/the-transhuman-revolu3on-what-is-it-and-how-we-can-prepare-for- its-arrival hnps://interes3ngengineering.com/neuralink-how-the-human-brain-will-download-directly-from-a- computer hnps://wha3stranshumanism.org/ hnps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uIzS1uCOcE&feature=youtu.be hnps://bigthink.com/mind-brain/resurrec3on-science?rebell3tem=3#rebell3tem3 . .
Recommended publications
  • Medical-Legal Aspects of Cryonics: Prospects for Immortality Ethical - Legal and Social Challenges to a Brave New World Genetics - Ethics and the Law
    Journal of Contemporary Health Law & Policy (1985-2015) Volume 2 Issue 1 Article 13 1986 Medical-Legal Aspects of Cryonics: Prospects for Immortality Ethical - Legal and Social Challenges to a Brave New World Genetics - Ethics and the Law Harold A. Buetow Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarship.law.edu/jchlp Recommended Citation Harold A. Buetow, Medical-Legal Aspects of Cryonics: Prospects for Immortality Ethical - Legal and Social Challenges to a Brave New World Genetics - Ethics and the Law, 2 J. Contemp. Health L. & Pol'y 173 (1986). Available at: https://scholarship.law.edu/jchlp/vol2/iss1/13 This Book Review is brought to you for free and open access by CUA Law Scholarship Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of Contemporary Health Law & Policy (1985-2015) by an authorized editor of CUA Law Scholarship Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. BOOK REVIEWS MEDICAL-LEGAL ASPECTS OF CRYONICS: PROSPECTS FOR IMMORTALITY. New York City: Associated Faculty Press 1983. Pp. 81. $12.00. ETHICAL, LEGAL AND SOCIAL CHALLENGES TO A BRAVE NEW WORLD. New York City: Associated Faculty Press 2 Vols. 1982. 1 Vol. Pp. 286, $32.00. 2 Vol. Pp. 264, $28.50. GENETICS, ETHICS AND THE LAW. By George P. Smith, II. New York City: Associated Faculty Press, 1981. Pp. 241. $28.50, cloth; $18.50, paper. Reviewed by Harold A. Buetow, M.A., Ph.D., J.D. In 1968, the University of Michigan Law Review published an article enti- tled, "Through A Test Tube Darkly: Artificial Insemination and The Law."' Its author was George P.
    [Show full text]
  • Immortality of the Soul (Plat Ōn) and Bodily Resurrection (Paul) — Any Rapprochement?
    IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL (PLAT ŌN) AND BODILY RESURRECTION (PAUL) — ANY RAPPROCHEMENT? ChrYs C. Caragounis [email protected] ABSTRACT It is a usual assumption among NeW Testament scholars that in his discussion of the resurrec - tion of the dead, Paul holds to the JeWish VieW of the resurrection of the bodY, not to the Hellenic (Platonic) VieW of the immortalitY of the soul. As this question impinges on the question of anthropologY, it is further stated that according to the Hellenic VieW man has a bodY — Which, moreoVer is conceiVed as a tomb of the soul (Orphics) — Whereas accor - ding to the JeWish VieW man is a bodY. A careful inVestigation of the Hellenic and OT-JeWish eVidence shoWs that it is a metho - dological miss to confuse VieWs in Hom ēros and the Orphics With later VieWs in Sokrates and Plat ōn. MoreoVer there neVer Was a “JeWish VieW” of the resurrection. There Were fiVe/siX VieWs. The resurrection of the bodY Was a minoritY VieW. The Pauline teXts shoW that Paul speaks of the resurrection of the dead but neVer of the resurrection of the bodY as Well as that man has a bodY. It is thus intriguing to compare Paul’s VieW of resurrection With Plat ōn’s VieW of the immortalitY of the soul and see hoW far apart theY are from one another. KEY WORDS : First Corinthians, Resurrection (of the bodY), ImmortalitY of the soul. 3 2 1 5 - 1. INTRODUCTION 3 2 . P P , Ernest Best prefaces his discussion of 1 Th 5:23 in his commentarY With 6 1 0 the remark that “To the Greek for Whom the bodY Was the tomb or prison of the 2 ; 1 7 immortal soul its ultimate fate Was unimportant” .
    [Show full text]
  • The Extinction and De-Extinction of Species
    Linfield University DigitalCommons@Linfield Faculty Publications Faculty Scholarship & Creative Works 2017 The Extinction and De-Extinction of Species Helena Siipi University of Turku Leonard Finkelman Linfield College Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/philfac_pubs Part of the Biology Commons, and the Philosophy of Science Commons DigitalCommons@Linfield Citation Siipi, Helena and Finkelman, Leonard, "The Extinction and De-Extinction of Species" (2017). Faculty Publications. Accepted Version. Submission 3. https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/philfac_pubs/3 This Accepted Version is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It is brought to you for free via open access, courtesy of DigitalCommons@Linfield, with permission from the rights-holder(s). Your use of this Accepted Version must comply with the Terms of Use for material posted in DigitalCommons@Linfield, or with other stated terms (such as a Creative Commons license) indicated in the record and/or on the work itself. For more information, or if you have questions about permitted uses, please contact [email protected]. The extinction and de-extinction of species I. Introduction WhendeathcameforCelia,ittooktheformoftree.Heedlessofthedangerposed bybranchesoverladenwithsnow,CeliawanderedthroughthelandscapeofSpain’s OrdesanationalparkinJanuary2000.branchfellonherskullandcrushedit.So deathcameandtookher,leavingbodytobefoundbyparkrangersandlegacyto bemournedbyconservationistsaroundtheworld. Theconservationistsmournednotonlythedeathoftheorganism,butalsoan
    [Show full text]
  • Remember Your Death : Memento Mori Lenten Devotional / by Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP
    Front 5.25" 0.609" 5.25" “Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.” —Ps 90:12 Journey through Lent to Easter Sunday with this memento mori-inspired devotional. Discover the ancient tradition of remembering death daily, encouraged by Scripture and countless saints. Experience Christ’s victory over sin and death as you meditate on the priceless treasure of each moment and the gift of heaven. 8" Each day includes ~ Scripture passage ~ Lenten meditation ~ Memento mori examen ~ Intercessory prayer ~ Prompts for journaling and prayer Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP, has a skull on her desk as a reminder of her inevitable death. Meditating on her death daily has changed her life. You can find her tweets about memento Lenten Devotional s n o m mori @pursuedbytruth. Si Jill Photo by $16.95 U.S. ISBN 0-8198-6517-6 NOBLE THERESA ALETHEIA NOBLE, FSP Green grid lines will not print. Grid lines can be toggled off in Acrobat using View>Show Hide>Navigation Panes>Layers Lenten Devotional By Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Names: Noble, Theresa, author. Title: Remember your death : Memento mori Lenten devotional / by Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP. Description: Boston, MA : Pauline Books & Media, 2019. Identifiers: LCCN 2018036691| ISBN 9780819865175 (pbk.) | ISBN 0819865176 (pbk.) Subjects: LCSH: Death--Religious aspects--Catholic Church--Prayers and de- votions. | Lent--Prayers and devotions. | Memento mori--Miscellanea. Classification: LCC BT825 .N63 2019 | DDC 236/.1--dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018036691 Many manufacturers and sellers distinguish their products through the use of trademarks.
    [Show full text]
  • “Is Cryonics an Ethical Means of Life Extension?” Rebekah Cron University of Exeter 2014
    1 “Is Cryonics an Ethical Means of Life Extension?” Rebekah Cron University of Exeter 2014 2 “We all know we must die. But that, say the immortalists, is no longer true… Science has progressed so far that we are morally bound to seek solutions, just as we would be morally bound to prevent a real tsunami if we knew how” - Bryan Appleyard 1 “The moral argument for cryonics is that it's wrong to discontinue care of an unconscious person when they can still be rescued. This is why people who fall unconscious are taken to hospital by ambulance, why they will be maintained for weeks in intensive care if necessary, and why they will still be cared for even if they don't fully awaken after that. It is a moral imperative to care for unconscious people as long as there remains reasonable hope for recovery.” - ALCOR 2 “How many cryonicists does it take to screw in a light bulb? …None – they just sit in the dark and wait for the technology to improve” 3 - Sterling Blake 1 Appleyard 2008. Page 22-23 2 Alcor.org: ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ 2014 3 Blake 1996. Page 72 3 Introduction Biologists have known for some time that certain organisms can survive for sustained time periods in what is essentially a death"like state. The North American Wood Frog, for example, shuts down its entire body system in winter; its heart stops beating and its whole body is frozen, until summer returns; at which point it thaws and ‘comes back to life’ 4.
    [Show full text]
  • Dale Allison's Resurrection Skepticism
    Scholars Crossing LBTS Faculty Publications and Presentations Winter 2008 Dale Allison’s Resurrection Skepticism: A Critique Gary R. Habermas Liberty University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/lts_fac_pubs Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Comparative Methodologies and Theories Commons, Ethics in Religion Commons, History of Religions of Eastern Origins Commons, History of Religions of Western Origin Commons, Other Religion Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Habermas, Gary R., "Dale Allison’s Resurrection Skepticism: A Critique" (2008). LBTS Faculty Publications and Presentations. 342. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/lts_fac_pubs/342 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by Scholars Crossing. It has been accepted for inclusion in LBTS Faculty Publications and Presentations by an authorized administrator of Scholars Crossing. For more information, please contact [email protected]. PHILO SOPHIA CHRISTI VOL. 10, No.2 ©2008 Dale Allison f s Resurrection Skepticism A Critique GARY R. HABERMAS Department of Philosophy and Tlzeology Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia Part 6 of Dale Allison's volume, Resurrecting Jesus: The Earliest Chris­ tian Tradition and its Intelpreters,l is a rare, balanced mixture of mature skepticism with a healthy respect for the relevant historical and theological data. Perhaps not since Peter Carnley's The Structure a/Resurrection Belief has there been another work on the resutTection that weaves together these contrasting elements. 2 Yet, not only do these two texts present very different perspectives, but Allison's exhibits a far greater command of the gennane historical issues, both skeptical alternative responses as well as what can be concluded from the relevant New Testament texts.
    [Show full text]
  • SPECIAL SESSION the Resurrection Is Central to the Faith
    SPECIAL SESSION The Resurrection is Central to the Faith SESSION SUMMARY Jesus’ resurrection points both backward and forward His followers. It points back to what Jesus has done in history through His life, death, and resurrection and God saving us and raising us spiritually. At the same time, Jesus’ resurrection points forward to the day when Christ will return and we will experience ultimate victory over sin and the final completion of our faith in Him. SCRIPTURE 1 Corinthians 15:1-28 46 Leader Guide / Special Session THE POINT Christianity stands or falls with the resurrection of Jesus. INTRO/STARTER 5-10 MINUTES Option 1 Over time, it has become popular in our culture to question even the possibility of miracles; however, of all the miracles that cause problems for those who reject the idea of them, Jesus’ resurrection is the most controversial, debated, and denied. Maybe some people find it easier to believe the parting of the Red Sea, manna appearing from heaven, or an endless supply of flour and oil than to believe in Jesus’ resurrection. Why is this one miracle so much more divisive than all the rest? Maybe because it is the one miracle that demands a personal decision about who Jesus is. The resurrection is essential to the gospel message because it displays God’s defense of the life and work of Jesus Christ. If you believe in the resurrection, then you are forced to believe Jesus is the Son of God. If you deny the resurrection, you continue in your rejection of Jesus. For this reason, the resurrection is one of the most important events in human history.
    [Show full text]
  • N E W S L E T T
    PUBLISHED BY THE CRYONICS INSTITUTE ISSUE 03 | 2020 Cryonics insights and information for members and friends of the Cryonics Institute NEWSLETTER cryonics.org • [email protected] • 1 (866) 288-2796 CI BULLETIN I am proud to be a part of this history, and happy to report the Cryonics Institute continues to expand. Most notably, we are completing the improvements on our second facility. We are currently reviewing and finalizing plans to retrofit the facility with a bulk LN2 tank and insulated supply lines for the cryostats that will be used to store patients once the existing facility reaches capacity. On the financial front, the CI Board of Directors continues to monitor investments and operations to ensure the long term solvency of our organization. Despite challenges related to the covid epidemic, operations and patient care remain out- standing and have not slipped in the least. However, there are still some poor outcome situations that result directly from patient next of kin who are hostile to cryonics. Hello Everyone, In numerous issues of this magazine as well as in articles on our web site and our other social media venues we continue I hope you are all doing well during these trying times. With to stress the critical importance of identifying, planning and Covid, world politics, and a spattering of civil unrest it can be preparing for circumstances and situations that could cause a little depressing, but cryonicists are indeed a rare breed. a person to not be suspended. Historically, the two biggest We are known for thinking outside the box and rising above factors have been when family or friends actively block a any negative consensus.
    [Show full text]
  • N E W S L E T T
    PUBLISHED BY THE CRYONICS INSTITUTE ISSUE 02 | 2021 Cryonics insights and information for members and friends of the Cryonics Institute NEWSLETTER cryonics.org • [email protected] • 1 (866) 288-2796 CI BULLETIN online Zoom meeting option for those who can’t attend in person or are hesitant to travel due to covid concerns. The meeting is open to the public, so it is also a great opportunity for prospective members to meet fellow cryonicists and learn more about the Cryonics Institute. If you subscribe to our magazine but are not a member, let me personally invite you to attend this year’s meeting either in person or online to get to know CI, our Team and our Members. The year’s AGM will be held Sunday, September12th. There will be tours of the CI main facility as well as “CI West,” our new additional facility location prior to the main meeting. Full details can be found on page 8, as well as on cryonics.org. Hello all, Facility Expansion Structural renovations have been completed on the new facil- It’s that time of year again! We’re coming up on Ci’s Annual ity, and late this year or early next year we will be installing the General Meeting & elections where members will be elect- bulk liquid nitrogen tank, LN2 delivery lines and begin adding ing four candidates for the Board of Directors. Currently we cryostats ready to start storing additional patients as needed. have four incumbents and three new challengers who have It is in our business model to be ready and able to expand as tossed their hats in the ring.
    [Show full text]
  • The Resurrection of Jesus in Mark E Bruce Brooks University of Massachusetts at Amherst SBL/NE (2006)
    81 The Resurrection of Jesus in Mark E Bruce Brooks University of Massachusetts at Amherst SBL/NE (2006) I have noted elsewhere1 that Mark includes material of different date. Some passages there considered proved to be part of larger strata. I here take up another set of passages which cohere in that way: those which predict or describe Jesus’ bodily resurrection after three days in the tomb. Surprisingly, there are only five of them: • Three recognized Passion Predictions, Mk 8:31!33, 9:31b–32, 10:32b–342 • A less often recognized fourth Passion Prediction, Mk 9:9b!13 • The Empty Tomb story, the whole ending of extant Mark, 15:40!16:8 There are signs that these are interpolated and thus late in Mark: that the story of the Resurrection – the Empty Tomb story – is a later theory and not a historical memory. At the end, I ask, Does Mark also preserve an earlier account of Jesus’ death? The Four Passion Predictions These can be removed without damage to context. So can many passages in Mark. More important, they interrupt or contradict their context. Here is a contradiction: Mk 8:27. And Jesus went forth, and his disciples, into the villages of Caesarea Philippi, and on the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Who do men say that I am? [28] And they told him, saying, John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but others, One of the prophets. [29] And he asked them, But who say ye that I am? Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.
    [Show full text]
  • The Prospect of Immortality
    Robert C. W. Ettinger__________The Prospect Of Immortality Contents Preface by Jean Rostand Preface by Gerald J. Gruman Foreword Chapter 1. Frozen Death, Frozen Sleep, and Some Consequences Suspended Life and Suspended Death Future and Present Options After a Moment of Sleep Problems and Side Effects Chapter II. The Effects of Freezing and Cooling Long-term Storage Successes in Freezing Animals and Tissues The Mechanism of Freezing Damage Frostbite The Action of Protective Agents The Persistence of Memory after Freezing The Extent of Freezing Damage Rapid Freezing and Perfusion Possibilities The Limits of Delay in Treatment The Limits of Delay in Cooling and Freezing Maximum and Optimum Storage Temperature Radiation Hazard Page 1 Robert Ettinger – All Rights Reserved www.cryonics.org Robert C. W. Ettinger__________The Prospect Of Immortality Chapter III. Repair and Rejuvenation Revival after Clinical Death Mechanical Aids and Prostheses Transplants Organ Culture and Regeneration Curing Old Age Chapter IV. Today's Choices The Outer Limits of Optimism Preserving Samples of Ourselves Preserving the Information Organization and Organizations Emergency and Austerity Freezing Freezing with Medical Cooperation Individual Responsibility: Dying Children Husbands and Wives, Aged Parents and Grandparents Chapter V. Freezers and Religion Revival of the Dead: Not a New Problem The Question of God's Intentions The Riddle of Soul Suicide Is a Sin God's Image and Religious Adaptability Added Time for Growth and Redemption Conflict with Revelation The Threat of Materialism Perspective Chapter VI. Freezers and the Law Freezers and Public Decency Definitions of Death; Rights and Obligations of the Frozen Life Insurance and Suicide Mercy Killings Murder Widows, Widowers, and Multiple Marriages Cadavers as Citizens Potter's Freezer and Umbrellas Page 2 Robert Ettinger – All Rights Reserved www.cryonics.org Robert C.
    [Show full text]
  • A Statement on Death, Resurrection and Immortality [1969]
    Report of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations A STATEMENT ON Death, Resurrection, and Immortality THE LUTHERAN CHURCH - MISSOURI SYNOD A STATEMENT ON DEATH, RESURRECTION, AND IMMORTALITY A Position Paper In troduction ture calls life or else in the state which it calls death, In 1962 the Cleveland convention of The Lutheran is determined by his relationship to Jesus Christ, cru­ Church - Missouri Synod received some expressions of cified and risen. doctrinal concern regarding certain theological specu­ C. LIFE AFTER DEATH lations in the area of eschatology ("the last things"), 1. The Old Testament especially as these touched questions of death, the soul, resurrection, and immortality (Rep01·ts and Mem01'ials, The Old Testament Scriptures contain many. refer­ 1962, p. 161). The convention sketched the general ences to the continuation of life after death. For ex­ framework within which these questions should be ample, the patriarchs believed that after their death answered (Proceedings, 1962, p.106) and further re­ they would be "gathered to their fathers in peace." solved to refer these specific questions together with This expression did not imply interment in a family others "to the Commission on Theology and Church grave, for it is used of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Relations, to pastoral conferences, and to congregations Moses, even though they were buried far from the for further study." (Res. 3-16B, P1'oceedings, 1962, land of their fathers (Gen. 25:8-10; 35:29; 49:33; Num. p. 105) 27: 13; Deut. 32: 50). The expression "he was gathered The commission now offers the following position to his people" or "he slept with his people" shows the paper to the members of the Synod in a frater nal effort intense hope of the Israelite to be united with his an­ to meet the concerns reflected in the questions addressed cestors, even in death.
    [Show full text]